SiNN

SiNN

Tina Donahue She’s every man’s carnal fantasy…and the target of one’s revenge. At a gentleman’s club, Lea dances as SiNN, her body bared and vulnerable to her male partner, her features hidden behind a mask. To the men watching, she’s a sensual enigma, submissive and seductive with no face, name or history. Not even Lea knows her real origins. But a man from the past does, and he wants her dead. Not on the watch of U.S. Marshals Jake Gabriel and Toby Quinn. Commanding and decisive, Jake not only wants Lea’s safety, but to have her naked and yielding beneath him. To Toby, she’s all he should resist but cannot. Protected by them at a secluded estate, Lea’s drawn to their potent masculinity and raw lust. Inviting desire and an emotional connection, she submits to both, surrendering to their shameless hunger along with her own wanton needs. All while a killer edges closer…

Ellora’s Cave Publishing

www.ellorascave.com

SiNN ISBN 9781419937088 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED SiNN Copyright 2011 Tina Donahue Edited by Briana St. James Cover design and photography by Syneca Models: Shannon, Kevin and Brooks Electronic book publication October 2011 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously. The publisher and author(s) acknowledge the trademark status and trademark ownership of all trademarks, service marks and word marks mentioned in this book. The publisher does not have any control over, and does not assume any responsibility for, author or third-party Web sites or their content.

SINN Tina Donahue

Dedication To D and those wonderful days we spent in Orange County.

Author Note I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of two men craving the same woman, with her wanting both. Thus SiNN was born. My first ménage. I hope you enjoy the story of Jake, Toby and Lea as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Tina Donahue

Chapter One She was already on stage when Jake Gabriel came inside, her naked breasts cupped and caressed by the male dancer’s hands. Jake stopped mid-step. From behind, another latecomer bumped into him, wanting Jake out of the way. He didn’t move. Couldn’t. This was no ordinary strip joint. Latin music rich with the strains of an electric guitar, bass and flute poured from the sound system, the rhythm decidedly unhurried and sultry, creating an accompaniment to the performance rather than an intrusion. Subdued lighting bathed the semicircular platform in a hazy glow. Threads of light glinted off the room’s darkgold wallpaper, the leather wing chairs surrounding the stage and the woman’s skin. Jake’s heart quickened, beating faster than the indolent music. He scanned her tawny flesh, ripe with good health and youth. She wore little. Around her slender throat, a delicate gold chain shimmered in the muted light. Another chain hung from it, travelling down her torso to her navel where it attached to a diamond. Beneath the jewel, a series of chains draped her hips, then dipped to her cunt, barely covering it. With each gentle sway of her body, the dainty chains rolled left, right, left, exposing snatches of her smooth, waxed mound and a hint of her cleft. Forgetting to breathe, Jake hungered for a glimpse of her sweet opening, her pink lips damp with arousal, separated for a man’s cock. Her practiced moves and the jewelry hardly allowed that. Bad, bad girl. Challenged, Jake stared a bit longer before regarding her silky thighs and gold heels. A tall woman, the stilettos added another three inches to her height. The top of her head would most likely come to his shoulder. He paused once more on her cunt— her rippling body jewelry—before glancing at her face. She’d hidden it behind an elaborate mask of peacock feathers in iridescent blues and greens, the plumage revealing no more than her eyes and mouth. Her plush bottom lip shone dully as though she’d just drawn her tongue over it. A pulse ticked hard in Jake’s throat, making swallowing difficult. He ached to strip her of the mask and the gold finery. The heels she could damn well keep. Thinking of her long legs wrapped around his, he willed her to look at him.

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She did not. Seemingly oblivious to the forty or so men in the private room, she kept her gaze above the audience, her back to the male dancer’s front as she lifted her arms, draping them around his neck, exposing her bared breasts even more. Her partner flicked his thumbs over her nipples. Air hissed through Jake’s teeth. The male dancer stroked her nipples again. An unconscious act on his part or was it an element of the performance? Did she enjoy his touch? The guy was in his mid-twenties, the same as her, his body ropy with muscles from working out in a gym. Her curves were lush and natural. Jake liked that. With a steady thrust of his hips, the guy tapped his body into hers. Murmurs of rough male approval rose from the crowd, a mixture of young and middle-aged men, all affluent. The cover charge for this private room made certain of that. The chamber was one of three in The Second Circle, an upscale gentleman’s club in Phoenix. Its name was a tribute to Dante’s second circle of Hell…what the Italian poet had named lust. A wise choice for an establishment where the dancer SiNN performed. Responding to her partner’s erotic movements, SiNN dipped her head to the right. Her thick, shiny hair, as brown as cocoa, swept over the guy’s naked torso. He wore only a gold leather thong. Was he sporting an erection? Jake sure as hell was and it was beginning to hurt. To the left, a TV screen hung from the ceiling, giving the patrons a better view of the show. SiNN’s coffee-colored areolas had puckered from her partner’s stroking, making the tips seem that much longer. Jake’s mouth went dry at the thought of their heat and slightly salty taste on his tongue, her skin sweetly scented. The camera continued to angle up. He saw a mole on her collarbone, another just below her jaw line. For a moment, she seemed to look at him from the screen, her hazel eyes glassy with what appeared to be desire. Drawn to her image, Jake stepped closer. Instantly, a hand gripped his arm. Leaning close, Toby Quinn whispered in Jake’s ear, “We should wait in her dressing room or outside.” Not a chance. When Jake had first heard of SiNN’s performance, he’d been amused at her stage name and what he sensed was no more than a routine striptease or a pole dance. How wrong he’d been. Pulling his arm free, he moved behind the leather chairs. Each seat cost an extra three hundred bucks for the twenty-minute show. Men of varying ages filled them, their casual clothing or suits impeccably tailored, their colognes as pricey.

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For those who’d declined to pay the extra fee or had arrived too late for a chance at a seat, their only option was to stand behind the chairs. More than twenty men did so. Jake knew he should have regarded them carefully, assessing any risk as he’d learned during his training. Guessing Toby was already doing that, Jake’s attention remained on SiNN. With the grace of a ballerina, she sank to one knee at the edge of the stage, her other leg outstretched. The male dancer held her arms above her head, trapping her in the position, exposing her dewy body to the crowd. Submissively, she lifted her face to his, revealing her long throat. Waves of heat battered Jake. He stared at her breasts. The weighty globes quivered slightly with her heightened breathing. Leather squeaked as several of the men sat up and leaned forward for a closer look. A few left their chairs to slip crisp bills beneath the chain caressing SiNN’s belly and the strands draped over her cunt. Didn’t matter that the money fell quickly, drifting to the stage. The men simply wanted a chance to get nearer to SiNN or to capture her attention. Her hazel eyes made momentary contact with a few. More bills made their way from the men’s pockets to her body jewelry. Glancing at the TV screen, the closeup it afforded him, Jake saw the men hadn’t offered mere tens or twenties as tips. Oh no, these guys were serious, gifting SiNN with nothing but hundreds. “Jake.” Toby. For three years now, Toby had been his friend and partner in the U.S. Marshals Service, and if Jake had allowed himself any sentimentality, the younger brother he’d never had and certainly didn’t want now. With an equal mixture of reluctance and frustration, he looked over. At thirty, Toby had the clean-cut features and short blond hair of someone who was determined to look corporate. Similar to the other guys here who were also dressed in suits. Like them, Toby was now watching SiNN. His Adam’s apple bobbed with his hard, lusting swallow, but his expression was far more neutral than the rest. Those in their forties and fifties seemed wistful, as though witnessing a carnal dream they’d never experience in real life. The Generation-Y crowd leered openly at SiNN. Surprisingly, a few were also checking out the screens on their pagers or cellphones, though none dared take pictures of the show. The club would ban a man for life if he did anything that stupid. “Aw hell,” the guy to Jake’s left muttered. He seemed too young for a place like this, given his spiked black hair and cherubic features. His focus kept darting from the performance to a baseball game playing on his iPhone. Jake noticed the others were checking on what appeared to be stocks or text messages. Many didn’t seem happy at what they saw, especially one man on the other

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side of the stage. Cellphone in hand, he read whatever was on the screen, his Latino features absorbed, his mouth turned down, accentuating the thin scar on his chin. So what was his story? His team was losing? His stocks had plummeted? His wife or girlfriend had texted that he better get his ass home to take care of their kids? “We should wait somewhere else,” Toby insisted, his husky tone undermining his demand. Jake wasn’t about to leave even if he’d been able. On one knee, the male dancer now had SiNN’s body draped over his leg, her ass exposed. Was he going to spank her? Was that part of the act? The already subdued crowd grew even quieter. A cellphone rang, playing Beg for It by Chris Brown. The phone’s owner shut off the ringtone promptly, which left only the room’s music. Percussion instruments joined the guitars and piano, their rhythm accelerating like a quickened pulse. A bead of perspiration ran down Jake’s neck. Head bowed, SiNN appeared ready to accept her punishment. Ass lifted, she seemed to welcome it. “Jake.” “I’m not leaving,” he said. “We shouldn’t—” “Then don’t.” SiNN’s partner ran his fingers over her naked buttocks—rounded and firm. He stroked the furrow between her cheeks, the fragile chain resting there. The small of her back arched. Images flooded Jake’s mind of her on all fours before him, face lowered, legs spread, willingly offering him her juicy cunt. She’d smell of female need and animal lust. Her opening would be hot, tight, wet…his cock, rigid and thick. He’d ease inside her inch by inch until her flesh hugged the root of his shaft and his balls tapped her ass. Would she enjoy that or did she prefer a man to take her quick and rough, pretend dangerous, like a fucking modern-day pirate? At the thought, Jake went dizzy with need. Again, Toby leaned close to speak. Jake stopped him before he could, muttering, “If you don’t want to stay, go outside and have a cigarette.” “You know I don’t smoke.” “Maybe it’s time you learned.” Jake stepped away, ignoring Toby and the duty that had brought them here tonight. The male dancer lifted a paddle from the edge of the stage. The object was small and covered in black material. Velvet? “Go on,” a man in the crowd urged. “Give it to her good.”

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Jake shot the guy a frown. A faint crack sounded, followed by a buzz of approval from the spectators. Jake watched the male dancer bringing the paddle down once more. SiNN’s buttocks vibrated slightly with the measured discipline, its noise barely registering past the music. It still seemed too loud to Jake. He waited for her wince of pain. The corners of her mouth tilted up in a feral smile. She lifted her buttocks, wordlessly begging for more. Jesus. Jake’s cock stiffened to the point of discomfort. His balls ached. SiNN’s partner continued to discipline her in an impossibly erotic manner, interrupting the paddling to run his fingers over her spanked cheeks, now faintly pink. Her mouth fell open on a pleasured gasp. The young man trailed his hand over the swell of her breast. As she mewed in delight, he began punishing her again, and by the looks of it, arousing her even more. One of the guys who’d been texting stopped to applaud. Others followed, the noise competing with the Latin music. Men of all ages flung hundred dollar bills onto the stage, proving this part of the performance was a success they wouldn’t soon forget. A good thing for an erotic dancer who called herself SiNN. Not so good for a young woman who was known as Lea Baptista outside this club. She was on Cubrero’s hit list. She had once been in witness protection. She should be keeping the lowest of profiles. As wantonly as she could, Lea whimpered for the audience’s pleasure. In response, Kit again cupped her ass, his fingers caressing her spanked cheeks. Appreciative murmurs pulsed through the cozy room. Experience told Lea it wasn’t yet enough. The men wouldn’t be satisfied until Kit chastised and displayed her in every way possible. Despite their lewd desire, she maintained her calm, so unlike those first days she’d performed as SiNN. Then, she’d been all too aware of her own nudity, the hungry look in too many eyes. Tonight, she concentrated on the act. The money she needed. Waiting until the drone of voices subsided, Lea parted her lips, pulling in a measured breath. As the crowd grew even quieter, she lifted her face, but didn’t allow herself to look directly at any of the men. Trained to tease, she had to make them ache for the moment when her eyes would connect with and linger on theirs, the wait encouraging them to open their wallets a bit more. Predictably, several guys left their chairs to fling tips onto the stage. Like confetti, the crisp bills showered down on her and Kit, a sweet young man who wanted to flee Phoenix for Hollywood and an acting career. Because of his ailing mother, he worked here so he could take care of her. Sorrow for his delayed dreams sluiced through Lea as she awaited his fingers on her nipple. When he rolled the tip between his thumb and forefinger, she inhaled 10

SiNN

deeply, catching her light melon fragrance and those of heated male bodies heady with musk. Beneath it was the distinctive odor of liquor. The music slowed, its torrid beat becoming tame once more, signaling her to behave even more submissively. What many of the patrons liked most, witnessing her on her knees before Kit, arms entwined around his muscular legs, her cheek on his hard thigh, her face raised, lips parted, nearly touching his groin. At that point, only those in need of Viagra would fail to sport an erection. With rigid cocks, they’d fantasize about mounting, using, enjoying or punishing her. How close were they now to losing control? Curious, Lea glanced at the men in the wing chairs. They no longer noticed their cellphones and drinks. Her breasts, ass and what they could see of her cunt were all that they cared for now. Some looked expectant as though they hoped she’d remove the body jewelry, showing them her naked pussy, the flesh waxed to smoothness and oh so vulnerable. For that type of show they’d have to go elsewhere. The delicate chains, the elaborate mask, the promise of seeing something they should not kept them coming back night after night. She recognized the regulars. The short, thin guy to the left always drank Scotch while dividing his attention between the stage and her image on the flat-screen TV. The older man to the right, a distinguished Latino with graying hair, reminded her of a banker who would turn her down for a loan if she were foolish enough to ask. Here, she held him in thrall. Here, she had the power. Brimming with confidence, Lea slid off Kit’s leg. He pushed to his feet, looming over her, his shoulder-length hair artfully mussed, its brown tint streaked with gold highlights. For a breath, the music swelled. In time with it, Lea pushed to her knees, running her hands over Kit’s naked ass, his impossibly firm cheeks. Playfully, she pinched one. He pushed to the balls of his feet, his legs wavering. Surprise swept his youthful features. Lea gave him a mischievous wink, then lowered her face to his G-string, the gold leather strained from his weighty balls and cock. One of the men cleared his throat. Others spoke in such low tones, their comments were impossible for Lea to understand, though she suspected they’d said something obscene. She caught the faint rustle of clothing, the squeak of leather, telling her many of the guys were leaning closer to the stage. Encouraged at their response, Lea turned slightly and snaked out her tongue. Drawing it across her upper lip, she sneaked a peek at one man seated a few feet away. Cellphone in hand, head lowered to its screen, he wasn’t reading it, nor was he regarding her body. His eyes were already on hers. Waiting. Watching. Lea’s pulse jumped at his furtive scrutiny. Disconcerted, she glanced away. 11

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Kit’s ass tightened beneath her fingers. She stopped digging her nails into him and sneaked another glimpse at the man. Looking to be in his thirties, he was dressed impeccably in a dark suit, white shirt and red silk tie. The uniform of an executive even higher up the money ladder than the middle-aged banker. His brown hair was close-cropped, his skin Latino brown, his full lower lip decidedly sulky. The kind of mouth that marked him as a bad boy and caused women to make poor decisions. This time he read whatever was on his cellphone’s screen, as though he’d caught her gaze earlier without intending to…or he’d been watching her surreptitiously all along and didn’t want anyone to notice. Why? He didn’t seem like the shy type, given his handsome features. He didn’t appear all that interested in her show either. As though he’d read her thoughts, he lifted his face, returning his attention to her. Lea saw the thin scar on his chin. His lips turned up in a faint smile. Not in carnal hunger as she expected. Instead, he seemed faintly pleased. By what? Uncertain, Lea stared, unable to return his smile even though it might mean losing a large tip. He had the look of trouble about him. Married, no doubt, with the morals of a rutting dog. Kit shifted his weight, a wordless cue that their act was ending and she better start concentrating on her performance. Lea slid her hand to his navel. With her fingers on the small depression, she ran her thumb beneath the edge of his G-string as though intending to stroke his thick bush. A pleased baritone from the right called out, “Oh yeah.” Male chuckles followed. With hooded eyes, Lea glanced about the room to let the crowd know she’d now acknowledge their presence. Deliberately avoiding the handsome Latino, she offered a feline smile to the others in the wing chairs, granting them her attention for a few seconds before focusing on the ones standing behind. To the left were males of varying ages, a sea of faces that scarcely registered. Those on the right were the same until she came to one man near the back. Her heart made a funny twist. Heat suffused her body. He was taller than most of the others with rough good looks. In his prime, no more than early thirties, he had the sharp features of a Native American. His brows and eyes were dark, his skin coppery, his mouth full and rich. He wore his thick black hair combed back, the longish ends falling below his ears and grazing his neck.

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Lea tried to swallow, but could not. His gaze was on her, absorbed, intense. Ribbons of warmth snaked through her, pooling in her belly, sending fingers of heat to her pussy. In him, she saw naked, unashamed desire that he hid from no one, especially her. Unable to resist, she regarded his broad shoulders and what she could see of his length. Unlike many of the men here tonight, he wasn’t dressed in an overpriced suit. He wore a black shirt unbuttoned at the throat, the sleeves folded back to mid-forearm, the tails hanging over his equally black jeans. Casual wear for a not-so-casual man. She looked at his face once more. Possession flared in his dark eyes. Her body weakened in response, drawn to his potent masculinity, while her mind warned against such foolishness. With great effort, she pulled her attention from him, giving it to the man at his side. He was equally tall and approximately the same age with short blond hair, sun-bronzed skin, refined features and wearing a well-tailored suit that made him perfect for the cover of GQ. If ever there was a poster boy for unyielding authority, he was it. He would have looked rigid and uncompromising if not for the flare of lust on his face. Something indescribable fluttered deep within Lea, stealing her breath, muddying her thoughts. She sensed he and the man in black were together, two sides of the same coin. Powerful men who’d take whatever they wanted from a woman, while delivering pleasure. Unbidden, images flashed through Lea’s mind of them pulling at her delicate chains and the mask, wanting both off, imprisoning her between their big bodies, forcing her to feel the heat of their skin, to inhale deeply of their unique scents. She saw the dark-haired one capturing her mouth first, thrusting his tongue inside, his impassioned kiss muffling her throaty whimper, encouraging bawdier sounds. Not allowing her any freedom, the blond held her wrists in one hand while his other lay claim to her breasts. Head bent, he licked her nipples, laving them with his hot, wet tongue before drawing one and then the other between his lips. On her strangled cry, they guided her to her hands and knees, the dark-haired one standing before her, arrogant in his male power, his erect cock so close to her face she smelled its musk. Drugged by the heady fragrance, she ran her tongue down his impressive length. He blew out a breath, wanting more. Obedient to his desires and her own, she guided his shaft into her mouth, opening her throat so she could contain his full length. With her nose against his dark, fragrant bush, she moved her hand to his balls.

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He pushed to his toes. Pleased at his response, she worked his cock with her mouth in a way her pussy never could. From behind, the blond made his presence known. With one hand on her ass, he used the other to draw the crown of his shaft up her moist cleft. Her body softened at the delicious sensation, the promise of what was to come. Not making her wait, he pierced her flesh with his rod, thrusting, pumping, stretching her opening, forcing it to accommodate him. “Hey.” At Kit’s whispered comment, Lea blinked and looked up. His brown eyes widened slightly. His expression asked, what the fuck’s the matter with you? She stopped stroking his balls, unaware she’d been doing so. Shaking off her arousal and outrageous fantasy, Lea pushed to her feet, running her hands down Kit’s chest and around to his broad back. The music faded, making the applause seem louder. Someone called out, “Aw hell, it’s over?” In answer, the lights dimmed, signaling an end to the show. There was a smattering of applause and some muffled grumbling. Moving swiftly, Kit gathered the tips, then joined Lea at a back door hidden from the audience. The moment the room got dark, he took Lea’s hand, leading her through the exit into a narrow, dimly lit hall. After a few steps he halted and spoke softly, “What happened out there?” Not willing to admit the truth, she murmured, “We had a good night, don’t you think?” “Fucking amazing. Why were you stroking my balls?” She lied, “I thought it’d enhance the act.” “You almost made me come.” Lea rested her fingers on his smooth cheek. “Almost?” Kit grinned, showing his perfect white teeth. “If I wasn’t gay…” “I’d be paying you to come home with me.” “Screw that. I’d do you for free.” Lea chuckled. Dividing the bills equally, Kit gave Lea her share and pecked her cheek. “Have a good night off.” “Thanks.” She hugged him as a sister might, then hurried down the hall past the other dressing rooms to the one she shared with Danielle.

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The small space was dingy and cramped, water stains decorating the worn carpeting and walls. A bare bulb hung from the center of the ceiling. In front of the cluttered makeup table sat Danielle, Lea’s BFF. Clad in a black silk robe, the young woman leaned toward the mirror, applying cosmetics for her performance as LuST. At the sound of the door closing, she asked, “Good show?” Lea recalled her reaction to the man in black, the blond next to him and the thirtysomething Latino. Unsettling might be a better word to describe what just happened. “I have no complaints.” Danielle’s hand stalled on her lipstick wand. She looked over. At twenty-five, she was the same age as Lea, equally tall, with long brown hair and tanned skin. To the casual observer or those in the club’s audience, Lea knew she and Danielle appeared strikingly similar. For the more observant, their facial features and eye color differentiated them. Whereas Danielle’s irises were blue and her face was as delicate as a china doll’s, Lea’s features were sultry, revealing her Hispanic heritage. “You don’t seem so certain,” Danielle said, sounding curious. “What happened?” “Same old, same old.” She waved the wad of cash. The young woman’s brows arched in approval. “Nice.” “Beats waiting tables.” Taking off her mask, Lea put it near the others, then held out two hundred dollars. Danielle pushed it away. “You don’t have to pay me to take your last show.” “I want to. You’re giving up a date.” “With a guy who’s so nice he puts me in a coma. Better I work here and stay awake.” Gently, she smacked Lea’s hand. “Keep it. Use it for school.” “I could say the same for you.” Danielle grinned, making dimples on either side of her mouth. “Only three more semesters to go and I’m outta this joint.” “No kidding.” Lea stuffed the bills into her backpack and removed her high heels. “I hope when you’re queen of the bankers, you’ll approve at least one of my loans.” She turned back to the mirror. “For you, sweetie, I’ll open the frigging vault.” Lea smiled, tenderness washing over her. She’d known Danielle since they were eight and assigned to the same foster home. At the time, Lea had been through ten assignments, ten different families, having come into the system when she was three. Danielle’s story was no better. Her mother abandoned Danielle when she’d turned five, leaving her daughter in a church with a note that said—I can’t do this anymore. You take care of her. From the moment they’d met, Lea and Danielle had been fast friends in a decidedly unfriendly world. Luckily, they remained in the same foster home until they turned eighteen, when their “family” and the system spit them out without a backward glance and few tools to make a good living.

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It was Danielle who’d found focus first and had gotten Lea interested in college. She’d recommended Lea for this job as a way to pay for her pharmacy degree. For the rest of her days, Lea knew she’d owe Danielle for that and for relieving her intolerable loneliness. “You’re certain you don’t want some of this money?” “Positive. Just do good on your test.” Lea groaned. “I still have a million slides to go through.” She unhooked the chains draped across her cunt, placing them on the makeup table. “God, I hate this art crap.” “Means to an end, baby.” Danielle applied more mascara to her lashes. “You take all that general education shit so you can talk art with your customers while you’re filling their prescriptions and telling them where to find the Trojans. Shows them how well rounded you are.” Lea rolled her eyes. “I think I’d rather strip in the middle of the drug store.” Danielle capped her mascara. “Speaking of which, anyone interesting out there tonight?” Lea’s hands paused on the chain around her throat, her thoughts returning to the man in black and the blond. She pictured them on the stage rather than Kit, her at their feet, close enough to smell and taste their meaty cocks and balls. Her legs went watery. She sensed the dark one would insist that she suckle him first, though the blond would direct her to cup his testicles during the act. If she didn’t, would he punish her? Would the dark one hold her still, his hands imprisoning her wrists while the blond meted out his discipline? Lea’s skin tingled at the thought, lust tearing through her at the possibility of two men taking and using her at the same time. A pleasure she’d never experienced and hadn’t even realized she’d consider until now. “Whoa,” Danielle said, turning in her chair, her arm draped over the back of it. “You saw someone you liked?” Make that two. Not that a romp with them together or singly would ever happen. After surviving a childhood with strangers, except for Danielle, Lea wasn’t about to become a slave to her libido or get herself into something that could only turn out badly. Removing the chain from around her throat and those resting on her hips, she dropped them next to the other body jewelry, leaving only the diamond stud in her navel. Danielle scolded, “You did.” “Bull,” Lea lied. “Then why are you blushing like a nun during a pay-per-view pelvic exam?” She narrowed her baby blues. “Or like a woman about to be spanked by a very exciting guy?” “Bull.” 16

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Laughing, Danielle turned back to the mirror. “So what did he look like?” Amazing. No. Fucking amazing. Desire shivered through Lea as she recalled each man, thinking they both looked like decadent indulgence mixed in with a whole lot of regret, which she didn’t need. Falling for bad boys with rugged good looks or handsome business types with buttoned-down attire wasn’t her style. They loved too easily and split without apology, often leaving their offspring to mothers who dumped them into foster care. Using a moistened towelette, Lea scrubbed off her eye makeup and lipstick. “They looked like another woman’s problem.” Danielle’s reflection showed her eyes widening. “They? Like in two?” Lea dropped the towelette into the wastebasket and pulled her hair into a ponytail. “They seemed to be together.” “How could you tell? Were they holding hands?” Lea barked a laugh. “Hell no.” The only hands they’d be holding would be hers as they kept her from escape, a prisoner to their desires, their strength and male hunger demanding all she could give. New bursts of warmth travelled from Lea’s belly to her cunt. Inhaling deeply, she pulled on her bra and thong. “And?” Danielle prodded. Lea sighed noisily. “They were beyond luscious, all right? With a capital L,” she added, remembering. “Both of them were tall with big, solid bodies. Definitely men, not boys. The more intense of the two had dark hair, coppery skin and rugged features. I think he may be Navajo. He had on a black shirt and jeans. The guy next to him was blond, Nordic looking, you know? Very reserved in his business suit, kind of authoritative, but in a good way.” She sounded breathless. “God, they were freaking hot.” “I can tell. Wow. What kind of tip did they give you?” “They didn’t.” “What?” She made a face. “Cheap bastards.” “No, it wasn’t their fault.” Lea slipped on her capped-sleeve tee, then pulled on her jeans. “They were way in the back. Probably came in late.” Leaning against the door, she put on her socks. “They’re probably still out there, hopefully closer to the stage, waiting to catch your show.” “Then I better get undressed.” Smiling, Lea sank to one knee, tying the laces of her running shoe. When she’d finished with the other, she slung her backpack over her shoulder and pecked Danielle’s cheek, catching the woman’s signature cologne, a strawberry scent. The fragrance always brought Lea back to their early days when they got their first paychecks as waitresses, living in an adult world for which they’d been ill prepared.

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Because of that, they’d splurged on body splashes and sexy underwear at Victoria’s Secret rather than food at the grocery store. “Thanks, again.” Danielle patted her arm. “Happy to do it.” She called out as Lea left the room.”Be good tonight.” Lea’s step paused, pictures filling her mind of big male bodies, large hands, rich mouths, weighty balls and stiffened cocks. Damn. Stop it. She had an endless amount of slides to go over, boring junk to memorize. She didn’t need this kind of distraction. Teeth gritted, she closed the door and went down the hall to the building’s back entrance. Even from here, she heard muted music and voices, the sounds of men enjoying shows in any number of rooms or awaiting the next performances. Some of them were probably watching an earlier act on one of the flat-screen TVs while catching up on emails from work or text messages from their girlfriends and wives. Lea’s hand paused on the door’s handle as she recalled the handsome Latino, his oddly pleased smile. Her brows drew together. That smile was probably as phony as the one he gave to his wife or mistress when he lied about cheating on them. Shaking off her disgust, Lea left the building and headed for the employee parking lot. Still warm at this hour, the sultry summer air pressed close, inviting her to indulge in a cool shower and clean, fragrant sheets. Perhaps even a bit of masturbating. Yeah, right. She had enough studying to keep her awake past dawn and to kill her sex drive for good. Sighing, she lifted her face. Stars glittered next to the heavy moon, its filmy beams snaking across the blackened sky. On the surface roads to the left, Lea caught the steady swish of tires. Accompanying the sound was the incessant chirping of insects and men’s muffled laughter coming from outside the club’s front entrance. With her keys in one hand and pepper spray in the other, Lea turned the corner of the building and stopped. Standing in front of her rusting Ford Fiesta was the blond from inside. A mixture of surprise, curiosity and desire rippled through Lea, matching the unmistakable longing sweeping across his face. It didn’t last. His look of authority returned quickly, hardening his features, dismissing his previous lust, as though he recalled he was here on business, and not of the corporate kind. Unfortunately, that only left the government, as in the INS or Uncle Sam. Did he think she was an illegal being paid under the table? Lea’s arousal and confusion turned to fast indignation. As a good, upstanding citizen, she reported her tips…for the most part. So was that why he was here, giving her that I-want-you-but-you’re-in-deep-shit look? He intended to check her status or audit her? Damn. Was he planning to take her vehicle because she hadn’t paid enough 18

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in taxes? Her stomach sank. What in the hell would she do without wheels? How in the crap had he even known she was SiNN and the vehicle was hers or that she’d be leaving early? Had one of the bouncers told him, caving because he had his own tax problems? Idiot. When she got her hands on the SOB, he’d regret the day he— “Ms. Baptista.” Her pulse jumped at the voice from behind…deep, resonant, possessive. Even before Lea looked, she knew she’d see the man in black. The way he spoke matched what she’d imagined in her mind. A protective, masculine tone, commanding but also safe, that called to the female within her. Glancing over, she met his dark eyes, his irises sparkling in the parking lot’s lights. Unlike the blond, he was close enough for her to sense his restrained strength and heat…the male animal within him barely controlled. Everything went still, the sounds of traffic, insects and masculine laughter receding beneath the wild pounding of Lea’s heart. Held by his potent allure, she couldn’t think, breathe or move. That is, until he slipped his hand into his back jeans pocket as though reaching for something. Lea wasn’t about to ask what. Acting on instinct, she stepped to the side, putting distance between herself and him, taking in his full length. The tails of his shirt hid the bulge behind his fly. The erection she sensed he sported. It should have frightened her, but did not. No more than the blond guy by her car. Having grown up with strangers, she’d acquired the ability to read them quickly. These men didn’t seem to be physically dangerous, though they were clearly together, just as she’d told Danielle. They knew her name and had come out here for an ambush. Now all she needed to know was what kind? The blond seemed prepared to hassle, not harm her, while naked passion flickered in this man’s eyes. Her legs went weak. “Ms. Baptista,” he said again, speaking quietly as though he wanted no one except her to hear. “I’m Jake Gabriel with the U.S. Marshal’s Service.” It took a moment for his words to register. Even then, Lea didn’t understand. U.S. Marshals? Here? To speak to her? Why? He brought his hand from behind himself and opened a leather wallet, displaying a circular gold badge with a large star in the center. Very impressive. But what did it mean? She looked at him questioningly. Regarding her container of pepper spray, he inclined his head in the direction of her car. “That’s my partner, Toby Quinn.” A part of Lea wanted to look, but could not. Once more, Jake had captured all of her interest. She guessed him to be six-three, given how he towered over her. This close, she

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caught his scent, an intoxicating mixture of leather and musk. The faint breeze ruffled his glossy black hair, freeing a strand. It fell forward, grazing his forehead, the tip touching one of his dark brows. Tantalized, she imagined reaching up and easing his hair back, then trailing her fingers over his rich skin. She could almost feel its heat, the bite of his beard-stubbled cheeks. “You need to come with us,” he said. Okay, that she understood. Sort of. Her arousal receded beneath a thread of alarm. “What? Why?” Was he arresting her? How could he? Bastard. She frowned. “I haven’t done anything wrong. I’m in this country legally. I pay my taxes.” Amusement flickered across his face. “This isn’t about your status or taxes.” His tone was gentler than before, the way a man would speak to someone he valued. “You’re not in trouble, but you do need to come with us.” He slipped his wallet back into his pocket and rested his hand on her upper arm. The warmth of his fingers, his tempered strength, jolted her, sending Lea’s heart to her throat. The organ beat so fiercely, her head spun. Breathless, she said, “I don’t understand.” “You’re in danger,” he said.

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Chapter Two She didn’t react, question or comment. Most couldn’t when faced with the fact that someone wanted them dead and would stop at nothing until reaching that goal. Instinctively, Jake shifted his weight, making certain his body shielded Lea’s from anyone coming around the building. A few minutes ago he’d checked the area to ensure its safety, just as Toby had studied the men inside the club to see if any of them had shown her undue interest. Given her performance, Jake would have predicted a lot of them drooling, not dividing their concentration between her and their cellphones. Not that he was complaining. What he’d seen tonight supported the intelligence they had on her case. Cubrero wasn’t yet aware that she worked here, nor had he approached her at another location. If he had, she would have already been tortured and murdered. Lea blinked slowly, her lips parting with her shallow breaths. A wave of sympathy swept through Jake, an emotion he didn’t often experience. She seemed so young suddenly with her hair pulled back and her face free of the hard makeup. Though enticing as SiNN, she was even more beautiful now. Earthy and sensual. All too vulnerable. An insane urge to pull her close hammered at Jake. His chest tightened as he strained for control, resisting the need to hold her within his arms, guiding her head to his shoulder, easing the length of his body into hers. Keeping her there until she was safe…until she wanted what he did. His cock was so hard the skin stung. His balls demanded the warmth of her hands and mouth. Something flashed across her face, an emotion Jake couldn’t readily identify. He wanted to believe it was arousal as deep as his. Crazy, he knew, and not even close to reality. She glanced down at his thumb stroking her biceps. Not realizing what he’d been doing, Jake stopped. As luck would have it, Toby took that moment to approach. His slight frown said he didn’t approve of Jake touching her at all. Too fucking bad. “What are you talking about?” Lea asked. Jake heard her alarm and didn’t know how to address it. Telling her the truth wasn’t going to do the trick. As gently as he could, he squeezed her arm, offering reassurance in the hope that she wouldn’t break down until they were inside the SUV. 21

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Reaching them, Toby said, “We need to leave now.” “To go where?” Lea’s ponytail swung as she regarded him. Pulling her arm from Jake, she stepped back. “What’s this really about?” She was on full alert now. Resistant. If she started to scream or run, he and Toby were in deep shit. “You said I was in danger,” she accused Jake. “From what? Who?” Toby answered first. “Do you watch the news, Ms. Baptista?” Jake frowned. They didn’t have time for twenty fucking questions. God only knew how much Cubrero had already found out about her. Before Toby could open his big mouth again, Jake took over. “A few days ago there was a drug-related execution on the south side of town. At our request, the press didn’t release the victim’s name. The man who was murdered was Manuel Morales.” Lea stared, then scowled. “Who? You think because I work here that I’m into drugs? Is that what this is about?” “Not at all. We know you’re clean.” Her eyes rounded. “You know?” She glared at him, then turned her frown on Toby. “How?” Not waiting for an answer, she withdrew a step. Jake stayed where he was. Toby followed her. Tightening her jaw, Lea lifted the container of pepper spray. Toby didn’t even blink. “We’re law enforcement, Ms. Baptista.” He pulled out his badge, showing it to her as Jake had done with his. “There’s no reason for you to be afraid of us.” Her expression said he was dead wrong or nuts. Shoving her keys in her front pocket, she reached into her backpack. Toby got really serious. “You’re not carrying a firearm, are you, Ms. Baptista? As I’ve said, we are law enforcement.” She pulled out her cellphone. “Tell that to 9-1-1. How do I know you didn’t get your badges on Ebay?” She looked at Jake. “How do either of you know I’m not into drugs? Have you been following me?” “We’ve investigated you,” Toby said. Her jaw tightened. Risking her further wrath, Jake approached and wrapped his fingers around her wrist, his thumb on hers, stopping her from punching in any numbers on her phone. She gave him a pissed frown and tried to pull back her hand. Jake didn’t allow it. “We know you grew up in foster care, and that your mother brought you into the system when you were three. The surname she gave you at that time was Baptista. In Florida, where you were born, your last name was Morales. Your mother was married to Manuel Morales, one of the lieutenants in the Cubrero drug cartel. Until he was murdered, they lived here in Phoenix. He was your father.”

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A sense of unreality settled over Lea, quickening her pulse, causing her thoughts to race. She’d been born in Florida, her last name was really Morales, her mother brought her into the system, her father was dead, murdered? No. Not true. All the times Lea had questioned her many foster parents about her origins, they’d always said her grandmother had raised her after her mother cut out in favor of men and having a good time. The woman had died in an auto accident before Lea’s second birthday. Shortly after that, her grandmother had become ill, eventually having to turn Lea over to the system. All these years, a persistent memory had haunted Lea. In it, she was wrapping her arms around a woman’s neck. Clinging to her, overwhelmed by panic, Lea cried, not wanting to leave. The woman’s face was always wet with tears. She’d smelled of cinnamon and coconut. Even now, Lea recalled her lilting, heavily accented voice asking, “You want arroz con coco?” One of Lea’s favorite dishes, white rice sweetened with coconut milk and sugar. That had to be a memory of her grandmother. Lea recalled the woman’s loving hug before she handed her over to a black woman who took her away in a car. No man was in those memories, no husband, no devoted mother or recollections of Florida. What Jake had said was a lie. Why was he doing this? Why was Toby? Had she been so very wrong about her initial perception of them? Was this an elaborate ruse by two guys who were stalkers or rapists? Lea’s fingers tightened around her cellphone. If Jake noticed, it didn’t get him to release her wrist. “We need to leave now,” Toby insisted. “She wants more proof,” Jake argued, then spoke to her. “Call the Phoenix police, ask for Detective Sanchez. We spoke with him before coming here. He’ll still be at his desk.” Lea forced down a swallow, her attention moving from Jake to Toby. One dark, the other blond. Both formidable. “You spoke to him about what?” “You,” Jake said. “Call him. The number’s—” “Yeah, right.” She twisted her hand to free it. “I’ll find it on my own.” Toby sighed. Lea shot him a look. Didn’t faze him at all. “He’s in violent crimes,” Toby informed her, then spoke to Jake. “We need to leave.” No fucking way. Not until she knew who he and Jake really were. She pulled up Phoenix’s directory on her cellphone, locating the number for violent crimes. By the second ring, her heart beat so fiercely Lea wasn’t certain she wanted the call answered.

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On the third ring, it was out of her hands. A man said, “Violent crimes.” Lea’s throat tightened. She shifted her weight. “Ah, can I speak to a Detective Sanchez?” “Who’s calling?” Damn. There was actually a detective named Sanchez working there? Wait a minute, this was Phoenix. Sanchez was about as common here as it was in Mexico. Unwilling to tell the man her name, Lea said, “The woman who’s with two guys who claim they’re U.S. Marshals…a Jake Gabriel and Toby Quinn.” “Just a sec.” She had expected him to ask, “who?” His lack of hesitation made Lea’s skin clammy. Faster than she expected or wanted, another guy came on the line. “Sanchez here, Ms. Baptista.” Blood drained so quickly from Lea’s face, a wave of dizziness buffeted her. She gripped her phone. “Ms. Baptista?” he said. She blurted, “What these two guys have told me is true? All that stuff about my past really happened?” “I’m afraid so. You need to go with them.” “Are you kidding? Where?” “That’s up to them. Let me talk to Deputy Gabriel.” “But I want to know—” He interrupted, “I can’t tell you what I don’t know. Please put the deputy on.” Lea’s hand trembled as she handed the phone to Jake. “He wants to talk to you.” “Gabriel,” Jake said, then listened. “No,” he offered, pausing once more as the detective spoke. In the coming minutes, Jake responded with little more than a cryptic no or yes. Toby offered no comment. Lea risked a glance. He was already regarding her. For another man, it might have been an awkward moment. Not for Toby Quinn. He didn’t look away. That same arousal she’d seen earlier simmered in his eyes. Heat rose to Lea’s throat and face. If her blush pleased or aroused him, he didn’t reveal it. With that same neutral expression, he studied her for a moment longer, then focused on the area surrounding them as though he expected trouble. You’re in danger, Jake had said. Lea locked her knees to keep her legs from wobbling. Turning his back to her, Jake strode to the left, speaking quietly, no doubt so she couldn’t overhear. Lea noted his cowboy boots, as black as the rest of his attire. Raising her face, she inhaled deeply, smelling a car’s exhaust and the pungent odor of garbage carried on the lazy wind. In her peripheral vision, she caught movement. Turning, she saw the edge of 24

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Toby’s suit jacket flapping in the breeze, showing her a bit of his shoulder holster, the gun he carried. Aw, God. Ending the call, Jake returned to her and Toby. “We need to leave now,” he said, handing her the phone. “Do what we ask and you’ll be safe.” She studied the contours of his shirt, wondering where he hid his gun. “Safe from what?” “We’ll tell you on the way.” Once more, he wrapped his fingers around her upper arm. Whether it was for moral support or because he didn’t want her to flee, Lea didn’t know. With him on one side and Toby on the other, she felt both protected and vulnerable. They led her from the lot to the darkened street, walking briskly, not stopping until they’d passed the business end of the area and entered a modest residential development. There, they stopped in front of a black Chevy SUV. Toby opened the back door. Lea’s stomach churned. “Tell me now,” she said. “Before I get inside. I mean it.” The men exchanged a look. Lea frowned. “Dammit, what are you keeping me safe from?” “The man who wants you dead,” Jake said. “The one who murdered your father.” His wait was almost at an end. For years, he’d lived for tonight, the feel of his hands around Lea Baptista’s throat, her pulse quickening beneath his thumbs, her eyes pleading with him for mercy, her voice catching on a cry that she wasn’t Maria Morales. He knew better. He’d discovered the truth a short while ago. For what her father had done, she would also pay. His body tensed with fury, but he kept his expression relaxed, just another man biding time until the next performance. A young female server stopped in front of his leather wing chair, blocking his view of the stage. Appreciating her naked breasts and the black G-string she wore, he finally looked at her pretty face. “Another Chivas?” she asked cheerily, glancing at the scar on his chin. The only Scotch he’d ordered remained untouched on the small table to the side. He wasn’t a man who indulged in liquor or drugs, not while stalking his prey. “Of course,” he answered agreeably, not wanting to bring unnecessary attention to himself. With what appeared to be calculated intent, she leaned close, the side of her breast brushing his sleeve as she took his still-filled glass. A light, lemony fragrance wafted up from her pale skin, the scent complementing her wheat-colored hair.

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“Thank you,” he murmured. Turning her face to his, she flashed an inviting smile, telling him he could have her if he wanted. The thought intrigued. Along with how far she’d be willing to go. When he ordered her to her hands and knees on his bed, securing her wrists to the headboard, would she protest? He doubted it. She appeared in need of authority and punishment. The strokes of his strap would be quick and precise. When her ass was as pink as her cleft, he’d sink his cock into her cunt, then take her anally, all while stroking her clit, making certain she enjoyed the act. After which, he’d be forced to kill her so she couldn’t identify him. Clearly, there was no time for such pleasure tonight, not with Maria Morales to deal with. He brought up his iPhone and looked at the screen, ignoring the young woman deliberately, reflecting on how lucky she was to live another day. She lingered only a moment before moving to the man on his left, asking about his drink, her question no less pleasant despite the rejection. Waiting until she reached the crowd behind the chairs, he checked the time on his phone, noting that the next and final show of the night—SiNN’s—would begin shortly. In painstaking detail, he recalled her last performance more than an hour ago. How she’d licked her forefinger, swirling the moisture on the tips of her nipples, making them even harder. The way she’d stroked the chains that scarcely hid her naked cunt, taunting the audience with the hope that she might just take them off, along with her mask. She had not, hiding her identity here even though she had no idea he was after her. He’d learned that from her father before executing him. She’d confirmed it during her last show when their eyes had touched. There had been no recognition in her gaze. No fear in her expression. There would be before the end of the night. The server finished delivering her orders just as the first strains of soft Latin music…a flute, piano and an acoustic guitar…filled the room, the tones sultry, expressive, romantic. Abruptly, the lights went down casting the room in complete darkness. He blinked rapidly, wanting to see, demanding to regard SiNN again, her surprise and then her pain as he sought retribution. Bit by bit, the stage’s overhead lights came on casting the platform in a muted glow, revealing the young man with the longish, blond-streaked hair. His back was to the patrons, his large body hiding SiNN’s. The incessant male murmurs died down, replaced by the sounds of shifting bodies as the men tried to get a glimpse of her. 26

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From his vantage point, he saw one of her thick tresses curled around the male dancer’s biceps, a dainty gold chain draped on her right hip, her long expanse of leg. The man to his left lifted his head, glancing at the flat-screen TV. The camera’s position showed even less of SiNN, zooming in instead on the male dancer’s profile. As the audience began to grumble, wanting more, the music’s tempo quickened, becoming soulful and dramatic. With the grace of a much smaller man, the male dancer turned and slid behind SiNN, holding out her arms, exposing her to the audience. Delighted applause thundered through the room at her naked breasts, the intimate body jewelry, feathered mask, the beginning of her submission. It was all a lie. A fucking lie. He stared at the woman, then the TV screen. A wave of fury bubbled up in him. This woman’s irises were blue. Maria Morales’ were hazel. Even though she now went by the name Lea Baptista, her eyes were still fucking hazel. His thoughts raced. Why wasn’t she here? Had she sensed something about him when she’d been on stage? No. Impossible. He’d smiled as all the other men had. He’d behaved no differently than any of them. She’d given him a few seconds of her attention prior to glancing at those in the back. Gripping the arm of his chair, he wanted to leave, to tear through this place until he found her. No, his mind warned instantly, even as his fingers dug into the leather. If she wasn’t here, he had to know why. Going to her apartment could put him at risk. She might have left early to be with a man. In that scenario, he’d have to kill them both quietly, quickly. There would be no time for him to play with her. Jaw clenched, he forced himself to wait, to think this out and keep a calm outward demeanor. He couldn’t risk alarming the patrons here or the management. He couldn’t chance detection. Law enforcement had no idea who he really was and could not. Steeling himself against the delay in his plan, he forced himself to watch the show, this dancer performing the same routine as SiNN. Twice, her blue eyes touched his. Both times, he forced himself to seem interested and non-threatening. When the other men left their chairs to offer tips, he remained seated, his thoughts brimming with images of SiNN, her wrists fettered, legs spread wide, ankles bound. With her trapped and helpless, he wouldn’t yet let her know his identity or his plans for her. Their first moments together would be the time for enjoyment. Removing her body jewelry first, he’d slip the chain from around her throat, leaving the flesh naked and defenseless. She’d moan at his fingers trailing across her breasts, his thumbs grazing her nipples. To silence her, he’d offer a deep, lingering kiss. Breathless, eyes

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closed, she’d lift her hips as he took off the other chains, at last revealing her smooth cunt, the moist pink petals parted for his cock. He’d lick her slick cleft, tasting the slight saltiness of her juices. He’d be patient in arousing her, his tongue swirling around her clit, demanding her shameless response. When she cried out in delight, tumbling over the edge, he’d fill her. With each thrust, he’d burrow deeper, trapping and toying with her until it was too late for her to get away. Recognition of her coming death would flare in her eyes. First, there would be terror, then resignation. Before he was through with her, she would beg for the end as his other victims had. He thought about each of them, some old, many young, several brought down by gunfire, others by a stiletto or his fists. For a few, he’d devised remarkably effective tortures that the church would have coveted during their inglorious Inquisition. Gathering strength from his victims’ remembered horror, he promised himself Lea Baptista’s would be even greater. To each side of him, men suddenly stirred. Why? Glancing at the stage, he saw the act had ended. The last one tonight in this room and possibly for the dancer who’d just performed in Lea’s place. As the music faded, the area went black. In the darkness, he waited like everyone else. Unlike them, he remained standing by his seat as the lights came back up. The slap of shoes, the rustle of clothing marked the audience’s departure. With everyone gone, he went to the door SiNN and her partner had used earlier. It was then that he should have intercepted her. Cursing himself for having lost his prey even momentarily, he entered the dimly lit hall. A series of doors marched up each side, some closed, others not. His fingers tightened into fists, his rage barely controlled. Behind which would he find the female dancer? Would any of the bouncers stop him before reaching her? What then? Inhaling deeply to calm himself, he heard faint music pouring from the room at the end. A maudlin Country-Western tune. A favorite of the male dancer? Striding down the hall, he reached the first room where the door was slightly ajar. Inside, he saw the young man who’d just danced, his attention on the tips in his hands. If the boy looked up for even a moment, he’d have to die. Thankfully, his focus remained on the money. He continued down the hall, glancing into darkened rooms that seemed abandoned for the night. Brightly colored masks and costumes, all seductive and brief, hung over the backs of chairs. The lingering fragrance of too many flowery perfumes did little to relieve the area’s mustiness. At last, he reached the room at the end, stopping in its doorway. The woman inside glanced up, her blue eyes meeting his in the mirror. In the room’s much harsher light, he saw that her brown hair was a shade lighter than Lea’s.

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Bitch. Lea would pay for this deception, but first he had to find her. He forced a smile to put this woman at ease so he could learn all that she knew. “SiNN,” he said pleasantly. She regarded the scar on his chin, then his exquisitely tailored Italian suit. He sensed her calculating its price. “I wanted to give you this out there,” he said, holding up three crisp one hundred dollar bills. “Unfortunately, too many men were in the way.” She ignored the money in favor of evaluating him. “Liar.” His smile broadened at her teasing tone. He spoke at a pitch only she could hear. “You’re right. I didn’t want you to have to share this with your partner. You’re the reason for the success of the act, not him.” She arched one brow as though trying to determine whether to believe his lie or not. A moment ticked by, then another. He behaved as she did, playing her game easily, knowing he was better at it than she would ever be. At length, a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “You have that right.” “Then please take it,” he said, moving closer, offering her the cash. “It will be our secret. You deserve it. You’ve improved my mood greatly with your performance.” To his surprise, she still didn’t take the bills. “Bad day, huh?” “Only if you consider losing a case to be bad.” Turning in her chair, she crossed her legs, the tip of her high-heeled sandal nearly brushing his pants. “You’re an attorney?” “Civil,” he lied, knowing the story well. He’d used it on many of his other prey. “Corporate matters. Very boring.” He spoke with conviction, sensing any hesitation on his part would alarm her. “As I said, you’ve been the highlight of my day. We don’t see women like you in court.” She regarded him thoughtfully. “I bet.” “Beautiful women,” he added, studying her features, deliberately ignoring her naked breasts. Rather than assuring her, a hint of caution flashed in her eyes. Why? With no time to consider the matter, he spoke quickly. “Accept this, please.” He placed the bills on the table near her makeup. “Use it to buy something to make you smile.” He stepped back. “The next time I’m here, if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you to have a drink with me, dinner perhaps at that new club, The Voyager. As we eat, you can tell me about your day and I’ll tell you about mine.” Her foot moved up and down in time to the music, a soulful song by a woman who’d just lost her man.

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“Unless you have a boyfriend,” he said, then continued before she could speak, “Of course you do. How could you not? I acted without thinking. I should leave.” He stepped back. Her foot stopped bouncing. She purred, “I don’t have a boyfriend.” He made no effort to curb his delight. She’d taken Lea’s last show tonight, therefore she had to know why Lea had left early and would soon tell him everything she knew. His shoulders relaxed. “I’m hungry now,” she added. He returned her smile. “So am I, SiNN.” “Danielle,” she corrected, offering him her hand. “And you are?” Not who she imagined. Shaking her hand, he offered a fake name.

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Chapter Three Less than an hour from their location, Toby was beyond antsy, needing this case to be fucking over and done with, his reaction troubling him far more than he would have liked. Not wanting to dwell on it, he divided his attention from the road ahead and the side view mirrors to see if anyone was tailing the vehicle. From behind, some pinpoints of light remained stable, the cars keeping a respectful distance. Others came up quickly on the left, barreling past, exceeding the limit at rates that might encourage a traffic cop to impound their vehicles. Except for their reckless speed, none seemed threatening. He inhaled deeply, needing to pull in a full breath. Didn’t happen. When he tried to swallow, he found it equally difficult. His thoughts continued to churn, going places they shouldn’t. Adjusting himself in his seat, he concentrated on the task at hand, getting through it and moving on to the next assignment. He checked the traffic to the left, the right. No different from a few seconds before. He stared ahead, demanding that he keep his eyes on the road and nothing else. His good intentions didn’t last. Giving in to temptation and a gnawing need he couldn’t seem to shake, he looked at the rearview mirror…Lea’s reflection. Heat flooded his body. His cock got too fucking hard, just as it had during her performance at The Second Circle and when she’d come around the corner of the building into the employee’s parking lot. At his mounting arousal, he pushed too hard on the accelerator. She didn’t notice the increased speed. Seated next to Jake in the back, she remained turned to him. Illumination from oncoming cars spilled across her face, revealing her vulnerability and shock. Her lips were parted, her expression dazed at what Jake had revealed to her. Gripping the steering wheel, Toby regretted his own silence, but he honestly didn’t know what to say to make the unthinkable better. He wasn’t good at shit like this. He followed the rules and got the job done. It was what he’d been trained to do. Like Jake. They were supposed to protect Lea, not get involved emotionally or physically with her. Already she was affecting Jake far too much. Unsettled, Toby flicked his gaze back to the road, then glanced into the rearview mirror once more. Blocked by the headrest, his view of Jake was incomplete, allowing Toby to see no more than the upper part of his partner’s face. Predictably, Jake was focused on Lea. 31

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“You drive,” he’d told Toby back at the club, tossing him the keys as he might to a chauffeur or a younger brother. Giving Toby no chance to protest, Jake had gotten into the SUV’s backseat right behind Lea. She hadn’t seemed to mind. Toby saw the way she looked at Jake…the soft heat in her eyes. He pressed his thumbs into the steering wheel until they began to hurt. Releasing the pressure, he recalled Lea’s blush when she’d caught him watching her during Jake’s conversation with Sanchez. At the time, Toby had expected her to turn away, disturbed at how he’d been staring at her. Much to his surprise, she had not. He’d been the first to break eye contact, unnerved by his response to her fresh scent, the thought of slipping his hands beneath her tee to cup her sweet breasts, delighting in their heat and weight. Unable to stop his unyielding desire, he’d simply ignored his hard-on then as he tried to do now. There was no point in believing his idiotic longing could go anywhere. Even if she wanted him, her life as she’d known it was over and would be for the rest of her days. Once he and Jake received word from their superiors about the disposition of her case, neither of them would see her again. It was out of the question if they expected to keep her safe. Toby’s throat constricted, making his collar and tie seem too tight. If he’d been Jake, he would have loosened both, not caring about appearances or propriety, just going with the flow. He wasn’t Jake. He was a man who didn’t let situations or people get to him, yet in a very short time, Lea had. Her fear and helplessness in the face of the unimaginable had stirred something he hadn’t buried deep enough. Her lush sensuality hadn’t helped. A rueful smile touched Toby’s lips. He fought it as he did many of his emotions. This time without complete success. He still wanted her too badly, as did Jake. Toby cleared his throat, trying to relax the muscles. They tightened even more, but didn’t stop him from speaking. “Everything all right back there?” he asked, knowing it wasn’t, cautious as to what might happen next. What Jake might eventually do. With more patience than he felt, Jake looked at Toby’s reflection in the rearview mirror. His partner arched one dark brow, a contradiction to his pale hair, just as his unruffled manner failed to match the disquiet in his question. Offering no answer, especially the one Toby wanted to hear, Jake turned back to Lea. 32

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She was absorbed in her own thoughts, her distress all too obvious. If Jake had been able to spare her from the truth, he would have. What man wanted to see any woman looking as Lea did now? A sense of powerlessness settled over him that Jake didn’t much like. Her demeanor reminded him of people he’d seen at morgues, waiting to identify the bodies of their loved ones. Because they hadn’t yet seen the worst, Jake knew the truth of what had happened wasn’t yet real. A part of them still resisted and hoped. Was that what was going through Lea’s mind now? She’d said nothing as he’d revealed the facts of her life. Not once had she challenged or asked any questions. Nearly a half hour had passed since he’d last spoken and she still hadn’t broken the oppressive silence. In many ways, Jake couldn’t blame her. Discovering one had been living a lie manufactured by others was a lot to stomach. He knew that firsthand. At ten, he’d learned the man who’d been raising him wasn’t his biological father. The confusion and anger Jake had experienced at the time was mostly gone. At least his parentage explained why Victor had never shown him a measure of kindness, hadn’t even seemed to like him. “You’re not mine,” the man had said one night, his confession fueled by drinking, his face ugly with disgust. “You’re a fucking bastard.” He was the product of his mother’s time away from the reservation, her affair with a white man who’d been married. “He didn’t want her,” Victor continued, opening another beer, “but her people did.” She’d returned to her tribal lands and had married him, one of her own, before delivering her son. If Jake’s home life had been bad before he knew the truth, it worsened after. To Victor’s way of thinking, there was no longer any reason to police his words or actions. Seemingly incapable of helping her son, Jake’s mother begged him to be a good boy. He tried, doing all that he could to protect her, taking the brunt of Victor’s rage until Jake feared the man would kill him. After one particularly harsh beating, Jake had sought out his biological father, believing, as all kids do, that his real dad would love and want him. There would be no more emotional or physical violence. The day Jake arrived at his father’s home in an upscale Phoenix suburb, he was dizzy with relief. He could barely jab the doorbell, his hands trembled so badly. As politely as he could, he explained to his dad who he was and that he wanted to come home. The man’s fleshy face froze in a look of dread. When he regained his composure, he made it clear that Jake couldn’t stay, nor would he be welcomed back.

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“Don’t show up again,” his father had warned quietly so his wife and kids couldn’t overhear. “If you do, I’ll call the police. No matter what you tell them, they’ll believe me, not you.” Jake had no chance to explain that he needed the man’s love and protection. He wasn’t allowed the time to beg for it. His father closed the door, the lock’s metal click all too final. With nowhere else to go, Jake had returned to the reservation as his mother had so many years before, though not to stay. An athletic scholarship had seen to that, along with a desire to escape his stepfather’s continued abuse. Lea pulled in a shuddering breath. Starting at the sound, Jake turned to her. “It can’t be true,” she said, as though speaking to herself. She glanced at Toby, then back at him. “You have the wrong person. I’m not who you think I am.” Although it killed Jake to see her anguish, he couldn’t rewrite history. “There’s no mistake about this.” “There has to be,” she argued, her words trembling with a combination of hope and doubt. “You’re saying my parents went into witness protection when I was three because of what my father did, the drugs he sold, the people he murdered, and then they decided they wanted to abandon me?” “No one abandoned anyone,” Toby said, looking at her in the rearview mirror. “Your mother put you in foster care under an assumed name, just like Jake told you.” “Yeah, I know,” Lea said. “I lived those fifteen years in the homes of strangers, without any real family anywhere, all right?” Toby fell silent. “I’m sorry,” Jake murmured, picturing her as a three-year-old, her face wet with tears, blotched with color as she sobbed for her mother. It took all the control he owned to keep from pulling her into his arms. “She left me with people I didn’t know,” Lea said, as though she simply didn’t understand. Clearing her throat, she spoke in that same mournful tone. “As I got older and started to question, everyone told me it was my grandmother who had put me into the system.” “I’m certain that’s the story your mother wanted them to tell you,” Jake said. Lea lowered her face. Her slender fingers tightened into fists. “She never came by. Not once. I had dreams of looking for her.” Pausing, she lifted her shoulders, her brows drawn together in a frown. “Maybe they weren’t dreams after all. I recall running to the window of a house I knew wasn’t mine. I kept slapping my hands on the glass, calling for her, wanting to see her coming down the street. I listened really hard, hoping to hear her voice.” Hers fell to a whisper. “She never came back for me.” “Your mother did it to protect you,” Jake explained. “Even with the program, she always feared that Cubrero would catch up with your father and it would put you at risk.”

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Lea shook her head as though it was too much to comprehend. “I don’t believe it.” She tightened her fists to a point that her knuckles blanched. “No one—no one—carries a vendetta this long.” “Not in your normal, everyday world,” Jake said, “but we’re dealing with a drug cartel here. They need to control their members and do so through fear. As I said before, your father was facing life in a federal penitentiary for his crimes unless he testified against his superiors. That’s simply not done in the Colombian cartels.” She gave him a look that said he was crazy. “Neither is going after me. I was a child when all this happened. I didn’t know anything about what he was doing. I don’t have any knowledge that can harm them.” “That’s not what this is about,” Jake said. “Your father broke rank. His testimony put Cubrero’s father in prison for life. The man died there in a riot a little over a year ago. For that and your father’s betrayal of the cartel, Cubrero vowed to murder him, along with all of his family. That’s the way these people work, Lea. They’re not the Mafia where wives and children are off-limits. These animals slaughter everyone they can to get their revenge, to control, and they don’t give a fuck how long it takes. With your father’s death, Cubrero can boast about how he finally caught up with the man, even though he was in witness protection. It’s a miracle your mother wasn’t there when the execution went down.” “That doesn’t mean she’s safe,” Toby warned, turning to the side before he glanced back at the road. “Cubrero will continue looking for her. Only through her murder and yours can he can prove to his subordinates that no one—no matter who they are, no matter how long they tried to run and hide—can get away from him. Cubrero won’t stop until both of you are dead.” Lea’s features went slack. “That’s not going to happen,” Jake said quickly, trying to convince her even as he shot a frown at Toby’s reflection. Did he have to be so fucking blunt? “We’re going to protect you and your mother.” Her attention darted from him to Toby and back. “Where is she?” Jake shook his head. “We can’t tell you. It’s for her protection and yours.” “For how long?” She lifted her brows. “Are you saying you’re going to keep me in the dark forever? You’re going to be able to protect me forever? Have you even seen this Cubrero around me? Have you been tracking his movements? Why haven’t you simply arrested him?” “We don’t know what he looks like,” Toby said. Jake kicked the back of his seat, wanting him to shut the fuck up. Unfazed, he met Jake’s eyes in the mirror. “She needs to know what we’re up against.” Not like this. Not all at once. Scaring the shit out of her wasn’t going to do any of them a bit of good, especially him. He didn’t want to see her so damn hopeless. He

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liked her other persona—SiNN—a deliciously assured woman. The one who’d looked at him so directly at the club with longing and arousal. The one who hadn’t seemed afraid of anything, especially his unashamed lust. Those moments might as well have been a lifetime away. Again, her worry swung from Toby to him. “How can you not know what he looks like?” Jake spoke before Toby could. “No pictures were ever taken of him or his immediate family. It allows them to move around freely without identification by the authorities and to avoid being murdered by their competitors. We suspect Cubrero will have some of his father’s features, but to what extent we can’t possibly know for sure.” Unclenching her fingers, Lea wrapped her arms around herself and pushed back in the leather seat. “He could be anyone?” Jake wanted to lie, but could not. He nodded. She drew her shoulders in as though trying to protect herself. “He knows I perform as SiNN at The Second Circle?” “No,” Toby answered. “How can you be so certain?” she asked. Swapping a glance with Toby, Jake finally said, “You’re still alive.” Lea’s arms tensed around her torso. It did little to stop her shivering. “Turn down the air-conditioning,” Jake ordered Toby. He leaned forward, extending his hand. “Give me your jacket.” A muscle ticked in Toby’s jaw at Jake’s command. Offering no comment or complaint, he checked the traffic on all sides before cutting the air and handing over the garment. “Here,” Jake said, his movements gentle, nearly tender as he draped the jacket across Lea’s chest. “This might help.” She caught a hint of Toby’s scent on the fabric—clean and soapy—then a trace of Jake’s remembered fragrance, a perfect combination of leather and musk. Lifting her face, she studied them both. In the lights from the oncoming cars, Toby’s blond locks had a silver cast, while blue shone in Jake’s raven hair. Colors at each end of the spectrum, so different, the same as their features. Toby’s cool looks belonged in a boardroom, while Jake’s rugged appearance would have gone unquestioned and unchallenged in the wildest roadhouse. Yet each of them was so powerful and masculine. Large men who exuded strength. A crazy urge to be close to them flooded Lea. She ached to wreathe her arms around their shoulders, drawing them close, sandwiching herself between their big bodies, comforted by their warmth and scents, content in the fact that they wouldn’t let her go. They would keep her safe. “Better?” Jake asked.

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His vibrant voice was so tamed with concern it stirred something within Lea. She’d lived so long in a world where no one except Danielle had ever cared. Turning her face to his, she saw kindness in his dark eyes along with naked lust. If Jake worried about her reaction to his desire, he didn’t show it. He was a man comfortable in his own skin, no doubt used to breaking the rules. Toby, on the other hand, had serious reservations about Jake’s feelings for her, not to mention his own. Lea had seen that unease flash continually in his eyes. It didn’t stop her from wanting him and Jake. “What now?” she asked. Neither man answered. They looked at each other in the rearview mirror. Lea’s stomach clenched. “What now?” she persisted. Jake spoke first. “Our first priority is getting you to a safe location.” Lea watched the cars and landscape whizzing by. They’d left the populated areas a long time ago, before Jake had even begun revealing the full truth about her parents. As far as Lea could see, there weren’t any motels in this desolate location or even a community airport for them to whisk her out of state. “Where?” she asked. “A place where you’ll be safe,” Toby said. Lea dug her fingers into her arms and stated the obvious. “There aren’t any towns around here. No motels.” Nothing. Without warning, an image flashed in Lea’s mind of her grandmother—or rather her mother—leaving her, accompanied by a sense of loss so great it made her nauseous. Jake and Toby were going to do the same. They were bringing her to a stranger who would then bring her to another stranger until people she didn’t know surrounded her, leaving Lea alone once more. “Where are we going?” she cried. “Dammit, tell me.” “Easy.” Jake rested his hand on her knee. “We’re not leaving you.” His words and restrained strength broke her panic, sending ripples of warmth through Lea’s body, making her limbs sluggish and her lids heavy. She leaned closer, irresistibly drawn to him as she’d been at the club. “Then tell me where we’re headed. Please,” she begged. After exchanging another glance with Toby, Jake murmured, “A location Cubrero doesn’t know about.” Too quickly, the blessed heat receded from her body. Why was he being so fucking cryptic? Lea twisted her torso to face Jake, sending the jacket tumbling from her shoulders. Goose pimples rose on her arms from the SUV’s cool air and her renewed worry. “Who else is going to be there?” Cops? More marshals? Their superiors? All of them discussing her life, changing it, while she was supposed to stand by and accept whatever they decided unless she

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wanted to be murdered? Wasn’t that what Toby had said earlier? It was her right to refuse all of this—if she wanted to die. “Who?” she insisted. “No one,” Toby answered. “Like Jake said, we’re staying with you. Just us.” Lea’s heart leapt with foolish hope, which didn’t last. Past experience taught her not to trust promises. So few people actually honored them. “For how long?” “The next few days,” Toby admitted. And then? she wondered, but didn’t ask. “Once this is all settled, you will be all right,” Jake said. Lea heard his doubt. Or was it regret that their time together was far too short and would soon be at an end? Forcing down a swallow, she looked at him. Something flickered in his eyes, only this time he pushed it away, not letting her see it. Too weary to question him, Lea pulled Toby’s jacket back over her shoulders and turned to her window. Dread sapped her strength, making her sleepy, encouraging her to escape. Closing her eyes, she breathed as deeply as she could and surrendered to exhaustion. Her dream came swiftly. She was back at The Second Circle, kneeling on a large, circular bed that took up most of the stage. Jake’s weight and Toby’s shifted the mattress as they crawled onto it, joining her, each of them nude and erect, their expressions predatory. Lea’s body weakened, making breathing difficult. Heat rose to her face, the flush hidden by her feathered mask. She stared at their ponderous balls and rigid cocks, knowing before the night was over, each of their shafts would slide over her tongue, filling her mouth, both would burrow into her cunt and anus, obligating her openings to accommodate their savage male strength and need. Her thoughts grew lethargic, her manner submissive. Facing them, she displayed her nudity, letting each man know her acceptance of whatever he wanted to do with her. Nothing would be too lewd. No act prohibited. Lea’s breasts quivered with her unsteady breaths, her nipples puckering in the room’s coolish air. The delicate chains she wore rolled gently across her torso and over her cunt, taunting Jake and Toby to remove them from her. Neither advanced as they studied her flesh, their cocks thickening in response. Deep within Lea’s pussy a pulse beat hard, arousal moistening her opening. Parting her legs, she encouraged them to view her dewy cunt. She pulled back her shoulders, further exhibiting herself. A horn honked. Tires screeched. Lea froze, confused by the sounds, her heart tripping on several beats. Glancing over, she saw men without faces reclining in the leather chairs surrounding the

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platform. Their excited breathing was oddly noisy, their words hurried as though they were arguing, drowning out the Latin music. Lea frowned, wanting them to be quiet. Turning away, she saw the look on Jake’s face—unbridled lust mingled with a measure of affection. “There’s no reason to be afraid,” he murmured. “I won’t leave you.” Tears welled in her eyes. “Liar,” she whispered, unable to help herself. “You will.” “No,” he insisted, sounding pissed. “Now do as I say.” “Or what?” she challenged. Swifter than Lea would have believed possible, Jake clamped his hands on her shoulders, pushing her down to the mattress that smelled of leather and musk. Her mouth fell open in a startled gasp. Allowing her no chance to recover, he ran his calloused palms down the inside of her thighs, spreading them widely. The chilled air licked her damp clit while his thumbs stroked her smooth vulva. She mewed at his intimate touch. “Louder,” he ordered, dragging his forefinger over her clit, sending pulses of sensation to her belly and down her thighs. Lea emptied her lungs in a lusty moan. Jake swung his head to Toby, the movement freeing several strands of his ebony hair. They tumbled over his forehead. “Grab her wrists,” he instructed the man. “Make certain she can’t move.” “Trust me, she won’t,” Kneeling at her side, Toby grabbed Lea’s wrists in one hand, dragging them up, keeping her imprisoned with his brutal strength. His body was magnificent. Dark-brown hair dusted his muscular thighs, the tint the same shade as his brows. Prominent veins entwined his thickened cock, its ruddy color matching his plump balls. A bead of sweat ran down Lea’s neck. She attempted to swallow, but could not. Her body softened in anticipation of his and Jake’s coming invasion of her. She smelled their lust, no different from her own. The only thing that differentiated them was her expected surrender. Lea gave it, voicing no protest as Toby slipped his fingers beneath her mask, pulling it from her face. Crisp air touched her hot cheeks, unable to cool them. With his free hand, Toby unlatched the chain around her throat, pushing it down to her cunt. There, Jake took over, stripping her of the body jewelry, leaving her exposed and unprotected. Her nudity registered in every part of Lea’s being, her subservience to these men far from complete. Lips parted, she watched Toby lifting his leg and straddling her, his knees grazing the sides of her breasts. A throaty purr escaped her.

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His fingers tightened around her wrists. He ordered, “Suck me. Take me as deep as I can go. Drain me fucking dry.” Desire echoed through Lea and her body responded. More moisture seeped from her sheath, encouraging Jake to invade it with his cock. He gave her his tongue instead, lapping her juices, swirling the tip around her erect nub. Her mouth hung open on a feral cry cut short by jolting pleasure. Seizing the opportunity, Toby eased closer, his free hand on his cock, directing it to her lips. She smelled him first, the scent of an animal, his former propriety gone. Grunting crudely, she licked the back of his crown, the bumpy skin that afforded him the greatest sensation. His shoulders bunched. He pushed her wrists into the mattress while Jake latched his mouth onto her clit, stroking it slowly, relentlessly with his tongue even as he worked two fingers into her opening. On a strangled moan, Lea closed her eyes, fighting her tormenting need to climax, not yet wanting the act to end. Demanding her attention to him, Toby eased his cock deeper into her mouth, sliding the hard column in, then out, going further each time until she’d accommodated his full length. His thick brown bush tickled her nose, delivering a wave of his musk. His plump balls touched her chin. Shamelessly, she submitted, sweeping her tongue over his length, tasting the saltiness of his pre-cum as he again pulled back. He stopped abruptly, the sensations she’d created clearly too much. His body shuddered. Lea’s toes curled. Instantly, Jake pulled his fingers free of her sheath and clamped his hands on her ankles. Pushing them toward her thighs, he kept her prisoner, licking and suckling her opening. In the chairs surrounding the stage, the men made the leather creak as they leaned up for a closer view. Lea struggled to open her lids, but could not. Her world became Jake’s tongue rasping her clit and Toby’s cock sliding in and out of her mouth. Together, they used her, allowing no protest, no escape. A cry of delight gurgled in her throat. “Lea.” At the sound of her name, she frowned. “Lea.” Forcing her eyes to open, she saw Toby’s face tight with lust, his orgasm only a lick away. Between her legs, Jake continued to enjoy her.

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Lea’s body tensed at her approaching orgasm, relief edging close. She swirled her tongue around Toby’s cock. He trembled. To the side, someone repeated, “Lea.” She glanced at the faceless men in the chairs. One of them held a knife in his hand, its cruel blade glinting in the room’s muted light. At his feet lay something red and shiny. Without warning, Toby’s words rumbled in Lea’s mind. “He sliced off the face of one of his victims. A young woman. The daughter of his competitor. He cut out her brother’s heart. Cubrero won’t stop until you’re dead.” No. With a start, Lea awakened, her eyes unfocused, her dream evaporating, leaving behind overwhelming dread, along with a sense of longing and warmth. Bewildered, she looked from the windows to Toby, who was regarding her in the rearview mirror. Jake’s attention was also on her. An image rose in Lea’s mind of him spreading her legs, his tongue licking her slit. Joining it was a picture of Toby straddling her, the tip of his cock brushing her lips. Heat born of pleasure curled through Lea, giving her a sense of well-being she’d rarely known. Working her tongue around her mouth, she inhaled deeply, then asked, “What?” “I didn’t mean to frighten you,” Jake said, his expression intense as he studied her. “He was just trying to wake you up,” Toby offered. “You were really out of it, sleeping through the accident.” She frowned. “What accident?” “Happened a few minutes ago,” Jake said, his thumb stroking her biceps. Lea’s skin tingled. Looking down, she saw that Toby’s jacket had fallen to her lap. Making no move to lift it, Jake continued, “One of the fools who’d been speeding clipped a vehicle as he tried to pass. It didn’t look bad. Toby called 9-1-1.” Lea nodded even as something nagged at the corner of her mind, snatches from her dream. A car honking. Tires screeching. Men sounding as if they were arguing. Had Jake wanted to stop and render assistance? Had Toby warned against it because of her? Cubrero won’t stop until you’re dead. Jake squeezed her arm. “Hey, you all right?” No, she wasn’t. Not even close. Impossible need gripped Lea. She wanted to move into his and Toby’s embrace, her body melting against theirs. At least until they left her, and they would. No more than strangers, they were simply doing their jobs and would protect her for only a few more days. Frustrated and saddened, she asked, “Why did you want to wake me?” Did he have more bad news to tell? He regarded her for a moment before answering. “We’re at the safe location.”

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Not expecting that, Lea noticed that Toby had slowed the SUV considerably as it moved up a narrow road that looked to be private. Glancing at the front window, then out both sides, she saw heavy vegetation illuminated by the headlights. A sense of foreboding shrouded Lea. She had no more than a few days here with them and then she’d be going somewhere distant and unknown. As though Jake sensed her concern, he squeezed her arm again. She looked down at his hand, then up as they reached the top of the drive. The vehicle rolled to a stop in front of an extravagant wrought iron gate attached to a fence built of stone. Beyond it towered a two-story structure, the vehicle’s lights showing it to be of Southwestern design with rounded posts decorating the top of its façade. The massive front doors were of colored glass in bright greens, reds, yellows, depicting a geometric design seen in Native American cultures. Lifting his hand to the sun visor, Toby pressed a small rectangular device. With a faint creaking sound, the metal gates swung open. Simultaneously, lights flicked on inside the building, blazing from the numerous windows. Lea stared. Without comment, Jake removed his hand from her arm, while Toby directed the SUV toward the brilliantly colored front doors.

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Chapter Four Impatience ate at him, as did anger, but Cubrero refused to yield to either emotion. Now was the time to think, not react. To learn all that he could about his prey. With his hands protected by latex gloves, he moved unhurriedly through the modest apartment, glancing at personal items…a bouquet of dried flowers that smelled of dust, clipped grocery coupons, a gaudy trophy that blocked several pictures on the unstable metal bookcase. Putting the award on the floor, he regarded the photographs, pausing on one of Lea Baptista. In the shot, she’d narrowed her eyes against the potent sun, her arm slung around the shoulder of her friend…the woman who’d danced as SiNN tonight. What was her name? She’d given it to him at the club. Gaze turned inward, Cubrero struggled to remember. Was it Deborah? No. Diana? His frown deepened. It began with the letter D, of that he was certain. Other names flashed in his mind, with one jumping out. Danielle. That was it. Hearing her say it in his mind, he glanced over. At the end of the brief hall, Danielle’s calves were visible, the soles of her feet showing that she was lying face down on the carpet near her mussed bed. Once inside the room, one would see her opened eyes staring into eternity. It had been such an easy matter to break her neck. She’d died instantly, without a sound, making no fuss, not alerting or alarming the neighbors. An easy kill that no one would ever attribute to him. No one saw them leave the club together, he’d made certain of it. When they’d arrived here so she could change into something appropriate for dinner, the parking lot was empty of people, the lights of the other apartments off. Yes, an easy kill, and far less trouble than having to appear interested as Danielle had talked about herself when he’d wanted her to tell him about Lea. When her name finally came up, he’d asked, “Is this Lea a friend of yours?” Danielle’s lovely face glowed with affection. “Since we met in foster care. I’d do anything for her. I took her last performance of the night.” He pretended surprise. “You weren’t supposed to dance as SiNN?” “No, I’m LuST.” She smiled broadly, showing her dimples. “Pretty much the same thing, you know?” His chuckle told her he did, encouraging her to relax even further. Moving into him, Danielle trailed her fingers over his neck. He responded with a deep breath, sensing she’d like that. She murmured, “Are you sorry I took her place?” Her leg moved between his, the top of her thigh nudging his groin, gauging his response to her. 43

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His erection was immediate and impressive at the pictures playing in his mind— her beneath him, moaning in delight before gasping in shock and pain. Turning his face into her hand, he licked the side of her thumb, then answered her question. “I would have been disappointed if you hadn’t. Lucky for us she had a hot date.” Danielle rested her free hand on the knot of his tie, her fingers stroking it. “Only with her textbooks.” He slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her into his stiffened cock. “She left early for schoolwork, not a man?” “She’s dedicated to what she wants. So am I.” She brushed her lips over his throat, her breath warming his skin. Feeling nothing, he moaned as though she aroused him, then murmured, “I’m grateful you’re not her, since she doesn’t like men.” “I didn’t say that.” She licked his neck and nibbled his earlobe, sighing deeply at his rough groan. “She did mention two guys at her last show tonight. She was definitely interested in them.” “Lucky men,” Cubrero said as his thoughts raced, recalling when Lea had caught him watching her. She hadn’t looked interested. She’d seemed surprised at his unexpected scrutiny. So who were these men? Had she lied about schoolwork and left with them instead? “I’m certain she won’t be studying all night.” “Good for her if she doesn’t.” “I agree.” Lifting his hands to Danielle’s head, sinking his fingers into her thick mane, he brushed his mouth over hers. On a whimpering sigh, Danielle parted her lips to his. Filling her with his tongue, Cubrero kissed her deeply, with passion generated by revenge rather than lust. Not understanding the difference, she yielded without pause, forgetting about dinner, inviting him to her bed. As she undressed, he did not, trying to get more out of her about the men Lea had found interesting. Offering nothing of value, she finally frowned, as though suspicious of his questions. He responded with a smile. It brought quick alarm to her eyes. Before she could do anything about it, she was dead. Replacing the picture on the metal stand, he went to the desk in the corner of the room and rifled through its drawers. Within minutes, he had Lea’s address, but little else. He checked Danielle’s cellphone to see if Lea had called or texted. She had not. Tempering his irritation, he located Lea’s number, punched the correct key and waited through five rings. At last they broke off, replaced by a bit of static. “Danielle?” a female asked. Lea.

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Delight brought a quick smile to Cubrero’s face. He said nothing, listening instead to what sounded like someone slamming a car door, then a deep male voice asking, “What are you doing?” “Talking to my— Hey!” Lea cried. There was a series of clicks as the call cut off. Cubrero’s mind raced, returning to what Danielle had told him about Lea’s attraction to two men in the audience. Clearly, she’d left with them. They weren’t ordinary admirers who wanted to sleep with her, but men who had enough power to ask what she was doing and take her phone, disconnecting the call. Police would do that. Or the feds. Cubrero’s body shook with savage rage. He squeezed the phone so tightly, the plastic snapped. Resisting the urge to hurl it across the room and make any undue noise, he placed the device on Danielle’s desk, then stepped back to consider this unexpected turn of events. Lea was no longer alone. She might be in police custody…or with U.S. Marshals. Already they’d taken her mother from his grasp. No doubt the woman had told them about Lea. Fuck. With his hands gripping the back of a chair, he forced himself to breathe as deeply as he could, refusing to give up. Manuel Morales’ testimony had taken his father from him when he was only a boy, giving Cubrero no choice except to bide his time, to wait too many years to learn the traitor’s location. Weeks ago, he finally had. Days before, he’d tortured Morales, making him pay for his treachery with his life. For his sins, his wife would also pay. The same as his daughter. Cubrero would find them both, proving to his subordinates that he was without remorse or mercy, never forgetting a betrayal. And that dealing with the devil would be easier and far kinder than having to face him. Lea glared at Jake. He stood outside the building’s front doors, the panes of glass bleeding brighter colors onto his coppery complexion and black clothing. Coolish wind lifted his hair, sending it in all directions, making him seem as untamed as their surroundings. The noise of boisterous insects and rushing water sounded from within the vegetation around them, so dense and dark it appeared the stuff of nightmares. Neither it nor Jake cowed Lea. Her shoulders tightened. “Give it back to me,” she ordered, extending her hand for her cellphone. She needed to speak to Danielle, to tell her friend where she was, what had happened and that, no matter what, they’d be together again. Ignoring her, Jake slipped the instrument into his jeans’ front pocket. 45

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Lea couldn’t believe it. What in the hell did he think he was doing? She wasn’t a prisoner. Had he somehow forgotten she was the freaking victim? From behind, Toby approached, his shoes slapping the stone walkway. Jake didn’t bother to look at his partner. Nor did Lea. A gust of wind blew her ponytail into her neck. She clawed it away. “I want my damn phone.” “Did you listen to nothing we’ve said?” Jake shot right back. “Apparently not,” Toby said. “Didn’t I say she needed to know what we were up against? Didn’t I try to tell you that?” Jake looked like he wanted to slug him. “I get it, all right?” “As long as you do.” Lea spoke through her teeth to them. “Danielle’s my best friend. She dances at The Second Circle. She took my last act tonight. I was just going to—” “No calls,” Jake ordered. Lea’s body bristled. She advanced until the tips of her running shoes nearly touched his boots. He didn’t budge. Given his size, he wasn’t intimidated or moved to do what she wanted. Breathing hard, Lea tried to reason, “I have to let her know I’m all right. She’s my best friend.” “Former friend,” Toby said, his words cutting through the night’s noise. “You can’t contact her ever again,” Jake explained. “You can’t contact anyone you used to know, Lea. They could lead Cubrero to you. That’s the way this works.” Lightheaded, Lea thought of Danielle, the sole constant in her life, the only genuine love she’d had all these years. “We’re never gonna stop being friends,” Danielle had said when they were only nine. She’d made Lea promise that if the system ever separated them, they’d find each other and would run away, hiding out until they were adults and could do whatever they wanted. A childish plan that had kept Lea going until they’d reached eighteen. After that, she didn’t think she had anything to worry about. She and Danielle would never be apart. Only now, Jake and Toby were saying she wouldn’t be able to tell Danielle any of this? She was just supposed to disappear without a trace with no one hearing from her again? What in the hell did they think Danielle would do? Lea knew the young woman would be sick with worry over what might have happened. She’d never believe that Lea had simply abandoned her as so many others had. “She’ll be looking for me,” Lea argued, needing them to understand. “She won’t accept the fact that I’m simply gone. She’ll go to the police.” “We know,” Jake said. “They’ll give her the cover story we’ve prepared for whoever’s asking about you.”

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Lea couldn’t believe it. This insanity had already gone that far without her even knowing about it or being able to stop it? A wave of dizziness swept over her again. She locked her knees to keep standing. “Which is?” Toby shook his head. “We can’t say.” Jake spoke softly. “Sorry.” Was he serious? Did he believe his apology made it all better or would stop Danielle? They clearly didn’t know her. “You obviously don’t get it. She’ll never accept what they say. She’ll never stop looking for me.” “Lea, she will,” Jake said. “And it’s for the best. You don’t want Danielle putting herself into danger, do you?” The thought brought bile to her throat. She recalled what Toby had said about Cubrero slicing off the face of one of his victims. A young woman. Oh God, no. Lea shivered so violently her teeth rattled. “Promise me she’ll be safe.” She fisted her fingers into Jake’s shirt. “You can’t let anything happen to her.” “It won’t…as long as you do what we say.” She had no choice. Lea knew that now. On a hard swallow, she lowered her head, more defeated than she’d been in all her years of foster care, her endless nights waiting futilely for her mother. Would she ever see her again? Unbearably weary, craving comfort, Lea leaned against Jake, resting her cheek on his shoulder. “Open the door,” he ordered Toby, his chest rumbling with his words. “Let’s get her inside.” So they could do what? Make more plans for her future that would begin in a few short days? The enormity of what she faced slammed into Lea, a mixture of dread and sorrow causing her to shudder. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, Jake held her tightly to him. “Come on,” he said, “it’s getting cold out here.” Was it? She’d barely noticed. Unable to help herself, Lea lifted her face and asked, “Where’s out here?” How far was she from the life she’d made, her only friend, her schoolwork and future? How many miles or states, people and occupations did she still have to go? A touch of sadness softened Jake’s features. He murmured, “A place where you’ll be safe.” He wasn’t going to tell her. Lea sighed. So did he, his breath brushing her forehead, its scent sweet and clean. His warmth and strength soothed, reducing the sting of his words. “Don’t leave me,” she asked. Not tonight. Not until he and Toby had no other choice.

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Understanding sparked in Jake’s expression, along with male need he seemed unable to resist. Tightening his arm around her shoulders, he drew her nearer, keeping her close. Toby exhaled loudly, his disapproval of Jake holding her all too apparent. Beneath his censure, Lea caught Toby’s sympathy for her situation, along with renewed longing. She may have been his charge, but she was also a woman he wanted, no different from Jake. Lea lifted her hand to urge Toby closer, craving both men tonight, wanting their presence and desire to give her a sense of being safe, cherished, no matter how brief it might last. It was all that she had. Toby didn’t see her invitation. Already he’d turned, opening the door, leading the way inside. Lea lowered her hand and entered the building with Jake, her body snug against his as though they were on a date, not a mission to flee a madman. Flooded with light, the front room boasted a wooden ceiling that was probably thirty feet high and smelled faintly of pine. A fireplace constructed of stone stretched the length of the wall. Circling its hearth were burgundy leather sofas and chairs, comfortable and inviting. Chandeliers of what appeared to be antlers hung in various parts of the room. Their lights’ soft amber glow rained down on the rustic tables, iron artwork on the walls and the gleaming hardwood floors. Drawn back to the sofas, Lea imagined their scent matching Jake’s, the supple leather caressing her skin, his heated body on top of hers, confining, demanding, his mouth and hands exploring, while Toby watched or participated. Lea’s body went unsteady with arousal, washing away her sorrow and fear. She encouraged the pleasant sensations, not wanting to think about the coming days, just now. Here with these men, in a house that was decidedly secluded and breathtakingly beautiful. “What is this place? Does the Marshals Service own it?” Were hidden cameras monitoring them? Is that what the government did to people they protected, making certain those individuals followed the rules and didn’t put themselves or anyone else at risk? Neither Jake nor Toby answered. “Another secret I can’t know?” Lea asked. “It belonged to my mother,” Toby said. Surprised, she noted the bronze artwork displayed in lighted nooks on either side of the fireplace. The Southwestern-style pieces glinted beneath all the lights and appeared as outrageously expensive as everything else in here. “Who owns it now?” Lea asked. Jake withdrew his arm from her. The loss registered immediately. She wondered if he’d back away, putting more distance between them. 48

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He did not. He seemed comfortable with their proximity, as though they were already more to each other than a federal officer and a potential victim…they were a man and a woman irresistibly attracted to each other. Lea sensed his lust. She recognized her own. Toby’s frown said he wasn’t pleased. With his glare on Jake, he answered her question. “I inherited it from my mother.” Despite his stoic tone, Lea heard a hint of melancholy. She wondered what had made him so cautious, reluctant to break the rules and simply do what he wanted, as Jake seemed to. “I’m sorry. When did you lose her?” Tossing his jacket on the sofa nearest him, Toby backed away, his movements edgy, like a caged animal or a man who didn’t appreciate personal questions. Lea could see he was uncomfortable with temptation. He put more distance between them. The chandeliers’ lights gleamed dully off his leather shoulder holster and the butt of his gun. Warm air poured from the vents in the ceiling, making the room almost too hot. At least for him. Beads of perspiration shone on his temples. “Two years ago,” he said at last, turning toward the dining room visible through a wide doorway. Past the long roughhewn table and eight chairs, Lea saw another doorway leading into the kitchen. Copper appliances shone beneath the overhead lights. “Would you like something to eat or drink?” Toby asked. She wanted him and Jake. Their heat enveloping her, their strong bodies demanding everything she had, delivering her to pleasure and a dreamless sleep. When she didn’t respond, Toby glanced over. He seemed so lonely, the same as her and no different from Jake. Lea had sensed that unwanted solitude in him too. She wanted to offer her hand to Toby as she had outside, but did not. He wasn’t Jake. He wouldn’t come to her immediately. But he would come. She’d make certain of it. As though he’d read her thoughts or sensed her challenge, something passed over his face. Caution? Lust? A bit of both? Heat curled in Lea’s belly at his sudden intensity. It didn’t last. “What do you want from the kitchen?” he asked. “A beer. If you have it.” He spoke to Jake. “You and I will stay down here. Lea can take her drink up to one of the bedrooms on the second floor.” “No,” she said immediately, determined to have this one night and the few others they were giving her. “I don’t want to be alone.” Toby frowned. “It’s just upstairs.” “Please,” she said to Jake. 49

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Unlike Toby, he didn’t try to hide his feelings. Desire, naked and unashamed, sharpened his rugged features. “It’s all right. You can stay down here.” “She should go upstairs,” Toby insisted. Jake’s expression darkened. He spoke in a slow, even tone. “She said she doesn’t want to.” “She doesn’t know what she wants,” Toby argued. “Yes, I do,” Lea said, going to him. “And so do you.” Color crept past his shirt collar and up his neck, flooding his face. Not waiting for his denial, Lea pulled the elastic band from her ponytail, releasing it. Lifting her hands, she drove her fingers through her hair, shaking it out, letting it tumble over her shoulders. Toby’s brows drew together. He struggled for a moment, then stared at the thick tresses resting on the swell of her breasts. She didn’t stop. She wouldn’t until she got the intimacy she craved, even if it was only physical. In her world, that was a lot. And by God, she’d have it. Grabbing the hem of her tee, Lea pulled the garment off, flinging it aside. Toby followed its journey for a moment, as though he couldn’t believe what she’d done. And then he stared at her breasts, confined by icy blue satin and lace. “Don’t,” he ordered, choking out the word. Softly, she coaxed, “Why not? If you’re worried about me getting pregnant, it’s not going to happen. I’m well protected. I wouldn’t do to a kid what was done to me. I don’t sleep around either, if that’s what you’re thinking. So you don’t have to worry about getting anything from—” He interrupted, “I never said—I never thought…” His words trailed off. “From the moment I saw you and Jake at The Second Circle, I wanted you both,” she said, then glanced over at Jake. “And you wanted me, don’t deny it.” Jake did not. Stark passion transformed his features, making him look as uncivilized as he had outside. “We’re here to protect you,” Toby insisted. With his unyielding answer, Lea spoke quietly, “I need more than your protection. I don’t want to think about the coming days when I’m alone again, all right? I’ve had a lifetime of that. I’ll have nothing but it in the future. Tonight, right now, I need the comfort of someone who wants me as badly as I want him. Are you going to give that to me or not?” His jaw tightened. Red blotches darkened his tanned forehead and cheeks. “Have it your way,” Lea said, then went to Jake. Standing before him, she unhooked her bra and pulled it off, dropping it on the floor at his feet. He didn’t bother to look at the discarded garment. His full attention was on her naked breasts.

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As she had during her performance, Lea licked her forefinger, running the moisture over her nipples, constricting the areolas even more. Jake pulled in a strained breath. Encouraging his response, Lea arched her back, displaying herself. “How about you?” she asked, running her fingers down the buttons on his shirt, stopping just short of the meaty bulge behind his fly. “Are you man enough to give me what we both want?”

She’d meant her ultimatum to provoke and entice. It worked. On a barely restrained growl, Jake moved into her. Cupping Lea’s face in his palms, he tilted her head so she’d have no option but to look at him, to see what he desired. Her lids fluttered at his thumbs stroking her cheeks, so downy they made thinking impossible. She breathed shallowly, sighing out her air. He liked that. He demanded her, knowing how crazy this was, but not caring about propriety or rules any more than she did. In a few days, they’d never see each other again. They’d have nothing more than memories when Jake would have liked more. Her background was as fucked up as his, her future as incomplete. Together they might have been able to repair the damage, if not for Cubrero. Intolerable hatred flared in Jake, shaking him to his core. He wanted to tear the prick apart with his bare hands, to hammer him with his fists until Cubrero screamed for mercy, which Jake wouldn’t give. For what Cubrero planned to do to Lea, how he’d already screwed her future, he would pay. Not tonight though. Nor tomorrow. But he would suffer. Jake was going to make certain of it. Not wanting to frighten Lea with his fury, Jake curbed his emotions and edged even closer, his thighs touching hers. She sagged against him. Toby snapped, “Jake.” He ignored the man. “Dammit, Jake.” “I’m not stopping,” he said to his partner as his focus remained on Lea, her obvious yearning, the drugged look already in her eyes. “Do whatever the hell you want, but this is going to happen.”

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At his promise, Lea’s expression grew even more submissive, telling him she’d do all that he demanded, denying him nothing. Swearing beneath his breath, Toby strode to the fireplace, smacking the heel of his hand against the mantel. Lea pressed into Jake with the noise. She whispered, “Will he watch?” Jake nodded, knowing Toby better than the man knew himself. “Do you mind?” she asked. “No.” Slipping his hand to the back of her head, Jake drove his fingers through her thick mane, keeping her still. Imprisoned, she parted her lips, her breathing ragged. Not good enough. Jake wanted her breathless, limp with arousal, crazy with desire. The real deal, not the performance she’d put on at the club. For him, there’d be no pretending, just naked, irresistible need. Leaning down, he brushed his lips over hers, tempting and teasing, proving in this act, and for the rest of the night, he’d command and she’d submit. Whenever he wanted. Wherever he wanted. At his pace, not hers. On a throaty moan, Lea ran her hands up his back, fisting his shirt in her fingers, tugging the fabric, wordlessly telling him she wanted more. In time. For now, Jake drew the tip of his tongue across the seam of her mouth. Whimpering, she parted her lips, inviting him inside. Not yet. His free hand went to her achingly soft breast, covering it, owning it, his thumb rubbing her nipple. The nub was so hot and hard, so incredibly female, he couldn’t pull in enough air. Mercilessly, Lea ground her cunt into him, taunting his cock, hardened to the point of pain. Making a noise that sounded more animal than human, he tightened his fingers on her scalp and thrust his tongue into her mouth, filling her fully. Her intense heat, the sheer pleasure of being inside her, caught Jake off guard, making his thoughts spin, causing his knees to sink. He locked them. Dropping his hand to her waist, he wrapped his arm tightly around her so Lea couldn’t get away from him. She didn’t try. Her nipples poked his chest, her breasts pushed into him, reminding Jake of their size and weight. With his hand on her back, he forced her body even closer. She made primitive noises that matched his, their kiss sloppy, impassioned, deep. Exactly what every man lived for. Even Toby. Jake sensed his partner watching him and Lea. No doubt frowning. Too fucking bad. Nothing short of Toby’s gun to Jake’s temple would stop this. 52

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Angling his mouth for greater penetration, Jake swept his tongue over Lea’s, liking how soft it was, how good she tasted. Who the fuck needed food or booze when this was available? On a low, needy groan, Jake kissed her even harder, with less finesse than he would have liked. He was back to being that kid on the reservation, reckless with passion, wanting what he’d been denied for too long. Afraid it wouldn’t last. It wouldn’t. The thought encouraged Jake to lose himself in Lea’s scent—musky, yet fresh, with a hint of melon—to enjoy having her body against his. Her ripe curves were the stuff of men’s wet dreams, her height expected, but she was also narrow, decidedly delicate, and here he was behaving like a fucking bruiser. He gentled his kiss and eased his hold on her. At the change in his behavior, Lea paused, no longer sucking his tongue. In the next moment, she dug her nails into his back and forced him from her mouth so she could fill him with her tongue instead. Maybe she wasn’t so delicate after all. He really liked that. Holding her as tightly as he wanted, proving his strength, Jake suckled her even deeper and squeezed her breast, using her with a right she’d given him. Hell, she’d practically dared him not to do this. He’d accepted and crossed that particular line. There was no turning back now. He wanted far, far more. Every fucking thing, not just a damn kiss. Pulling his mouth from Lea’s, Jake looked down at her. Long lashes rested on her cheeks, nicely rosy from his passion. Her bruised lips were parted and damp. He waited as she forced her lids to open. She blinked slowly as though trying to focus. Proud of what he’d accomplished with her, Jake grinned. Toby adjusted his weight, his shoes tapping the floor. Lea didn’t appear to notice, or if she did, she wasn’t letting on. Running her fingers down the buttons on his shirt, she breathed, “Take it off.” He never got the chance. Lea grabbed his shirt and tugged so hard, the fabric ripped. Buttons flew everywhere, one of them striking his chin. Jake lifted his brows. “Sorry,” she said, sounding unrepentant as she planted her palms on his torso. He swallowed convulsively at the heat of her hands, the way her fingers stroked his flesh as she worked her way up to his pecs. She cupped his muscles, kneading them as he had fondled her, her thumbs dragging over his nipples.

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Jesus. What she was doing sent a surge of heat to his cock, thickening it even more, making the fucker really hurt. “More,” she insisted, sounding as if she’d reached the end of her patience. And he hadn’t? Before Jake could reclaim control of the act, Lea slipped her hands beneath the top of his shirt, dragging it over his shoulders, stopping at his left biceps. Her already sultry expression grew downright wanton, her delicate nostrils flaring slightly as she stared at his tattoo. A black tribal band of stylized figures curved in all directions and ended in sharpened points. She spoke on a sigh, “Wow.” He grinned. Stupidly, he suspected, and didn’t care. “You like?” “Oh yeah.” She ran her tongue over its length. Jake nearly choked on his swallow. Shivering at the feel of her hot, wet tongue, he jerked at what she did next. “Hey.” Paying him no heed, Lea bit his arm again. It wasn’t exactly painful, but certainly unexpected. “What are you doing?” he asked. “You don’t know?” He arched a brow at her sass. “You break skin and you’re going to regret it.” “That right?” She gave him a defiant look, then turned back to his arm and nipped him again. Sensing what game she wanted to play, Jake intended to give it to her—just as soon as he could move freely. He twisted his other arm, trying to pull it through the sleeve. The damn thing fought him. Lea made a contented sound, her teeth continuing to scrape him. Screw that. Working the shirt back up to his shoulder, Jake wrapped his arm around her waist, hauling her away from his biceps and into his chest. With slow deliberation, she lifted her face to his. “What are you doing?” “You don’t know?” With his free hand, he swatted her ass. Lea’s lids fluttered. Her words hushed out on a sigh. “Gonna spank me?” “If you deserve it, I sure as fuck will.” Undeterred, she twisted her torso to get back at his arm. Smiling inwardly, Jake swatted her again, harder this time, the crack mingling with the tap of footfalls. In his peripheral vision, Jake saw Toby moving from the mantel to stand behind one of the chairs, his fingers gripping the leather, no doubt to keep him from advancing further. Lea turned at the sound, not quite looking at Toby, but not ignoring him either. More color flooded her face, making it even rosier.

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“You want me to obey,” she murmured to Jake, her eyes hooded. “I expect it,” he said. She seemed to wilt in his arms, her submission more complete than Jake would have anticipated or hoped. “Yes, sir,” she breathed, pressing her mouth to his throat, flicking her tongue over his skin. The top of his head tingled, his hair practically standing on end. Losing all of his breath on a hard sigh, Jake had to tighten his legs to keep from staggering back. Lea continued to suckle, sliding her hands to either side of his torso, pushing against his arm, clearly wanting Jake to loosen his grip. He had no choice. Every part of him—except for his persistently hard cock—had gone limp at the first sweep of her tongue. She used it well as she trailed wet, open-mouthed kisses on his pecs and down his torso, causing his muscles to dance and his skin to burn. Mouth hanging open, Jake gulped air. On her knees, Lea gripped his ass in her hands, keeping him still as she speared her tongue into his navel. He groaned. Not like the man he was, but as the kid he used to be, unable to control his spiraling lust. Lea encouraged it, lapping the dark line of hair beneath his navel, slipping his jeans’ button through its hole. Despite his harsh breathing, Jake still heard the metal rasp of her lowering his fly. Somehow, the sound reminded him of his gun. He couldn’t believe he’d forgotten about it. “Wait,” he said. Lea’s hands stalled on him. “No. Why?” He heard her caution and the disappointment beneath it. Before it really bummed her, he explained, “My gun. I need to take it off.” Removing his waistband’s side holster, he looked for the best place to put it, while also ignoring Toby and what he sensed was the man’s hard frown. Selecting the chair nearest him, Jake placed his holstered gun and his watch on it, then returned to Lea. She stared at his weapon. “Does it frighten you?” Jake asked. “No. It’s just bigger than I imagined it would be. Really huge.” He appreciated her obvious awe, hoping she’d say the same when it came to his stiffened rod. “Take out my cock,” he ordered, not recognizing or particularly liking the plea in his words. “Now.”

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Her fingers returned to his groin, but she took her time, sneaking her forefinger past the placket of his Jockeys, stroking his hard length. A sensation unlike any he’d experienced ripped through Jake, sending him to his toes. Damn. “Take it fucking out,” he growled. “Absolutely,” Lea said, far more serene, clearly in command now. With her thumbs beneath his jeans’ waistband and the elastic of his boxers, she shoved his clothing to his knees. Freed, his cock bounced, bumping Lea’s chin. Even that bit of friction was unbearable for Jake. Shoulders bunched, he huffed out air, then made a strangled sound at Lea’s fingers curling around his length, her other hand cupping his balls. “Don’t leave me,” she murmured. Was she joking? How could he? Jake lowered his face and looked at her. Lea gave him a smile both pleading and hopeful, then on a wanton moan, pressed her face into his thick, dark bush.

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Chapter Five He smelled of unruly passion, of a male who made rather than followed rules, who took precisely what he wanted. Tonight, Lea knew Jake wouldn’t be satisfied until her cunt and anus were deliciously sore from his use, her mouth filled with his cum, her body his to do with as he pleased. Moaning at the thought, she inhaled deeply of his musk, relishing his scent and how his coarse pubic hair tickled her chin and cheeks. She smiled shamelessly. He gulped air, releasing it on a noisy sigh. “Suck me.” Was there any doubt? Snaking out her tongue, Lea ran the tip over the root of his cock. The hot, satiny flesh was such a contradiction to his wiry bush. To the side, she caught movement, Toby shifting his weight behind the chair. He was closer to her and Jake now, but his restraint hadn’t yet broken. Too bad. Lea was going to show him exactly what he was missing. Running her thumb over Jake’s lightly furred balls, so tight and plump with arousal, she inched her tongue down his long, thick, hard cock. His body trembled at her carnal care. She’d only begun. With gentle, teasing flicks, she tongued his shaft, following the prominent vein on top to his crown. A low groan rumbled in Jake’s chest. In response, Lea fondled his balls. His knees sagged briefly. On a muffled oath, he straightened once more, locking them. To each side, she saw his fingers curling into tight fists as he fought for control. Determined to take it from him, Lea lifted his cock, tonguing the bumpy skin on the back of the head. Jake gasped. A scraping sound followed—the noise a chair makes when it’s bumped, causing its legs to move over a hardwood floor. Had Toby edged closer to see better? Or had he slumped against the furniture, his knees as weak as Jake’s? Lea sensed she’d know in time. For now, she concentrated on Jake’s heavy sex, particularly his balls. They smelled as succulent as the rest of him, the wrinkled skin delightfully ruddy and oh so male. Loosening her fingers, Lea regarded them resting on her palm, a gift any sane woman would want. Above her, Jake made a noise that told Lea of his frustration. He wanted more than her appreciation of his masculinity. Yes, sir. Obediently, she lowered her head between his hairy thighs. Parting her lips, she brushed them against his testicles. He groaned. Exhilarated by the sound, she opened 57

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her mouth and eased his right ball inside, stroking the rough skin of his sac with her tongue. “Shit,” he groaned, then caught a breath, releasing it on a heavy sigh. “That’s unbelievably nice.” No kidding. Lea enjoyed his slightly salty flavor, the lingering fragrance of leather clinging to him from his cologne and that awesome holster. Finished with his right ball, she pulled in a deep breath, then gave all of her love to his left testicle, suckling it gently, making certain not to harm him. Given the sounds he made, Jake was definitely hurting, but not in a bad way. In her free hand, his cock seemed to get thicker, his flesh hotter. Poor baby. His shaft wanted some TLC too. Releasing his ball, Lea eased back and looked up. Jake’s head hung between his shoulders. Hair dangled over his forehead and past his ears. He heaved air like a man who’d just run the two-minute mile. Toby cleared his throat, the sound halting, strangled. Lea could almost taste his desire. He was so close to breaking. But Jake was already hers. To reward him, Lea brushed the tip of his cock over her bottom lip. He pushed to his toes, then came right back down, the heels of his boots making sharp, tapping sounds on the floor. Its volume was no match for her hungry moan. She licked the small slit in his crown, a tiny mouth glistening with pre-cum, so tempting and tasty. Jake panted. He said something beneath his breath Lea couldn’t quite hear. Was he asking her to hurry up, to give him some relief? How could she? They had so little time. She needed to make this last, to burn each image, smell, sensation into her memory so she’d have it for comfort when nothing but strangers surrounded her. She barely knew Jake. She knew Toby even less, thanks to his iron will. But tonight they felt like family to Lea. Two strong men, both honorable in their own way, who’d stand by her side, protecting her…wanting her. On a needy whimper, Lea opened her mouth and guided Jake’s cock inside, pursing her lips around his meaty crown. Fleshy and smooth, the knob was hot on her tongue. “Fuck,” Jake whispered. He drove his fingers through Lea’s hair, using it to anchor her to him. How unnecessary his action was. She wasn’t going anywhere. Not until he and Toby made her. Refusing to think about the coming days, concentrating on tonight’s pleasure, Lea opened her throat. Inch by wondrous inch, she eased Jake’s length inside, not content until the tip of her nose touched his dark thatch. 58

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He grunted loudly, the sound so uninhibited. His fingers dug into her scalp. She pressed hers into his ass, separating the cheeks, her forefinger sliding down the furrow to his anus. The second she stroked the tight circle, Jake’s breathing grew labored. He muttered an oath that sounded like an endearment. The man wanted more. Dutifully, Lea explored his most intimate opening, while easing his cock from her mouth, leaving only the crown inside, a savory treat. With the head trapped between her lips, she suckled and licked him simultaneously. “Faster,” he growled. Lea picked up her pace, though not to the degree Jake surely wanted. She enjoyed having him like this far too much, his badass body her prisoner, his pleasure hers to control. Who called the shots now? Of course, she’d pay for her disobedience later. Jake would see to it, slinging her over his knee, bringing his palm down hard on her naked ass, his slaps hard and stinging. When he was through, would Toby demand his turn in her punishment? Would he discipline her for making him lose control, for causing him to want her? Once her buttocks were burning from their palms and her openings were sore from their cocks, would they give her a moment to recover or would they demand still more? Lea hoped for the latter, passion singing in her blood. She had to stop herself from sneaking a glance at Toby and going too fast with Jake, delivering him to blessed relief. At a painfully measured pace, she eased him back into her mouth, then slowly pulled away, releasing him once more, mimicking a real fuck, knowing her flicking tongue and suckling added several layers of pleasure to the act. Not to mention exasperation. As though he’d had enough of her sluggish moves, Jake gripped Lea’s head to keep her still, wordlessly telling her he was now in charge. Pumping his lean hips, he used her mouth as he would her cunt and anus, his strokes short so as not to harm, but also quick in order to give himself pleasure. She submitted, though not fully, probing his anus with her fingers, while her free hand returned to his balls. His thrusts slowed. He growled out several oaths and then he resumed, sliding his cock over her tongue, demanding satisfaction. It came with his hearty bellow, the sound echoing through the room, his thick, hot cum spilling into Lea’s mouth. Jake didn’t have to tell her to taste him, to drink him dry. She did so eagerly, willingly, wanting to experience everything she could with him, wanting him to know that nothing between them was unpleasant.

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With her forehead against his groin and his flaccid cock touching her cheek, Lea heaved in air, the same as him. Blindly, she reached up, directing Jake to join her on the floor. On a weary grunt, he tottered back a step, his legs constricted by his clothing. “Careful,” Lea said, “don’t fall.” Jake gave her a look that said he hadn’t planned to. He was the big, bad marshal with the awesome weapon. The one he wore on his hip and the even nicer one between his legs. Suppressing a smile, Lea patted the floor with her palm, inviting him to come on down. “Take a load off,” she cooed. “Relax.” When he did not, she prodded, “You must be so tired.” He glanced in Toby’s direction as though to deny it, then returned his attention to her. A pulse ticked in Lea’s cunt at Jake’s sudden intensity, his possessiveness. It told her he had no intention of resting so she could be with Toby, no intention of sharing her even if the man was finally ready. She was Jake’s until he was fully sated. Lea sensed that wouldn’t be for a very long time. His previous fatigue had disappeared beneath brutal determination. Her heart beat crazily. Her mouth went dry. On her knees, she watched him sink to a chair, his legs spread as widely as possible given the constriction of his clothing. “Take off my boots,” he ordered. At his command, Lea obeyed. It wasn’t an easy task. She had to tug both boots, each surprising her with their weight. Pulling in some much needed air, she put them aside and peeled off his dark socks, running her fingertips over his long toes. They splayed, then curled. He gripped the chair’s arms. His expression was just this side of wild, his tone gruff. “Undress me.” Slavishly, Lea did what he demanded, what she couldn’t resist. Her skin tingled with anticipation. A dull, needy ache settled in her pussy, moisture dampening it in preparation for his cock. She pulled his jeans and boxers down his calves, off his feet, placing them to the side. The legs of Toby’s chair made another scraping sound. Lea didn’t dare look. She knew Jake demanded her interest be on no one but him. Edging back, she watched as he went to his feet. Without him having to tell her, she stood and moved close, catching the scent of sex on his skin. Her belly fluttered. Her legs felt shaky. Pressing her mouth to his neck, she suckled gently, stroking his bristly skin with her tongue. And then she moved back, easing his shirt off his shoulders and down his arms, coaxing it from him. The fabric rustled as it fell to the floor.

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Without pause, Jake was on her, turning Lea to face Toby, showing the man what he couldn’t yet have. With his large hands covering her breasts and his thumbs dragging over her nipples, Jake latched his mouth onto Lea’s throat and suckled hard, thrilling and marking her. Through hooded lids, Lea saw Toby glancing from Jake’s uncivilized kiss to the man’s hands pawing and using her breasts. Lifting her arm, Lea draped it behind Jake’s neck, giving him full access, showing Toby she had submitted completely. The man’s face colored even more, making his blond hair seem that much lighter. A pulse beat in his throat. Lea snaked out her tongue, drawing it slowly across her upper lip. Toby’s jaw tightened. Abandoning her left breast, Jake trailed his fingers down Lea’s torso, leaving pleasant tingles in their wake. Dazed with desire, she sagged into him, her ass against his cock. Lightly, he traced the skin around her navel, then touched her diamond stud. A gift from Danielle on Lea’s eighteenth birthday to celebrate that she was finally an adult. No one could ever tell her again where to live, who to consider family. For months, Danielle had worked three jobs, barely sleeping, so she could splurge on the body jewelry. You can’t contact her ever again. Lea swallowed at Jake’s remembered words. You don’t want Danielle putting herself into danger, do you? She’d give her own life first. Pushing back sorrow, refusing to let it defeat her or ruin this moment, Lea ran her fingers through Jake’s hair. He stopped suckling her throat and rested his chin on her shoulder, his fingers working the metal button on her jeans. With it freed, he lowered her fly and dipped two fingers into the gap, touching the lacy edge of her thong. Lea whimpered at the heat of his hand, his hot breath grazing her cheek. Taking his time, as she had with him, Jake ran his fingers over her thong’s elastic, grazing her skin, producing sensations that reached the back of Lea’s throat and made her cunt ache with need. “Take them off,” she cried, a plea, not a demand. Jake kissed her shoulder instead, suckling it as he had her throat, marking her again. The back of Lea’s head fell against his shoulder, her mind begging him to get on with it. She was already his, had been from the moment she saw him and Toby in the club. Across the room, Toby growled softly, seemingly unaware of the crack in his armor.

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Jake had no such restrictions on his behavior. Finished with his kiss, he bit her shoulder gently as she’d bit him, then eased back. Lea frowned at his retreat, not wanting it. Bringing down her arm, she looked over to see what he intended to do. Jake didn’t make her wait long. He worked his thumbs beneath her jeans waistband and her thong’s elastic, shoving both down. Lea’s cunt was so damp, her underwear clung briefly to her skin. Given the sound of Jake’s breathing, he liked that. Bending down, he lowered her clothing until both garments were at her ankles, exposing her fully. Never had Lea felt as nude, not even when she’d performed as SiNN in a roomful of horny men. The hunger on Toby’s face stripped Lea further, leaving her no protection against what she knew he desired. Not yet ready to share her, Jake straightened and moved into Lea again, one hand on her breast, the other dipping to her pussy. Oh my God. Lea released her weight into him, her mouth sagging open as he ran his fingers down the length of her cleft, separating her lips, slick with arousal. This time, she lifted both arms, wreathing them behind Jake’s neck, allowing him whatever he willed. He did not disappoint. Squeezing her breast, he also concentrated on her cunt, easing two fingers inside her sheath. At the delicious pressure, Lea ground her buttocks against him, feeling his cock. Already it had grown thicker, stiffer, telling Lea that Jake would soon expect her to accommodate its impressive size. Against the constraint of her clothing, Lea parted her legs as much as she could, offering Jake her obedience and will. He flicked his left thumb over her nipple. With his right, he traced the contours of her pussy, her damp lips and clit. His first stroke on the hard bud sent Lea to her toes, where she remained for a long moment before sinking back down. Waves of pleasure rose from deep within her, reaching the tips of her fingers and the soles of her feet. Breathing hard, she whispered, “More.” Maintaining control, showing her who was boss, Jake stopped rubbing her nipple and only circled her nub, edging close, but not quite touching it. Lea brought down her arm and dug her fingers into his wrist. “Please!” she cried. “Rub—ahhhh.” She choked out a moan at his thumb sliding over her small rise of flesh, making it even more sensitive. Through a haze of pleasure, Lea watched Toby’s reaction to the shameless scene. His tie wiggled with his rapid breathing. If he gritted his teeth any harder, she figured he’d break a few.

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As though to taunt him as much as her, Jake stroked her clit lightly, maddeningly, urging her toward climax, while also denying it. Again, Lea pushed to her toes, this time coming down hard, her running shoes making smacking sounds on the floor. She whipped her head from side to side, freeing a bit of her hair from between her and Jake’s body. The thick tress slid over her shoulder. Her distress had no effect on Jake. Lazily, he explored and used her body. Each time she whimpered in protest, he stopped altogether, a reminder that the pace of her satisfaction was his to control. Hers to endure. When she let out a frustrated sigh, then muttered an oath, Jake nipped her lobe with his teeth, further chastising her. At last, Lea yielded fully, her brain reduced to mush, her will nonexistent. Jake paused a moment as though to test her. When Lea offered no resistance, plea, or demand, he moved his fingers within her sheath, withdrawing them slowly, only to burrow them back inside. His other hand left her breast and went to her clit, his fingers stroking it. She fought a shiver, afraid it would cause him to pause. He increased the pressure, rubbing harder, as though daring her to lose control so he could stop again, punishing her a bit more. Jaw clenched, Lea resisted, breathing as deeply as she was able, making certain she didn’t fist her fingers or tighten the muscles in her cunt. She didn’t want to give Jake any indication of her distress. He already knew. His fingers slowed, then stopped, his chest bumping into her back with his deep breath. Unable to stop herself, Lea mewed. “Quiet,” he ordered. Biting her lower lip, she obeyed and relaxed as much as she was able, a signal to him that she’d take whatever he imposed. If he demanded she wait all night for relief, she’d follow his lead. Perspiration dampened the hollow of her throat and the skin beneath her breasts. Warm air from the ceiling vents poured down on her, drying it. Brushing his lips over her cheek, Jake continued. Lea bit back a moan at his teasing strokes. For a long moment, she regarded Toby, knowing how whorish she must look, enjoying it. This was what she craved…unrestrained passion with no regret. This was what he would give her before their time together ended.

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Averse to thinking about their farewell, Lea delivered herself to whatever Jake willed, her lids sinking down. In the relative dark, she drifted, transformed from a woman on the run to a sensual creature made for a man’s cock, mouth, hands. Jake’s used her well. Her body weakened and tensed, uncertain of its direction, her climax edging near only to slide away. Time slowed to a crawl. Sounds faded. She smelled of her own need and Jake’s cum, the scents rich and musky. They sent her over the edge. On a bawdy cry, Lea came, gasping, then swallowing, only to gasp once more. Jake continued to rub her. Noooo. She couldn’t take it, her body was too sensitive, her nerves strung tight. Bringing down her other arm, she wrapped her fingers around his thick wrists. “Stop.” “No.” “Please.” Jake continued, brushing his fingertips over her nub. She tried to fight him, but he was far too strong. Within minutes, she’d climaxed again. Panting, Lea swallowed, her head hanging down. Jake pulled his fingers from her and moved back. She tried to open her eyes to see what he was doing, where he was going but could not. Her lids were too heavy. Her body too spent. Her knees started to give out, her only plan to sink to the floor and rest. “No,” Jake said, not allowing it. Already he’d moved in front of her. The sounds he made told her he’d dropped to his knees. “Put your hand on my shoulder.” Blindly, she obeyed, still breathing hard. As she used him for support, Jake untied her running shoes, directing Lea to lift one foot, then the other as he removed the shoes and her socks. He next guided her to step out of her jeans and panties. She heard the denim falling to her side. Back on his feet, Jake pulled her into him, his cock pressing against her cunt, the shaft rigid and thick. Lea knew there would be no denying him now. He was a man who would take his pleasure, using her for as long as he chose. The thought thrilled. She lifted her face to his. Jake swooped down, kissing her deeply. She groaned around his tongue, her hands grasping his biceps. More moisture seeped from her pussy, her body preparing for his intimate invasion, wanting him inside. Finished with their kiss, he eased back, his fingertips trailing down her cheek and over her bottom lip. 64

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The gesture was so unexpected and tender, Lea’s throat tightened with emotion. Giving him a smile, she smoothed his errant locks. “Don’t leave me,” Lea whispered before she knew she would. Something flashed across his face. Surprise? Bewilderment? Concern? Quickly, Jake pushed his emotions aside and kissed her again, fiercer this time. When Lea was breathless, he tore his mouth free of hers. With his arm around her waist, he led her to one of the sofas, no more than two feet from Toby. At an angle where the man would miss nothing of what would surely transpire…Jake taking her, fucking her raw until they were both satisfied, her cunt stinging, his cock sore. Lea’s heart snagged on a beat, then pumped violently at the wantonness of her thoughts. They were no match for reality. “On your knees,” Jake ordered, steel in his words. “Your arms on the sofa. Spread your legs wide, arch your back and lift your ass.” Lea pictured herself in the position he demanded. The image stole all of her of strength, not allowing her to remain standing even if she’d wanted. She sank to the floor, all too aware of Jake and Toby watching her. The sofa was low and she was tall, which made this the ideal location for Jake to take her. Assuming the stance she knew he and Toby craved, she lifted her ass, presenting it to them, her openings exposed, defenseless against their use. Neither man moved. Seconds ticked by. Warm air brushed against her damp pussy, heightening her nudity. Heat rushed to her chest, throat and face, stinging her skin. Lea dug her fingers into the sofa’s buttery leather. She wanted to look over, to see what they were doing, to tell them to fill her for God’s sake, but did not. She sensed they’d enjoy her complete submission more. She certainly did. More time dragged by. Lea waited, the pulse points in her temples pounding, her mouth going dry, her limbs growing heavy. The floorboards creaked beneath a man’s weight. Jake’s. Lea heard his naked feet slapping the floor. Apparently, he hadn’t given Toby permission to enjoy her. Unless Toby hadn’t yet decided to cross that line. Her fingers pressed into the leather. He would, dammit. She wouldn’t allow him to disappoint her. “Wider,” Jake ordered, his hands on her buttocks, spreading her cheeks. Forcing down a swallow, Lea spread her legs a bit more, no part of her hidden from him. Leisurely, Jake explored her, trailing his fingers down the seam between her cheeks, tracing the tight ring of her anus, continuing his journey to her cunt, slippery with her juices, her clit hard with unfulfilled need.

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Gulping air, Lea turned her face to the side. Past her curtain of hair, she saw Toby’s strained expression. It wasn’t a surprise, nor was the way he stared at Jake bathing the head of his cock in her moisture, running the crown up and down the full length of her cleft. Lea imagined what she looked like to Toby. Naked. Displayed. Available. The brazen picture pulled a moan from her. Toby’s attention shot to her face, then returned quickly to her ass. Both her openings. With one hand gripping her hip, Jake probed her pussy with the tip of his cock. The pressure was slight but stirring. Currents of sensation swept through her channel, tightening her inner muscles. That hardly deterred Jake. With one assured and powerful thrust, he entered Lea, his rigid cock tunneling through her hot, wet sheath, demanding entry, that her body shelter his. A rough groan spilled from her lips at Jake’s shaft stretching her cunt to the limit of its endurance. Her opening stung slightly. Lea welcomed it. Encouraged it. She wanted Jake to fuck her senseless. To make her forget what awaited her in the future. To stave off her grief at what she’d have to leave behind. Teeth clenched, she refused to think about anything bad, wanting only this. Jake held nothing back, pumping into her with unbridled lust, his balls smacking her ass. She lifted it so he could penetrate even deeper, as far as a man could go. In acknowledgment, surely in compensation, he slipped his hand between her legs, his fingers brushing her clit. The combination of his cock’s exquisite pressure and the unrelenting movement of his hand undid Lea, tensing her body, bringing her climax closer, closer. She fought it, wanting to drag the act out forever. All too quickly, she lost. Alternately gulping air and crying out, she was unable to stop the intense shudders racking her body. Lea’s pussy clutched Jake’s cock as he continued to drive himself into her, enduring for minutes, long past her climax before his bellows signaled his release. Beneath it, Lea heard Toby’s footfalls. She expected him to come closer, to take his turn before she had a chance to recover. His shoes tapped against the hardwood, the sounds receding as he moved away from her and Jake in the direction of the kitchen.

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Chapter Six In a back office, Cubrero sat next to the manager of The Second Circle, long closed for the evening. The burly young man looked wary, sweat glistening on his forehead and bristly upper lip. Smelling of too much designer cologne and fear, he pulled nervously on his cigarette. His taste for street drugs—coke to get high, weed to relax—had made him vulnerable to whatever his supplier wanted. Not that Cubrero had ever acted in that low-level capacity. Nor did the young man know who he really was. To him, Cubrero might have been one of the cartel’s middlemen or a trusted lieutenant or simply an enforcer. He twisted his pocketknife slowly in his hand, its blade glinting in the office’s hard light. While the manager watched the weapon, Cubrero regarded the recording of Lea’s performance tonight as SiNN. Sultry Latin music accompanied her graceful descent to the stage where she remained at her partner’s feet, arms around his muscular thigh, her face lifted to his. In the chairs nearest her, Cubrero saw himself. His head was bent to his cellphone, but he’d never stopped watching her body or what he could see of her face. A new angle replaced the old, the camera sweeping the crowd, those men behind the chairs. Cubrero leaned forward. Pointing his weapon’s blade at the monitor, he ordered, “Slow it down.” The manager moved so quickly, he knocked over his coffee cup. Murky liquid rolled over the papers on his desk. He froze at the mess. “Now,” Cubrero snapped. “I am. I am.” He slowed the recording’s speed until it moved frame by frame. “Point out the ones who aren’t regulars,” Cubrero instructed. “Make certain you’re correct.” The young man’s attention dropped to the knife, no longer pointed toward the screen, but at his gut. Sucking in a breath, he brought his smoke back to his lips, his hand trembling. Cubrero leaned back in his folding chair, concentrating on both the manager and the recording. “Him,” the young man said, his thick finger tapping the screen.

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The individual in question appeared to be in college, surely no more than twentyone. Too youthful, too powerless to have convinced Lea to go with him or to have had the audacity to end her call. Cubrero made no comment, his lengthening silence saying he wasn’t pleased. Adjusting his bulk, the manager leaned closer to the screen and pointed to the next face. “I’ve never seen him here before.” To Cubrero, this one dressed like a banker or a lawyer. Decidedly middle-aged, he was out of shape, his corpulent body disqualifying him as a candidate for law enforcement. He was also alone, not commenting to or noticing the men flanking him. Cubrero recalled Danielle’s words before he’d killed her. That Lea had been interested in two men tonight, not one. “Who else?” he demanded, his impatience growing. The manager’s gaze jerked to the knife. Cubrero stroked the blade slowly with his thumb, far preferring this weapon to a revolver or pistol equipped with a silencer. Each was a quiet killer, but there was something so intimate about a knife. A man could feel its steel sinking into his victim’s flesh, gutting him, releasing the warm gush of blood as— His thoughts paused at what he saw on the monitor. “There,” he said, staring at two men in the back. Both were tall, one looking to be in his early or mid-thirties, the other slightly younger. The dark man had longish hair, coppery skin and what appeared to be Native American features, while the other was blond and clean-cut. Given their proximity to each other, they appeared to be together. “Stop the tape,” he ordered. As it came to a halt, freezing on the two, Cubrero recalled what he’d heard on the other end of the line when he’d called Lea. “What are you doing?” a deep male voice had asked. Shifting his attention from one to the other, Cubrero tried to match the sound to them, thinking it fit the dark one. “Have you seen these two before?” he asked. The manager pulled on his cigarette, not noticing the ashes that fell to his tailored slacks. He glanced from Cubrero’s weapon to the recording. Blowing out a mouthful of smoke, he spoke cautiously, “No.” Cubrero couldn’t remember having seen them at the beginning of the tape. Had they come into the show after it started, let in by the bouncers who’d been loitering outside the door? Had they asked one of those men about Lea, learning that she’d decided to leave before her last performance? “Did any of the customers ask about SiNN tonight? Did your men mention that to you?”

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“Lots of guys ask about her and LuST and—” He stopped at Cubrero’s hard stare. “No one said anything to me.” “Start the recording again, run it at its slowest speed.” The manager complied. Just as Cubrero had suspected, the two men weren’t in the audience at the beginning of the show. They’d come into the room later. Immediately, the dark one had stared at Lea’s performance. The blond did too, but only after he’d scanned the patrons as though he was searching for someone. Me? No doubt. They’d been here tonight to tell Lea of her father’s murder, warning her that she was next, then took her into protective custody to prevent it. A flush of heat rose to Cubrero’s chest and throat, his temper building at how they’d outmaneuvered him, though not for long. He regarded the dark one who watched Lea with more than a bit of lust on his face, while the blond wore a look of concern. Because it wasn’t protocol for his partner to want a woman they were supposed to protect? Cubrero studied their clothing, searching for a hint of the weapons they surely carried. “Print a copy of this frame,” he ordered, pointing his knife at the screen. “I’m not certain how to do that.” Cubrero’s fingers fisted around his weapon. “I’ll figure it out,” the manager said quickly, all hesitation and excuses gone. “Let me turn on the printer.” Its hum filled the silence along with his nervous throat clearing. Enjoying the man’s fear, Cubrero considered who in law enforcement would be able to help him identify the men, no doubt Phoenix detectives or U.S. Marshals. With what he paid his informants—with what they knew he’d do to them and their families if opposed—he’d soon know everything. His hands would be on Lea’s body and then around her throat. Just as gutting a man was so very personal, strangling a woman also satisfied. He pictured Lea staring at him in helpless horror, knowing her life was about to end. Content with his fantasy, Cubrero waited for the manager to print out the recording’s frame. Tentatively, the young man came around his desk, holding out a sheaf of papers. “Here you go. I made several copies.” Standing, Cubrero took them, regarding the picture’s quality. Not the best, but it would have to do. Without comment, he laid them on a filing cabinet next to a copy of Penthouse, dog-eared from so much use. “I could do them in black and white too, if you want,” the manager offered.

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“No.” He grabbed the young man’s wrist. “Hey! What are you—” Cubrero twisted the fool’s arm, interrupting his protest, using surprise and rage to force his hand down to the desk. With one brutal slice of his knife’s highly sharpened blade, Cubrero cut through flesh and cartilage, then with a hard twist separated the bones of the thumb, severing it. The manager’s eyes rounded in disbelief, his mouth hanging open for a scream that hadn’t yet come, the pain still seconds away. Long before the agony arrived, Cubrero’s free hand was around the young man’s throat, keeping him from making any sound. “You tell no one about my visit tonight,” he warned. “You tell no one what I asked.” He dug his fingers into the young man’s fleshy neck to assure that he was listening and understood. The manager choked out an anguished groan. His bulky body shivered. Tears filled his eyes. Savoring the terror he saw, Cubrero continued softly, “You say one word, I’ll return for your other thumb and your balls. I won’t kill you. I’ll just make you wish you were dead.” He released him and stepped back, not wanting to get blood on his suit. The young man crumpled to the floor, curling into a fetal position, cradling his injured hand to his chest. Spearing the severed thumb with his knife, Cubrero grabbed his copies and left the cramped office, indifferent to the man’s pained howl. Hunched in front of his laptop, Toby heard footfalls coming toward the kitchen. His fingers stalled on the keyboard. Abruptly, the steps stopped. Lea’s muffled voice drifted toward this room, followed by Jake’s, their conversation too muted for Toby to understand. Shit. A mixture of anticipation and dread, hunger and annoyance ran through him, the stew of emotions making Toby hot, then cold, then hot once more. Was Lea coming in here to invite him to join her and Jake or to challenge him as she had in the front room? Toby frowned at the memory, cursing himself for wanting her. It was nuts. He knew that. And Jake sure as fuck did too. That hadn’t stopped him from stripping her bare or driving his cock into her cunt with a right she’d given him. Quicker than he would have liked, Toby remembered Lea on her knees in front of the sofa, her body bent in submission, her hair fanned out over her shoulders and back. He recalled the mole on her right forearm and the one just above her buttocks. Her

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cheeks were deliciously rounded, her skin smooth and flawless with youth. With her legs parted, she’d displayed her body shamelessly, showing him her naked cunt. Wanting him to see it. Damn her. Damn you for wanting what you shouldn’t have. He swallowed at his memory of her female flesh, flushed with arousal, plump with need, her opening so wet and inviting. So fucking tight and warm. Like a voyeur, he hadn’t been able to look away. He’d stared at Jake’s rigid cock disappearing into her bit by bit. He’d listened to Lea’s throaty moans, no doubt at the pressure of Jake’s size. Had that excited her? Is that what she wanted from a man—raw, rough sex with no degree of tenderness? She hadn’t complained. When their bodies had finally touched and Jake had buried all of himself inside of her, Toby forgot to breathe. He’d imagined Jake’s pleasure to be his, the thrill of her narrow channel hugging, squeezing his rod. He’d coveted her moisture glistening on Jake’s shaft as the man had pulled back, releasing himself until only his crown remained inside, then plunged into her once more. The footfalls resumed, their advance recorded on the hardwood floor that creaked beneath the individual’s weight. Given the sounds and the length of the strides, they belonged to Jake, not Lea. He entered the kitchen, his naked feet slapping the Mexican pavers. Toby kept his attention on his laptop’s screen, his thoughts on the front room. Lea bent over the sofa, Jake taking and using her from behind. Toby’s erection strained against the confinement of his briefs. His balls hurt like they had when he’d been a virginal teen and couldn’t masturbate enough to calm down. He wanted to readjust his weight, but refused to move, not wanting Jake to notice him. Yeah right. Like he was as invisible in this room as he’d been out there when they’d been going at it like two porn stars. Fuck. What was he going to do for the rest of this night and tomorrow and all the other days here? More importantly, what were they going to do? Toby wasn’t certain he could take another Jake and Lea show. Yawning, Jake stopped short of the kitchen table. Toby didn’t look up. In his peripheral vision, he saw Jake scratching his ass, so fucking at ease with what he’d just done, so casual about every goddamn thing. From the beginning of their partnership, Toby had admired Jake’s mellow attitude, wanting to be more like him. Never the cool kid, teenager or adult, he knew he was too uptight and kept trying to change.

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His most recent attempt had occurred last week on his first date with a pretty young woman he’d met at a conference. At the time, he’d tried to emulate Jake’s effortless charm, telling himself that was how he wanted to be. Tonight though, all Toby continued to experience was mounting irritation. Was Jake actually going to deliver Lea’s invitation that they all get it on, fucking their brains out with no regard to the future since she’d clearly given up on it? Was he going to say that Lea desired him as much as she obviously liked Jake? Toby frowned. Did he want that? Would he believe it? On a new yawn, Jake asked, “Where are your plates and utensils?” Toby glanced up, instantly noticing Jake’s cock, still damp with Lea’s moisture, the evidence of her lust. “My what?” “Stuff you use to help you eat,” Jake explained, pushing his fingers through his hair, dragging it away from his face. His hair was too fucking long for a marshal, his damn attitude too pissing blasé. “You’re going to eat?” Although Toby hadn’t meant it to, his question sounded like an accusation. Unfazed, Jake went to the refrigerator, its mahogany façade identical to the cabinets. “Yeah. I’m probably going to breathe on occasion too.” He opened the door, peering at the jugs of milk, bottles of juice, designer water, beer and no end of food. “I understand it’s necessary to stay alive.” “Like fucking is?” “Nope.” He pulled out a tray of cold cuts and cheese Toby had thought to get, stocking the fridge to bursting once he’d known they’d be bringing Lea here, staying with her for a few days. Not forever. Just a short period of time. Placing the tray on the rustic table, Jake looked at him. “Fucking’s for pleasure. You should give it a try sometime.” “You should put some of your energy into protecting her.” Jake nibbled on a slice of hard salami. “We’re here, aren’t we? I saw you setting the security system the second we arrived.” He finished the meat and chose a wedge of cheddar cheese. “Did you think we’d be hanging out on the roof all night dressed like ninjas, Uzis drawn, ready to fire on whatever the hell approached?” Jake grinned. “That’s only done in the movies. Right?” Toby pushed back in his chair and spoke quietly, so Lea wouldn’t hear, “What you’re doing with her is nuts and even you must know it.” Jake’s grin disappeared. He popped the wedge of cheese into his mouth and talked around it. “Lea’s not complaining, so why are you?” Toby spoke through his teeth, “I don’t want anything to compromise this operation, her safety or our careers.” Jake studied him a moment, then focused on the food, choosing a slice of prosciutto. 72

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“You want her as badly as I do,” Jake said, continuing before Toby could deny it with his lie. “She’s like no woman you’ve ever known. Believe me, I understand. It’s not just the way she looks, which is fucking amazing. She’s a good person, as lonely as both of us have been, her past as fucked up. Maybe that’s what made for such a fast connection between her and me—and you. I don’t know. I don’t goddamn care. In a few days, she’s going to be gone. I, for one, want what she has to offer while she’s still here.” “Of course you do,” Toby shot back. “You’ve already proven it.” Jake accepted the rebuke with a shrug. “Just so you know, I also want to make her feel safe beyond what our promises, badges and our weapons can do. If you don’t, that’s your decision. I respect it.” He returned to the refrigerator, pulling out two bottles of Corona, Dijon mustard and a jar of pickles, placing the condiments on the tray. Finding napkins and the bottle opener in a drawer, Jake tossed them on top of everything else. With the tray and beers in hand, he headed out of the kitchen, stopping at the doorway. “It’s all right for you to be human,” he said quietly. “We’re not super heroes, Toby. Even if we were, that’s not what Lea needs tonight or during the few days she’s with us. She wants us to care. To give her a sense of belonging. The kind you and I never really had.” Toby’s jaw tightened. He struggled to keep himself from saying something sarcastic or tearing into Jake for bringing up his past. Toby never should have shared it. That time of his life was over, done with, having nothing to do with now. At his silence, Jake added, “Do yourself a favor, loosen your tie, relax and think about what I’ve said.” With no further comment, he padded back toward the front room. Lea. She heard Jake’s approach, disappointed but not surprised that Toby wasn’t with him. Although Lea hadn’t heard the particulars of their conversation, she recognized the terseness in Toby’s words and appreciated the smoothness of Jake’s responses. He wouldn’t leave her tonight. He’d be at her side as long as she wanted. Already that was more time than Lea knew Jake could possibly give. Her craving for him was already bone-deep, contradicting the few hours they’d been together. A part of her understood how the uncertainty of her future made her hunger for his solid strength. However, it was also more than that. For a big guy, so used to giving orders, he’d been amazingly tender after they’d made love, as though she really mattered. He’d stroked her breast, his touch searching, not clumsy with fatigue…loving, not randy. As he remained inside of her, he’d left a trail of kisses on the back of her neck and shoulder, then asked if she was okay, his tone sounding genuinely concerned.

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Before he left for the kitchen, he’d cupped her face in his palms, kissed her forehead gently and murmured, “I won’t be gone long. No more than a few minutes. All right?” He knew how she worried and seemed to want to put her at ease. Her heart beat triple time in expectation and longing as he came around the sofa. His hair was mussed, wayward locks hanging over his forehead and grazing his stubbled cheeks. His tattoo—so virile it weakened every part of Lea—was still no match for the rest of his lean, muscled body. She wanted to lick his dark nipples, to squeeze his well-toned pecs, press her mouth to his pendulous sex and hairy thighs, run her fingers up his sinewy calves. It took all of her will to remain as she was, glad that she had. Jake wore a look of pleasant surprise at how she’d positioned herself for his return. With her back against the sofa, she had one arm stretched the length of the cushion, the other draped over her head to fully expose her breasts. Not wanting to keep the rest of herself hidden from him, she’d parted her legs, bending the one farthest from him at the knee. Immediately, his interest dropped to her cunt, damp with his ejaculate. A stirring reminder of what they’d done. A promise of what they’d continue. At least for a few days. Uncertainty and melancholy edged close. Lea pushed both emotions aside, determined to enjoy her time here. Lowering her arm, she ran her fingers over her thigh to her cleft, slowly drawing her forefinger up its length. Her clit was still wonderfully sensitive, her opening still stinging from his cock’s size. Jake placed their meal on the end table, then dropped to his knees beside her, brushing her hand away. “My job,” he murmured. He did it so freaking well, stroking the soft petals between her legs, his fingers exploring all that he’d already had, all that he’d claim again. She sighed in response, proving she was a woman in serious lust. He did her one better, kissing Lea deeply, tenderly, with what felt like affection, not merely passion. It was the most loving gift any man had ever given Lea. Moved beyond words, she rested her hand on Jake’s cheek, running her thumb over his bristly jawline as their tongues played with each other, both of them wanting to control the kiss. Jake wouldn’t allow her to have the upper hand. He filled her so completely Lea was hard-pressed to produce a moan that either of them would hear. She surrendered without pause, as she knew she would, giving him all that she had, precisely what they both desired. At last, Jake brought his hand from her cleft to her belly, placing his damp fingers on the gentle curve of flesh. Pulling his mouth free, he pressed his cheek to hers and whispered, “Hungry?”

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She smiled at the innuendo in his question. “I could eat.” Turning her face into his, she kissed his temple and added, “Just as soon as I dip your cock in the mustard.” He laughed. “That’s not going to happen.” “Why? You chicken?” She ran her fingers down his hot, hard torso. His muscles jumped beneath her touch. “Scared it might sting?” “Only for you when I fuck you again. And I will. Hard and long. ‘Til you can’t take any more.” A pleasurable shiver crept up Lea’s spine at the scene his words created. Jake using her until she begged for a bit of rest, with him not granting it, probing all of her openings with his cock and fingers. She breathed, “I had no idea you were such a prick.” His shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. “Believe it.” Reaching over, he pulled the cocktail table closer. Its legs scraped against the floor, causing the beer bottles to hit each other with a faint clink. In the kitchen, a cabinet slammed, followed by another. Lea glanced that way, then looked at Jake. He was regarding their food as though the racket hadn’t happened. Speaking quietly, she asked, “Is Toby all right?” Another slam. This time, it sounded like a drawer. Jake shrugged. “Maybe he can’t find the stuff either.” “What stuff?” “Plates, utensils.” He opened both Coronas, handing her one, then dropped a napkin on her thigh and the next on his. “I gave up looking for them.” She took a sip and swallowed. “What did Toby say while you were in there?” Jake bit into a slice of provolone, chewed, then washed the food down with a swig of beer. “He was working on his report.” About her? Probably. Sucking her lower lip, Lea peeked in the direction of the kitchen, then turned to Jake and kept her tone subdued, “Will he mention what happened between you and me?” Surprise flickered across his face. “Toby may be by the book, but he’s also the most loyal man I know.” “You care deeply about him.” Jake’s beer bottle stopped short of his lips. “We’re partners, Lea.” His dismissive tone and neutral expression didn’t fool her. She sensed Jake worried about Toby as much as he did about her, no matter his casual attitude. She suspected the two men were as close as siblings. Wanting to ask Jake about his past, figuring he’d dance around it, she instead concentrated on Toby, eager to know about him too. “What’s his story?” When Jake didn’t answer immediately, Lea added, “He’s obviously wealthy, thanks to his mother. I mean, just look at this place.” 75

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off.

“Yeah, it’s really something,” he mumbled. “Too bad that’s all she gave him.” His disdain surprised Lea. “They weren’t close as he was growing up?” Frowning, he dug his thumbnail into the edge of his bottle’s label, trying to peel it

“None of my business?” she asked. Jake sighed. “It’s personal shit.” “You’re right. I should ask Toby.” “Hold it right there.” Jake clamped his free hand around her wrist, keeping Lea from continuing to her feet. “Not a good idea.” Of course, it wasn’t, but Lea figured it might prod Jake into telling her what he knew about the man. “If he doesn’t want to talk, that’s cool.” Leaning over, she put her beer bottle on the cocktail table. “I’ll come right back in here.” That didn’t get Jake to loosen his grip. With his attention darting between the kitchen and her, he said, “His mother wasn’t around, all right?” Lea sank to the floor. “Why? She clearly had the means to take care of him.” Bringing back his hand, Jake selected a thin roll of turkey. “Means doesn’t translate into willingness, at least for her. Toby lived with his dad and only saw her when she wasn’t filming, which wasn’t often.” “Filming?” “She was a movie star. Maybe they call it a film star now.” Jake lifted his shoulders as though he didn’t know or care. “Won an Oscar for To This I Bring and Dead Man’s Cove. Maybe others, I can’t recall.” Lea couldn’t hide her surprise. “Rebecca Holmes was Toby’s mother? I didn’t even know she had any children.” “Exactly.” Jake opened the Dijon, dipping his roll of turkey into it. “When he graduated from high school, he asked her to come to the ceremony. She hadn’t made any of his other stuff, Little League and things like that, but she promised him she’d be there when he got his diploma.” Shaking his head, Jake put the jar of mustard on the cocktail table. “She never showed. Said she’d been in a minor car accident and had hurt her back and was in too much pain to walk or sit up. Toby later found out she’d gone under the knife for an overhaul on her looks and the surgery wasn’t as good as she’d hoped. She didn’t want her fans to see her looking less than perfect, so she blew off her son instead.” Oh no. Lea thought of Toby in the kitchen alone, writing his report, refusing to come into this room and take a chance on what she knew he wanted. With a mother like that, no wonder he was so cautious with people and comfortable with rules. When it came to protocol and directives, he knew exactly what to expect. “How awful for him.” “He was better off without her. It was her loss. Not his.” Jake licked a smear of mustard from his finger. “He’s a good man. Professionally, he’s one of the best deputies I’ve ever known. Even better than his father.” 76

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“His dad’s in the service too?” “Was. He’s retired now.” “Thanks.” Taking a wedge of cheddar cheese from Jake, Lea nibbled on it, unable to stop her gratified moan. Unlike the processed crap she was used to eating, this was the real deal. Creamy, sharp and expensive. “How in the world did a marshal end up with Rebecca Holmes?” “The usual way. She met him while doing research for one of her films. They divorced shortly after Toby’s second birthday. When she remarried the following year, she had his dad take full custody. Said her film schedule made it too difficult to have a kid around.” “Poor little guy.” His broad shoulders lifted in another shrug. “It happens.” “Did his dad remarry?” “About a year after his mom. Had several kids too. All boys.” Lea had a fair idea of what that meant. “Toby got lost in the shuffle?” “He managed. He’s good at being on his own.” No, he wasn’t. Not anymore than Jake. He was as lonely, as wanting as Toby. Unable to help herself, Lea eased back his hair, then rested her fingertips on his cheek. He paused in mid-chew and finished his bite slowly. Leaning close, she murmured, “What’s your story, Jake?” Wariness darkened his expression. He regarded the tray of food, opting for grabbing the jar of pickles rather than answering her. Lea brought back her hand, figuring she should stop being so nosy, but couldn’t. She ached to know about him. What had made him the man he was. What could soothe his damaged heart in the short time they had. “Did your mom divorce your father?” she asked. “Did she give up custody of you too?” He smiled. It looked both amused and sad. “Not even close.” “She raised you then.” Putting the top to the side, Jake pulled out one of the spears. It crunched between his teeth. “She gave me everything she could.” He chewed and swallowed. “Everything my stepfather would allow. When she returned to the reservation, she had their marriage to worry about. It wasn’t easy for her.” He took another bite of the pickle. “It isn’t easy for a lot of people there.” Lea could only imagine the poverty, along with the outrage and hopelessness accompanying it. She’d felt her own growing up in foster care. At times, she and Danielle hadn’t had enough to eat even though the state required it. Rarely had they had anything pretty to wear. Always they lacked a parent’s protection and love.

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Touching his tattoo, she asked, “What about your biological dad? Didn’t he help at all?” Jake looked at her, but said nothing. Lea sensed he was trying to gauge her reaction, what she might think if he told her about himself. Her first thought was to coax him to do so. Her next was to wait until he was ready. At last, he sighed loudly. “Yeah, he helped a lot of people, but not my mother. He was white, one of those do-gooders who’s going to save the world. That’s how they met. He’d helped my mother get a job in Phoenix. His foundation was going to send her to college, get her started on the proverbial American Dream. For my mother, it didn’t include his offer to divorce his wife and leave his kids so he could marry her when she became pregnant with me. When I located him years later and told him I was his son, I swear he looked at me with more derision than my stepfather ever had. Until that moment, I didn’t think such a thing was possible.” Although his expression and tone were neutral, as though he were testifying in court rather than speaking of a painful past, Lea still heard his lingering hurt. “I’m so sorry.” Jake shook his head, sending his hair tumbling back over his forehead. “No need to be. I did all right. An athletic scholarship got me away from my stepfather and put me through college.” “Your mom must have been very proud.” He smiled. It was so unexpected and innocent, Lea knew she’d never forget it or him. “Yeah, she was,” he said, then cleared his throat. “Bragged about me so much, her friends and relatives started avoiding her.” “She never left the reservation?” He capped the jar of pickles, pushing it aside. “When I was first hired by the service, I offered to buy her a house wherever she wanted, but she told me not to worry about her. She was okay.” The haunted look on his face told Lea otherwise. “Did your stepfather hurt—” “Oh shit no.” Jake’s fingers tightened into fists. “If he had, he knew I would have torn him apart with my bare hands. The SOB never touched her. She got sick…she was already sick when I offered to give her whatever she wanted.” He paused to swallow. “The oncologist gave her a year. She lasted four months.” Oh God. Lea slipped her arms over his shoulders, pulling him into her. “I am so very sorry,” she whispered, her mouth to his ear. “I wish it could have been different for you and her.” He inhaled deeply and spoke on a sigh, “It’s okay, Lea. It happened years ago.” But he still missed her, she heard it in his words, saw it in his eyes. The little boy in Jake yearned for his mother as much as Toby still did for his…as much as Lea had all 78

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those years in foster care. They were three of a kind. Solitary, lonely people who’d never had a real home or the kind of family they needed. Snuggling close, she pressed her face against Jake’s neck, comforted and thrilled by his scent. Along with his cologne, he now smelled of her. “Hey.” He wound his arms around her torso, his palms flattened against her back. “You okay?” She wanted to be, but what she faced in the coming days without him and Toby kept bearing down on her. Desperate to push it away, to bury it beneath pleasure, she whispered, “Hungry.” To show him how much, Lea pressed her lips to his throat, her tongue stroking the bristles of his beginning beard. Jake’s hands paused in their stroking. “No, don’t stop,” she murmured. “Don’t hold back. Do whatever you want with me.”

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Chapter Seven Lea’s wanton invitation, the way she cuddled close, her warm, fragrant body made Jake greedy for everything she could give. On a faint growl, he drove his fingers through her hair, using it to tilt her face to his so he could look at her. Her eyes remained closed in expectation of his kiss. Her bottom lip was puffy from his previous passion, her cheeks reddened from his stubble, warning him to take it easy with her. Her remembered words contradicted his concern, telling him to do whatever he wanted. Had any woman in his past offered as much? Had any of them trusted him so completely? For that alone, Jake was determined to be gentle, worthy of her faith in him. He brushed his mouth over hers, smelling beer on her breath. It would be a long time before that scent failed to return memories of this night…her nudity, her willingness to give him everything he desired. Inhaling deeply at his touch, Lea parted her lips. With great care, Jake ran his tongue over her heated, moist flesh, tasting a bit of the cheddar cheese she’d eaten. She’d taken so little of the food when he’d wanted her to have it all. Drawing his tongue into her mouth, she pursed her lips around it and suckled. Not too fast. Not too slow. Just right. As though she’d always known what he required. Without meaning to, Jake moaned, his fingers tightening on her scalp, his free arm crushing her body to his, his tongue going as deep as it could. She accepted each of his actions with lusty whimpers, telling him she hungered for more. His restraint crumbled. Kissing her more savagely than he’d intended, Jake still couldn’t get enough. He feared he’d never be satisfied unless he reached into her mind, heart and soul, becoming such an intimate part of her she’d never be able to forget him. At least until too many days, months and years had passed with her living in some distant state and city, taken from him so the service could protect her from Cubrero. At the thought, Jake increased his hold on her. She offered no protest, instead coaxing more of his tongue inside, her hands clasping his face, biceps and back. Her response wicked and wild. So completely Lea. Or was it SiNN? What did it matter? For the moment, she was his.

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Groaning harshly, Jake ended their kiss, knowing exactly what he had to do now. He wrapped his fingers around Lea’s wrists, using his hold on her and his body to push her to the floor. A sexy smile curled her lips. “What now?” In answer, Jake held her wrists above her head in one hand and used his other to explore her breasts. Her nipples peaked instantly beneath his rough touch, the tips poking his palm as he squeezed her as hard as he dared. Arching her back, Lea murmured, “More.” Who was he to refuse her? What man could? Without expecting to, Jake thought of Toby. How he continued to deny himself and Lea when he should be in here, giving her everything she wanted and surely needed tonight. Her father’s choices had fucked Lea before she’d known what life and family were all about and now the world she’d built for herself was no more, while her future would consist of always looking over her shoulder, always wondering. Is that Cubrero? Is that? Will he find me today? Will he use a gun or a knife or his bare hands to kill me? The SOB would never give up. He’d continue to stalk her as predictably as every other psychopath did with his prey. “More,” she urged. Brought back to the moment…to her…Jake flicked his thumb over her nipple and squeezed her breast without restraint. The way Lea gulped air told Jake how much she liked his uncivil play. When she managed a moan, Jake kissed her once more, thrusting his tongue deeply inside. The moment he ended their kiss, she made a noise of disapproval. He paid her no heed. There was simply too much he longed to do to be satisfied with mere necking. Releasing her wrists, Jake pushed up until he was sitting on his heels. “Scoot over to the left.” She opened one eye. “Your left or mine?” Given that her left meant running into the sofa, Jake arched one brow at her sass. “Just do it.” With the grace she’d shown as SiNN, Lea eased her body in the direction he wanted and toward the cocktail table. Jake shoved it farther away, not caring how its legs scraped over the hardwood floor and made the beer bottles rattle. Could be the noise would bring Toby in here where he also belonged. Not waiting to see whether that would happen, Jake directed Lea into the center of the space he’d created. “Comfortable?” he asked. She adjusted her ass and shoulders. “It’s a little hard.”

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sex.

“But not hard enough for you, huh?” he shot back. Her attention dropped to his cock, already erect and greedy for more. “We’ll see.” Jake liked her breathy tone, the distraction he saw on her face as she regarded his

Unwilling to make Lea wait for it or to police himself, Jake turned his back to her, then straddled her body. Looking over his shoulder, he caught her surprise and pleasure. “Come here,” she purred, settling her hands on the backs of his thighs, sliding her fingers over his ass, separating his cheeks. That part of his body was so sensitive, so unused to a woman’s hand, Jake could barely stand it. A deep groan rumbled in his throat. “You like?” she asked. It took all of Jake’s will not to shiver at the sensations racing through him. “Oh yeah.” “Good.” With one hand she explored the groove between his cheeks, heading for his anus while her other cupped his balls and stroked his rod. He shivered in satisfaction. “Back up a little more,” she ordered, directing him closer to her mouth. He did as she asked, then propped his weight on his elbows and wrapped his arms around her thighs, keeping them parted. Her musky fragrance wafted up, quickening his pulse. It was no match for her tongue licking his cock. Jake jerked in response. It didn’t stop her. Oh no. More than encouraged, Lea tongued his crown and fondled his balls. Holy mother fuck. His scalp tingled, followed by a wave of warmth that reached every part of his body and made his head too damn heavy to keep up. He lowered it between his shoulders and caught another whiff of Lea’s scent. Earthy with the fragrance of sex, light and sweet from the melon perfume she wore. Both called to the male within Jake, as did her cunt. He marveled at her bare skin, so sleek and smooth, the absence of hair showing him all of her contours, every hidden area…the gentle curve of her vulva, her dark pink vaginal lips plump with pleasure, her opening dewy and inviting. Before he could look his fill, Lea eased his cock into her mouth. Jake clenched his jaw to stop from bellowing at the intense heat, the indescribable feelings she’d generated. Unaware or indifferent to how she was tormenting him, Lea gripped his ass, bringing Jake closer until she’d contained his full length within her mouth, just as she had earlier. When there wasn’t any more for Lea to take, she drew her tongue up the side of his rod.

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He tried to swallow, but could not. Breathing was an activity he’d probably have to relearn. His cock was so fucking hard his skin burned, his body demanding release…when he hadn’t come close to satisfying Lea. Hell, he hadn’t yet touched or licked her. What is the matter with you? He knew better. And he would prove it with Lea. She wasn’t a woman he’d ever use or one he’d leave wanting. By God, if it killed him, he’d do right by her. With the same measure of will it had taken Jake to survive his stepfather’s abuse, he put all of his energy into Lea’s pleasure rather than his own. Bringing his mouth to her deliciously naked cunt, he flicked his tongue over her clit. Her lips went slack around his cock. That’s it, baby, let me take care of you. He was going to show Lea how much discipline he possessed, how badly he wanted her. With slow, measured licks, he teased her nub, measuring his success by her inattention to him. At one point, her mouth relaxed so much he could have easily pulled his rod from her—if not for her nails digging into his ass. The more Jake aroused Lea, the deeper she pressed. He suspected she’d already drawn blood and didn’t fucking care how much he bled. All that mattered to him was driving her crazy with desire, pushing her toward climax. She fought it, managing to work his cock with her mouth, swirling her tongue around the crown when it was the only part of him still inside her. His body tensed. He battled the torrent of heat travelling from his groin to his chest. He wanted to come more than he ever had with any other woman, but he ignored his own release and concentrated on hers, licking her slow, then fast, tracing the area around her clit with his tongue, only to touch it once more. His erratic moves did the trick. Releasing him from her mouth, Lea gasped at her climax, she moaned, then whimpered, a cacophony of sounds telling Jake more than words ever could. He’d given her a moment of joy. For him, it wasn’t enough. He had to offer more before she left and was alone again. Surrounded by people she didn’t know. Individuals who wouldn’t care or worry about her. Releasing her thighs, Jake moved quickly before her breathing calmed. Once turned to face her, he settled between her legs. Twice, Lea tried to open her lids. Twice, she failed. On her third attempt, she managed to part them a crack as Jake brought his cock to her opening, then plunged inside. Her features recorded the pressure Jake knew she experienced, while the feeling of being so deep within her, held so fucking tight, damn near caused his head to swim. Warning himself not to go too fast, to draw this out and give Lea the fuck of her life, he pumped unhurriedly, his movements deliberately prolonged.

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Lea’s brows drew together. Gripping his arm, she dug her nails into his tattoo. “Faster.” Not a chance. With his free hand, he ran his thumb over her clit. She heaved in a breath, then huffed it out. “Please,” she begged. Jake knew what she needed, what they both did, so he ignored her. Lea’s cheeks darkened with her increasing arousal. She mouthed something so low, he couldn’t hear. Her head thrashed from side to side. Through it all, he pumped and stroked. Sweat dampened the back of his neck and chest. It was all he could do to maintain his steady pace. But he would. He wanted to see her break first. Her halting breaths signaled the end. As she cried out wildly, then softly, Jake pumped faster, his fingers matching the tempo as they tended to her nub. She came harder than she had earlier, her body trembling beneath his, proving the depth of her enjoyment, her cunt pulsing, sucking him deeper. Only then did Jake allow himself release, growling his joy, lowering himself to his elbows so he wouldn’t collapse on top of her. For minutes, all he heard was the blood rushing in his ears and their noisy breathing. When Lea’s quieted a bit, Jake looked down, surprised she was already watching him. Her expression was so peaceful, so guileless, he smiled. She returned it, then yawned. “Tired?” he murmured, kissing her cheek, moist with perspiration. Lea wrapped her legs around his hips. “Don’t pull out. Not yet.” Jake hadn’t intended to. “Hold on.” “Why—oh.” She inhaled sharply as he rolled them over until she was on top and he was still inside. “Go on,” he said, caressing her gently. “Sleep.” “Like this?” She yawned again, her damp lips brushing his skin. “I’m too heavy.” She was just right, and one day some man would be lucky enough to experience her beauty, warmth and incredible sass. Jake sensed he’d miss her teasing the most. It made him feel special, as though she’d saved her feistiness just for him. He hugged her gratefully, but it didn’t stop his wave of sorrow or the reality of their situation. Toby was right. He was nuts for doing this. Not that Jake could stop. He simply had to have these few days as much as he knew Lea did. Driven to keep the moment light, he teased, “How much do you weigh? One-eighty? Two hundred? Two-ten?” She’d gone very still on top of him.

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Fighting a smile, he murmured, “Come on, give up the goods. I swear I’ll make certain it stays classified.” Lea muttered something beneath her breath, then said, “Don’t you already know? You did investigate me, right?” Not her weight or her gutsy nature or her giving heart. Unwilling to tell her that, Jake said, “You weigh practically nothing and you know it. Now be quiet and sleep.” Playfully, he swatted her ass. “Aw, damn,” she purred, “do that again.” “Later,” he said, stifling his own yawn, determined to stay awake until she’d drifted off, wanting to give her a feeling of safety and protection. “Promise?” she asked. “Only if you keep quiet.” At last she did, nestling close, her hand over his heart, her lips to his throat. Within minutes, she breathed quietly, finally asleep. Tightening his hold on her, Jake struggled against his own fatigue, not ready for the evening to end just yet, his mind returning to their earlier pleasure. He smiled at the memory of Lea taking his balls in her mouth, exploring his anus, pleasuring him in ways no other female had. Hell, he was no altar boy and what she’d done surprised him. Did she know even more carnal moves that he couldn’t imagine? Where had she learned them? What did it matter? He didn’t care about her past. His thoughts drifted to the future…hopeless territory. Jake imagined them back in Phoenix in an apartment drenched with sunlight, all the blinds opened because they had nothing to fear. He pictured Lea standing at the stove frying bacon and making cinnamon rolls, homey stuff except for how she looked. Wondrously nude, her only adornment was the diamond in her navel and the delicate chains she’d sported as SiNN. With each breath, the body jewelry rolled over her flesh, sparkling like glitter dust. Giving him a smile, she asked, “Hungry?” In more ways than she imagined. The kitchen table creaked beneath her weight as Jake sat her on the edge of it, directing Lea to lie back and spread her thighs. She lifted her arms above her head, sending a plate clattering away from her. Utensils fell to the floor. He burrowed into her snug, damp heat, unable to stop the fury with which he had to take her. No matter how deep he went, how much he pumped, it wasn’t enough. Jake needed more. They came together as he knew they would. She clung to him throughout, her desire exactly what he’d been searching for all of his life without realizing how lonely he’d been. 85

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He blurted, “I can’t let you go.” She said nothing. “Didn’t you hear me?” he asked, frightened suddenly, needing her answer, her recognition of his desire. “I won’t leave you. I can’t.” The bacon popped, sounding like gunfire. Cubrero. Instantly, Jake’s eyes snapped open. Even with his panic, he realized he’d fallen asleep, his dream dissolving beneath continuing dread. Something he’d heard. What? He pushed to his elbows, only then realizing Lea was no longer lying on him. A quick glance told him she wasn’t anywhere in the room. Shit. Where had she gone? On his feet, Jake stared at the morning light streaming through the immaculate windows, past pines taller than a three-story house. The scent of bacon and what smelled like cinnamon rolls drew him toward the kitchen. Had Lea gone in there to make them breakfast? Where the hell was Toby? Was he in there with her? Had they finally connected? No. Dressed in faded jeans and a white Polo shirt, Toby had his back to Jake. A spatula hung limply in his right hand as he faced the kitchen window, ignoring the food he was cooking. Jake padded to him.”Where is she?” Toby inclined his head to the right. Scrubbing his face with his hands, Jake looked outside. Naked, Lea stood at the edge of the Olympic-sized pool, regarding it and the rock formations in the distance, the buttes blushing incredible shades of scarlet beneath the heavy sun. Silhouetted against the hard blue sky, several birds rode air currents, circling higher, higher. Splashes of yellow, pink, white and purple blossoms brightened the shadows on the ground, the colorful flowers opening in the quickly warming air. It was an undeniably magnificent view, though no match for Lea. Jake padded closer, his fingertips resting on the window, wanting to touch her instead. Beams of light filtered past the massive pines to shine on her, bringing out the coppery highlights in her hair. The silky strands draped her shoulders, the ends resting on the upper swell of her breasts. As alarmed as Jake had been a moment before, he was as horny now, his cock wanting inside her again. Given Toby’s strained breathing, he was feeling the same. Go for it, Jake thought. Give Lea what she needs, what you need. Sure it will end crappy, but we have now. It must not have been enough for Toby. He didn’t move. 86

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Jake resisted a sigh and padded toward the back door. Just as he reached it, he heard splashing sounds and saw Lea bobbing in the center of the pool, clawing wet hair from her face and throat. “I sent our report to Nunez,” Toby said. Jake’s hand stalled on the knob. He looked over. Toby was still watching Lea, a whole lot of lust and longing in his eyes. The way he gripped the spatula said he was trying to control himself from joining her or to keep from reporting the bad shit he knew. Stuff Nunez might have divulged after he’d gotten Toby’s report. Like Lea having to leave this place sooner than any of them had planned. And that last night was all the time they’d ever have together. Jake’s belly twisted. Hiding his dread, he asked, “How long did Nunez say we keep her here?” “Only a few days while arrangements are being made. That hasn’t changed.” He glanced at Jake, his face haggard from lack of sleep and his unending fight for control. “Nor has the fact that she’ll then be moved to a new location, another state with different deputies protecting her. Out of our lives.” He crossed the room, stopping short of the back door. “No matter what’s going through your head or hers, she’s going to have to go, Jake.” “In a few days, Nunez said. Not now.” Toby frowned. “What the fuck difference will a few days make except for this to get even worse? I want her as much as you, but we can’t—” “You can’t,” Jake interrupted. “I will.” He pulled open the door and headed outside. Treading water, Lea turned at the sound of the back door closing, seeing Jake just as he moved from the faint shadows into a shaft of light, the beams caressing his length. Lucky light. He was such a delicious man, looking all sex-mussed. So very male. Exactly what Lea required. His hair pointed in too many directions, his face was shadowed with beard, his cock was decidedly erect and his gaze was intense. What some might call accusing. As though he wasn’t at all pleased she’d left his side without his permission…as though he might punish her for being so bold. The thought warmed Lea more than the sun beating down on her. Looking at him from beneath her lashes, she smiled as though to say do whatever you want with me. Jake’s grin assured Lea that he would. She swam to the shallow end of the pool, walking through the water to reach the edge. The scent of chlorine, flowers and pine floated on the gentle breeze.

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Lea wanted to smell him, the scent of sex on his skin, their musk mingled into a new, unique fragrance that belonged to them both. Impatiently, she waited as Jake padded to her. His rigid cock bobbed with each step as though demanding her attention. How could she refuse? His organ was so very beautiful, the shaft reddish with arousal, the succulent crown so smooth and plump. And his balls. Wow. The roughened skin simply begged for her tongue and fawning caress. “Hey,” she said, casual as all get out, not yet betraying her need. She stroked his toes, grinning as he pulled them back. “Aw, what’s the matter? Can’t stand to be tickled?” “Nope.” His confession didn’t bring him down to her. He remained standing, his shaft and balls just out of easy reach, as though he intended to torture Lea a bit more before giving in to her yearning. “How about you?” “I’m immune,” she lied, running her fingers up his calf. He didn’t pull away this time. “That right?” Lea liked how husky he sounded, how completely in her control. “No matter what you do, I can take it.” I want it. “We’ll just have to see about that,” he said. Arching one brow at his challenge, Lea was about to give him a bit of sass when the back door slammed. Barefooted, Toby padded to the other end of the pool, stopping there. As deliciously sloppy as Jake looked, Toby was all spit and polish. He’d shaved and combed his hair. His jeans were so wrinkle-free it appeared he’d actually ironed them. Crap. Lea didn’t want to see him like that—fully clothed, freaking uptight, his lips pressed into such a hard line. However, his eyes…oh, his eyes. Undeniable longing filled them. Rarely had Lea witnessed a man looking as lonely, as needy of comfort and a woman’s embrace. Turning to him, she opened her arms in invitation. Toby struggled a moment, then stared at her breasts. Peering lower, he regarded what he could of her legs and cunt in the water. She waited until he’d looked his fill. When he didn’t turn away, she offered him a welcoming smile. He appeared as riveted by it as he did the rest of her, but no grin touched his face. He seemed to have even stopped breathing. Poor guy. Lea could see his continuing turmoil, wishing he’d just give in to what she knew he wanted. At length, he looked over at Jake.

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If ever there was a man completely at peace with her needing them both, it was Jake. His expression asked, what in the fuck are you waiting for, fool? Toby’s face flushed red. Lea fully expected him to turn on his heel and head for the house. He did not. He stood absolutely still for a moment, then tore off his shirt, tossing it on a chaise lounge. When the garment fell from the canary yellow padding to the concrete, Toby didn’t seem to notice or care. He was breathing hard now. More color rose to his throat and cheeks as though he couldn’t contain his hunger to have her. Lea lowered her arms, her mind speaking to him. That’s it. Enjoy yourself for a change. She certainly was, exploring Toby’s golden skin, his well-toned pecs. A line of hair, a darker blond than that on his head, trailed beneath his navel to the waistband of his jeans. He made fast work of shoving the metal button through its hole and yanking down his fly. Damn. He hadn’t worn underwear. All Lea saw was taut male flesh and his wiry thatch of pubic hair. She peeked at Jake. A faint smile touched his lips, as though he approved of Toby’s decision to finally join them. Lea certainly did. Enthralled, she watched him shoving his jeans down his powerful thighs and calves. Stepping out of them, hands to his sides, he faced her. Images of Vikings, ruthless and crazed for female flesh, a woman’s immediate submission, filled Lea’s mind. Her legs got unsteady. She had to lock her knees to keep from sinking beneath the water. He didn’t have a tan line. Not any fucking where. He sunbathed in the nude? What a nice surprise, along with every other part of him. Toby’s cock was as impressive as Jake’s, as meaty, long and erect. His balls were slightly lighter in color, not as pendulous, but beautiful nonetheless. They’d taste wonderful and would feel even better when they tapped her ass as he plowed into her cunt. What would Jake do during the act? Fill her mouth with his tongue or rod? Or burrow his shaft into her anus, taming her even more? So many wanton pictures flashed through Lea’s mind, she went dizzy with desire. Breathlessly, she watched Toby padding around the pool, stopping when he and Jake were side by side. One dark. One light. Both aroused and looking down at her, their virility stealing all coherent thought.

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She swallowed and stepped back. The water swished around her, lapping Lea’s rib cage. Feeling playful, she moved her finger from one to the other and asked, “You two planning to get it on with each other?” Both men frowned. “Fuck no,” Jake said. “You got that right,” Toby offered. Hmmm. It seemed she was going to be the only offering on their plates. Sounded nice. Downright decadent, in fact. “You’re sure?” she goaded. “I saw how the two of you have been looking at each other.” Neither did so now or commented. Their shoulders tensed, their biceps bulged and, by God, their cocks seemed to thicken a bit more. As though they might be showing off for her? Oh yeah. Jake leaned toward Toby. “I think it’s time we taught her some manners.” “You’re right,” he said. “Let’s show her who’s boss.” This was getting beyond good. Giggling, Lea took several steps back, with the weight of the water trying to send her forward again. Pressing her toes into the concrete, she said, “You’ll have to catch me first.” Jake planted his hands on his narrow hips. “Think a five-minute head start would help?” Thirty minutes wouldn’t do the trick given the potency of his gaze and what she sensed was going through his thoughts. “I think you’re all talk,” she accused, continuing to step back until she was nearing the deep end and treading water. Keeping close to the edge of the pool, Jake walked in her direction. Toby was right behind him. Doing the backstroke, Lea reached the deepest part of the pool. Jake and Toby rounded the corner, one on each side of the diving board. Water splashed as Lea turned around to face them, then lifted her chin to Toby. “You too,” she nagged. “All talk.” Together, almost as if they’d planned it, they dove into the water on either side of her. Waves hit Lea’s face. Blindly, she swam in the opposite direction, then cut beneath the surface and looked up. She saw Toby treading water, but not Jake. Where in the hell was he? He gripped her shoulder. Blowing out her breath, she headed upward, trying to get free of him. At last, she was. Gasping, laughing, she swam in the opposite direction. Where Toby waited. Crap.

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Like lions in the wild, the men worked as a team, cutting off Lea’s escape no matter how she tried to outmaneuver them. All too soon, Jake had his arm securely around her waist, swimming them toward the shallow end. There, Toby walked through the water and turned as he waited for Jake to deliver her to him. Lea swallowed. Moisture beaded on Toby’s hair and skin, glittering in the unrestricted light, making him all bronze and gold like a modern-day sun god. Magnified by the water, his cock looked enormous. “Don’t stop,” she whispered. If either of them did before she had her fill, she’d go fucking nuts. Jake heaved in another breath and panted it out, walking through the water now, tugging her with him. “What?” “Is this all you guys intend to do?” she teased, unable to help herself, wanting both of them crazed with lust, unwilling to stop until they screwed her senseless. “You’re just going to chase me around the pool?” “Watch your mouth,” Jake ordered, swatting her ass. The water kept his blow really mild. “Whoa—that’s the best you got?” Growling, Jake positioned Lea so she was in front of him, her buttocks pressed to his groin. With his arm around her waist, he eased them back until he was against the concrete next to Toby. He moved in front of them. “Hold her.” “I fully intend to.” Jake imprisoned Lea’s wrists in one hand, keeping them to her belly, his touch imposing. Sandwiched between the two men, Lea experienced a sense of weakness and vulnerability that made her feel more female than she ever had. A soft moan escaped her. It drew Toby closer. His cock brushed the inside of her thigh, his hand went to her throat and his thumb directed her face upward. Lea’s lips parted on a surprised sigh. One of his irises was blue, the other green, an amazing contradiction, the same as his strait-laced appearance and what he was doing now. It sure as hell wasn’t by the book, at least any book Lea had read. She bitched, “You made me wait so long.” Toby’s face colored, but his embarrassment didn’t last. “Quiet,” he ordered, then slanted his mouth over hers. He tasted of minty toothpaste, and kissed her with male need, his tongue hot and probing, demanding everything she had to give, all that he’d denied himself last night. Whimpering, Lea opened her mouth even more, giving him as much access as she could. He took it. As did Jake. His free hand moved to her breasts, squeezing them as hard as he liked, his thumb flicking her nipples. 91

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A rush of moisture, warmer than the water and proof of her arousal, dampened Lea’s cunt. Resting his hand on her mound, Toby slid his fingers over her smooth skin, tracing the contours of her vaginal lips, searching for her clit. The moment he found it, he thrust his tongue deeper into her mouth. Lea went to her toes at the exquisite heat coursing through her. Never had she been as thrilled. Jake’s hand was on her breasts, his mouth on her throat, his tongue licking her skin. With surprising skill, Toby masturbated her, his touch alternating between tender and rough as his kiss grew impassioned, his former control at an end. Even if she’d wanted to, there was no way Lea could escape now. Jake and Toby were too strong, too determined. They used her without hesitation, their hands exploring each intimate area. They took turns rubbing her clit, exploring the tight ring of her anus, fondling her breasts, tugging at her nipples. When Toby pulled his mouth free of hers to gulp some much-needed air, Jake slipped his tongue between her lips. There was no minty flavor from him. He tasted just as he had last night—wonderful. Lea gasped around his tongue, not certain how much more she could endure. They wouldn’t let her come. Each time she edged close, they withdrew their hands, concentrating on her nipples, the insides of her thighs, her belly, every part of her except the one that mattered. Heaviness settled in her groin, a persistent pressure that made Lea all too aware of her pussy, the climax it wanted that Jake and Toby kept denying her. She’d tightened her knees so much, they began to hurt. Didn’t matter. Both men continued their torment. Toby licked her nipple, then drew it into his mouth. Oh, oh, oh. The intense heat, his hard suckling made Lea’s head whirl. Trailing his fingers over her hip, Jake headed for her cleft. He stroked its length and touched her nub. She choked out a moan, the sound muffled by his tongue. To quiet her even more, no doubt to tame her, Jake deepened his kiss. Cupping her breast in his palm, Toby squeezed the soft globe as he continued to taste her nipple. Their behavior was calculated and maddening, but far from complete. Without warning, both men concentrated on her cunt. Oh. My. God. Toby worked two fingers inside her opening, while Jake flicked his thumb over her clit. Lea stiffened, then her body went slack, all of her weight resting against him.

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He didn’t stop, nor did Toby. They worked her body as though they owned it now and she had no say in what they did. This time, her climax not only edged close, it finally peaked, screaming through her. Lea gasped and cried out. She squirmed between them. They continued kissing, licking, stroking, probing. No matter how she begged them to give her a bit of rest, neither man would, demanding she yield even more and offer absolutely no resistance. Telling her without words, they’d allow none. She belonged to them both now, for as long as they were here. Wilted and submissive, Lea prayed it would be for more than a few days, possibly an entire week. Not a lifetime by any measure, but she’d take what she could get. Too quickly, Toby released her nipple. Though warm, the air was still no match for the heat of his mouth. Ending their kiss, Jake also eased his face away. Lea bit back a moan of sadness, the back of her head hitting his shoulder. Damp hair clung to her forehead and cheeks. She refused to open her eyes. If she kept them closed, nothing would change. They’d stay like this forever. Stupid, she knew, but it gave her some comfort. The men weren’t having it. Releasing her wrists, Jake wound his arm around her waist. Lea heard water splashing as Toby walked through it. The metal steps clanged beneath his weight, telling her he was leaving the pool. “It’s over?” she whined. With his lips to her ear, Jake whispered, “It’s just begun.”

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Chapter Eight He’d probably lose his badge over this. Could be he’d even do some time. Who knew what a pissed-off judge might do to a U.S. Marshal brought up on charges of dereliction of duty, behaving like a damn animal in heat, screwing his brains out with the woman he was supposed to protect. No wait, correct that. Fucking like crazy, along with his partner, with the woman they were both supposed to be guarding. A freaking threesome, for Christ sake. Yep, this just wasn’t smart. And Toby didn’t care. The sight of Lea holding out her arms, inviting him to join her, had made all of this seem sane somehow. For once, he was going to behave exactly like Jake, living in the present with no real thought to the future. Toby wanted—no, he demanded Lea beneath him, on top of him, used and fucked raw by him. With his arm around her shoulders, Jake walked her to the cushions Toby had pulled from the patio furniture and placed on a shaded area near the lawn. Water sluiced down her body, the beads sparkling as wildly as the diamond in her navel. Some of the moisture dripped from her chin and the hard tips of her nipples and from her cunt. Toby tried to pull in a bit of air and couldn’t manage it. He’d never been with a woman who was so incredibly naked. Her bare pussy revealed everything…the length of her slit, her dark pink lips fleshy with arousal, damp with desire. It took all of his will to remain where he was, not to pull her from Jake. “Put the cushions over there,” Jake said, pointing at the side of the house. Toby didn’t move. “Why?” “You’ll see.” Lea rubbed her cheek against Jake’s pec. Her hand slid down his belly to his dark bush. However, her gaze wasn’t on Jake, it was on Toby’s cock. Encouraged and excited, he grabbed the cushions, hauling them to where Jake wanted. “No,” Jake said to Lea, his hand on her wrist, stopping her from sinking to the makeshift bed. “Wait.” “For what?” she asked. “Just do it.” Jake swatted her ass.

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At his chastisement and commanding tone, her cheeks flushed with color. She grew even more compliant. Toby was ready to fight. Did Jake truly believe he was going to run this goddamn show as he had their partnership from the moment they met? That he was going to take Lea first when he’d already had her the whole fucking night? No damn way. Fists clenched, Toby stepped closer. Jake sank to the middle cushion. “Give me a sec.” For him to sate himself? Yeah, right. “I don’t think so.” “You don’t want me to get Lea ready for you?” That depended on what he meant by ready. “I’m only going to make certain she’s spread wide and held tight,” Jake explained. “So you can do exactly what you want, for as long as you want.” So much heat rushed through Toby’s body, his forehead prickled with sweat. He noticed how Lea’s cheeks flamed. He liked seeing her blush. He didn’t fight the savage urge raging through him as Jake held her captive so she’d be fully available. Unable to retreat. Given the hunger flaring in her eyes, Toby didn’t think she’d be trying to escape anytime soon. With his back against the stucco wall, Jake spread his legs, casually displaying his erect cock. Hand lifted, he said, “Lea.” Dutifully, she sank to her knees between Jake’s thighs. He directed her to sit against him. The moment she had, he pulled her damp hair away, exposing her shoulders and breasts, then ordered, “Scoot down a bit.” Lea did as he wanted. Again, Toby stepped closer, the pulse in his throat beating hard. Smiling, Jake positioned his feet on the inside of her calves, using his legs to spread hers, pulling her thighs back so that she wasn’t only opened but trapped, unable to stop whatever came next. Jake cuffed her wrists, pulling Lea’s arms up, making certain of her complete subjugation. She was as exposed as a woman could be to a man. Exhibited for Toby’s use. He needed no further invitation. Rounding the cushions, he sank to his knees between her legs. Her cunt was the same color as her deepening blush, a dark rose, the lips and her opening unprotected from his rigid shaft. Toby’s balls hurt so bad, he might have winced if he’d been able to produce the sound. As it was, his throat was too tight, his muscles rigid and his ears buzzing. 95

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“Go on,” Jake encouraged. “I have her. Lea’s not going anywhere.” She whimpered. A gentle, female noise that mingled with all the other sounds— branches stirred by the mild breeze, birds’ squawks and chirps, the faint gurgle of the creek behind the house, the furious pounding of Toby’s heart. He smelled her lust and saw her desire in the way she surrendered, her acceptance of whatever he intended to do. Toby decided to make her wait, at least for a bit more. To make her perform for him as she’d done for no other man, not even as SiNN. “Touch yourself,” he ordered. Jake released one of her wrists so she could. Lea’s arm sank limply to her side. “Now,” Toby said, using the same authority he did on his job. “Make yourself wet for my cock.” She stared, her expression already glazed with desire, her lids slipping down as she ran her fingertips over her mound and cunt. “No,” Toby said, “look at me as you do.” Lea’s slender throat bobbed with her swallow. She inhaled deeply, then did what he wanted, her blush deeper, her capitulation more complete. But nowhere near where Toby needed it. “Stroke your clit.” She ran her fingers up the full length of her cleft, touching her nub, shuddering when she did so. More, Toby thought. As though she recognized his need, Lea concentrated on the small, hard rise of flesh, stroking, teasing, tempting it. With her legs spread and her sex displayed so shamelessly, Toby saw her body’s reaction. Her cunt grew even rosier, slick with her arousal, its sheen of moisture capturing the light, beckoning to him. He compelled himself to remain where he was and drag this out, despite his cock’s demand for relief. The damn thing was so fucking engorged with blood, so incredibly stiff, he feared two strokes inside of Lea would do him in. No damn way. He was going to give her the fuck of a lifetime. He was going to make her wait. Jake had already decided to torment her a bit more. With her breast held firm in his free hand, he dragged his thumb over her nipple. Lea gritted her teeth, but she didn’t close her eyes. With her attention on Toby, she continued to masturbate herself, precisely as he had instructed. The tips of her ears were crimson. She couldn’t seem to pull in enough air. Her toes curled, then splayed. Jake drew his legs back, which opened hers a bit more. Lea moaned. Whether at her vulnerable position or how she was arousing herself, Toby had no idea. Perhaps it was a combination of the two. When she was only a breath away from orgasm, her chest jerking with her uneven breaths, he said, “Slower.”

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Her eyes widened, then narrowed. Her first expression of defiance. It was an incredible turn-on, driving more blood to Toby’s groin, making his cock desperate for the shelter of her sheath. “You go too fast,” he warned, “and we’ll punish you for it later. Right, Jake?” “We’re going to do that anyway. Lea already knows it. She wants a strong hand.” Touching his cheek to hers, Jake ordered, “Say it.” She spoke on a ragged sigh, “I want you to punish me.” Like a triple X-rated film, memories of her as SiNN played through Toby’s mind. Only this time he saw her bent over his knee, her ass reddened from his paddling, her moans contrite and docile, saying she belonged to him now. And to Jake. She’d do whatever they desired. Toby’s compulsion to have her grew to the point of pain. Even so, he said, “You’ll come when I tell you to, understood?” She sucked her lower lip, obviously dismayed. However, her fingers did stall on her clit. Behind them, water made faint tapping sounds against the walls of the pool. Overhead, there was the low rumble of a plane either bringing vacationers to Sedona, the location of this estate, or taking them back to wherever they belonged. For the first time in recent memory, Toby wanted to be here, nowhere else. He ran his fingers up the inside of Lea’s thigh, his movement deliberate and taunting. She suffered through it, arousing herself when he ordered her to do so, holding off each time she came too close to the edge. Intent on driving her back to the precipice, Toby flicked his fingers over her anus, then probed her tight circle, knowing the deliberately lewd act would deliver a shock of sensation. Lea’s moan accompanied her shiver. She rubbed her clit fast and hard, unable to delay satisfaction any longer. Within Jake’s palm, her breast wiggled prettily, the nipple as tight from the man’s thumb as it had been from Toby’s mouth. Jumbled sounds poured from her, a cry here, a whimper there, followed by a decadent groan. Choking out the last of her relief, she went limp, her hand resting to the side, palm up, fingertips damp from her moisture. With a drowsy expression, she regarded her legs, held opened so indecently by Jake. And then she studied Toby’s stiffened cock. The temptation was finally too great for him to resist. Positioning himself, he brought his shaft to her slit, working the head up and down its full length. Her sluggishness turned to quick interest. She groaned again, a sound of frustration and anticipation that he was still making her wait. What else could Toby do? It was his only means of making this last. An unreal situation that was as imaginary as her performance at The Second Circle. When the act here was finished, she’d go one way, he and Jake would head in another.

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Last night, that reality had stopped Toby from getting involved. This morning, nothing could keep him from her. She’d opened her arms in welcome to him. Not just for a fuck so she wouldn’t be alone, but because he’d touched her heart in some way. As Jake had. Toby had seen that in her eyes when she’d been in the pool. She wore the same expression now, telling him he was more than her means to avoid loneliness and an uncertain future. She wanted him and Jake to be her final destination. A dream that would never happen, despite any of their desires. The savage truth should have given Toby some pause, but did not. He was too far gone. Easing his crown inside her cunt, he went breathless at how hot and tight she was, more than he’d imagined or hoped. Not wanting to harm her with his size, thankfully as large as Jake’s, he gauged her response. Lea blinked slowly as though she couldn’t manage to do it any faster. Behind her heavy lids, her eyes were glassy. “Don’t stop,” she breathed to him. “Hold me tighter,” she pleaded with Jake. He kissed her neck and wound his arm around her waist. His thighs and calves tightened as he kept her legs parted, opened, ready. Toby thrust into her and nearly died at the exquisite sensation of her cunt holding him so snugly, so lovingly. Lea’s moan turned into a gratified gasp. Eager to fuel it, Toby didn’t stop, just as she’d asked, tunneling into her narrow channel drenched with arousal. He worked her body hard, demanding that she take all of him inside. Only when his curls touched her naked skin and her opening strained around the root of his cock did he pause. Already he wanted to come, his body behaving traitorously, greedy for relief. No. Fuck no. Jake had performed like a goddamn machine last night, holding off until Toby thought the man would burst. To give Lea anything less now would be criminal. For that, he should go to prison. He’d damn well deserve it. Summoning all of his will, Toby withdrew from her slowly, then eased back into Lea, filling her at the same exasperating pace. Her fingers curled into fists. She couldn’t see to her clit that way, now could she? Eager to give Lea everything she deserved, Toby settled his hand on her naked mound and drew his thumb over her nub as he continued to pump. “Oh damn,” she cried. Her voice had the same lusty quality Toby had heard last night as she’d fucked with Jake. It pleased him that she found him equally arousing, but he craved more.

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Lea gave it, mouthing his name. Toby, Toby, Toby. Her lips caressed each syllable and galvanized him as no plea or command could. With all the skill he possessed, Toby used her sheath and her clit, focused on nothing but her pleasure. Lea’s approaching orgasm tightened her cunt around him, the increased friction causing his body to tense and his best intentions to drift from her satisfaction to his. Twice he had to remind himself to stroke her nub. Several times, he groaned at the annoyance of having to draw this out. But he fully intended to, needing her to come first. She sucked in air, releasing it on a strangled cry. She pounded her fist into the cushion and tried to close her legs as her climax crashed in on her. Jake held her open and defenseless, his action urging Toby not to stop. As if he would? He pumped for minutes more, demanding this performance, wanting to show off for her and Jake. Needing to prove to himself that he was as good as the man. Maybe not as assured, but he could damn well deliver pleasure. Lea came again, uncontrollably and loud. Thank God. It freed Toby to concentrate on what he needed. It didn’t take long. Five strokes and he succumbed, his cum spurting into her sheath, his thoughts muzzy, his body so spent it was an effort to remain upright. Using what little strength remained, Toby wrapped his hands around Lea’s upper arms, pulling her from Jake. Immediately, the man released his hold and drew his legs back, freeing hers. With his cock still firmly inside her cunt, Toby sagged back on the cushions, bringing Lea with him, pleased to have her lying on top. Her gasps warmed his throat. She tightened her pussy around his shaft. In his mind, Toby saw her mouthing his name, no one else’s. He wondered what Jake would think about that. Sure, the man had positioned her for Toby’s use. He’d even relinquished his hold on her a few seconds ago. That didn’t mean he wasn’t possessive. Toby had witnessed Jake’s territorial nature firsthand. He knew his partner wanted things done his way. So what was he thinking now? None of the emotions Toby expected to see were evident on Jake’s face. He appeared completely at ease, though not entirely content. Pulling his attention from Lea’s ass, he met Toby’s gaze. They’d worked together long enough for him to discern Jake’s intent. “In the pocket of my jeans,” he said to the man’s unasked question. Jake pushed to his feet and headed for the garment. Lea stirred. “Where’s he going?”

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She sounded curious, not alarmed, cuddling closer, proving her feelings for him were no different from what she held for Jake. She wanted them both. “It doesn’t matter,” he murmured. “He’ll be back.” Faint laughter poured from her. “Oh hell, I know that. What’s in your jeans pocket?” “What do you think?” Toby didn’t have to say any more. Even if Jake hadn’t dropped the three packets of Trojans near Lea’s shoulder, she would have certainly heard him ripping the fourth wrapper open with his teeth. “Pull your knees up,” Toby directed. His hands were already on her ass, spreading her cheeks widely, showing Jake what he’d soon have. “And arch your back.” Lea went still, as though she didn’t believe what they intended to do, or she was so delighted at the prospect, her body hadn’t yet caught up with her lascivious thoughts. Hoping for the latter, Toby pressed his fingers even harder into her ass, deliberately displaying her anus. She moaned excitedly, proving she wasn’t scared. Following his earlier directive, Lea assumed the position that would allow Jake to enter her tightest opening, while Toby remained in her cunt. To make certain of it, she tightened her sheath around his cock, her inner muscles squeezing him one, two, three times. No doubt to get him hard again. And so soon. For her confidence in his sexual prowess, Toby wasn’t only grateful. He felt the first stirrings of what he thought might be love. How crazy was that? He barely knew her. She’d be out of his life for good within a few days. Oh shit, why are you thinking about that now? He tried to stop, but couldn’t. Unaware of his worry, Lea squeezed his shaft once again. No good. He still wasn’t anywhere near where she needed him to be. Cursing his stupid thoughts and useless cock, Toby knew that for now she’d have to content herself with having only Jake thrusting inside. The man wasted no time rolling the silky latex over his shaft and sinking to his knees behind her. On a frustrated sigh, Toby ran his fingers over Lea’s labia. She was so damn wet. Using her moisture, he lubricated her tight pink ring, letting her know that she’d soon have what she needed. Jake gave Toby an odd look as if to ask what’s wrong? This couldn’t last. This shouldn’t even be happening. Wasn’t that enough? Lea’s rough moan brought their focus back to her, where it belonged. She sounded as though she didn’t want to wait any longer. She had to have both of them fill her. No longer questioning Toby’s mood, Jake lifted his cock and penetrated her most intimate opening.

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She was tight beyond belief. Hot beyond reason. It took all of Jake’s will not to rush the act for his own gratification, the delight of having Lea in a way few women would have allowed. She had accepted his and Toby’s intent without question, and not because she feared any punishment from them. That was only a part of the play Jake knew she enjoyed. What else did she like? The possibilities made him dizzy. Was she into bondage— being fettered with whatever was available—as much as she was into submission? He fucking hoped so. He’d never done that with any of his girlfriends, not even when he was in his teens and up for everything he’d seen in adult videos. Of course, if a lady wanted it pretend rough, he’d always given her whatever she desired. If she demanded a more equal partnership, he let her crawl all over him so she could do her thing. He was open to any and all positions as long as they ended with a mind-blowing climax. But there had never been the kind of games Lea encouraged, nor had he ever engaged in a threesome. Until now, Jake hadn’t seen the point or the allure. Damn. He’d been missing out and that made him fucking pissed and oddly sad. By tonight, they would have eaten up one full day. By tomorrow, there would be one less. Was that what Toby had been thinking about a few moments earlier when he’d worn such a look of defeat? What else? Unlike Toby, Jake growled out his frustration. Lea misunderstood. She relaxed her muscles even more so his entry would be easier. Jake didn’t want easy. He demanded the resistance of her body to his, the intense friction it created. Resolute, he continued to penetrate, delighting in being sheltered so intimately. In stages he drove inside, measuring Lea’s enjoyment by the sounds she made. A moan here, a whimper there, a sigh of delight as he pushed a bit more and buried himself fully. Gulping air, Jake struggled for control when what he wanted was to pump like crazy, come, then go again and again and again, denying her eventual departure, allowing himself to be lost within her sweet depths. While she still faced the inevitable. A life on the run from Cubrero. A future of strangers surrounding and worrying her. Fuck. This isn’t about you, it’s about her, Jake reminded himself, refusing to behave like a selfish prick during the act. He’d do his best to make her as happy as he could. On a hard swallow, he leaned down, his hand going to Lea’s clit. 101

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She jerked at his first gentle brush. He gave her another. This time, she wiggled her ass, driving him deeper inside. Good girl. He rewarded her with a stroke from his fingers and one from his cock. It wasn’t easy, but he worked her at a lazy pace contradicted by the perspiration running down his chest and back. She wasn’t faring any better. Her nails dug into Toby’s upper arms. He seemed unaware. Gone was his earlier gloom. He’d closed his eyes, his chin pointed up, and his face was reddened with what Jake guessed was his burgeoning hard-on. The man needed relief. He’d get it too, but only after Lea was finished. Jake maintained his steady pace, pumping slowly while teasing her nub. Around them, the rest of the world seemed to have gone quiet. All Jake heard was the rush of blood in his ears, Lea’s whimpers and Toby’s harsh breathing. The sounds fueled his excitement, breaking his concentration, killing his control. Too quickly he was approaching climax. Dammit, slow down. Jake couldn’t. He pumped faster and rubbed Lea harder, losing sight of everything except blessed release. Filled to capacity by Jake’s and Toby’s stiffened cocks, Lea drifted on a wave of uninhibited delight, reveling in them using her for their enjoyment. As Jake stroked her clit, Toby fondled her breasts. In concert, they pulled their rods out a bit before driving back inside, going so freaking deep the loneliness Lea had known since childhood finally drifted away. Her sadness would return, as expected, after this was over. She knew that as well as they did, but for the moment it didn’t matter. She had now. The pressure of Jake’s rod in her anus and Toby’s in her cunt demanded her attention, the same as their hands on her. She gulped air, but hungered for more at the intensity of her advancing orgasm. The tension between her legs increased with each of Jake’s strokes on her nub. Her skin, already damp with perspiration, continued to flush with heat. She heard herself cry out, “Don’t stop, don’t stop” when what she’d meant to say was don’t leave me. They would. There was no choice. Squeezing her eyes, pushing away heartache, she lost herself in pleasure. Lea’s climax tore a hoarse moan from her, the sound mingling with Jake’s bellow and Toby’s shout. They’d come together? Yes. They’d gone over the brink as one, exactly as lovers should. How unlikely was that to have happened with two guys who were determined to outfuck the other with Lea being the recipient of all their delicious efforts?

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Given Toby’s control and Jake’s steel will, this moment had to be a miracle. Perhaps a portent of what was to come. Something good, not bad. Buoyed by her hopes, no matter how dumb Lea knew them to be, she rested her cheek against Toby’s shoulder, smiling at the brisk beating of his heart. From behind, Jake gave in to exhaustion, draping his body over hers. She and her men huffed and puffed for several minutes with Lea’s energy returning first. “God, I’m hungry,” she said. “Which of you guys is going to feed me?” Wearily, Jake nibbled her ear. Toby halfheartedly licked her cheek. She laughed. “Come on, stop it. I didn’t say feed on me.” “No?” Jake said first. “I could have sworn that’s what I heard.” “Me too,” Toby chimed in, then paused to yawn. “She also offered to take care of us.” “In your dreams,” she said. “You did,” Jake countered, then gave her a love bite on her shoulder. “You’re going to serve us today.” “That’s right,” Toby said. He ran his hands up and down her possessively. “You’re going to do whatever we want.” “And, baby, trust us,” Jake added, “we want it all.”

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Chapter Nine Outside the Phoenix metropolitan area, there was enough desert for a man to conduct business unnoticed and undisturbed. Much like the sanctity of the jungles of Colombia. Cubrero faced Detective Tobin in this far more hellish location, where even the insects, lizards and snakes had taken refuge beneath rocks and stunted vegetation in their attempts to flee the oppressive sun. A tumbleweed rolled past, followed by gritty dirt, both driven by a sudden gust of wind. The parched air did little to dry the perspiration on Tobin’s face. Despite the triple-digit heat, his complexion was pasty, not flushed, betraying the detective’s worry about being murdered, left as carrion for the birds if he hadn’t performed to expectation. He should have considered that outcome before the lure of easy money had made him one of the cartel’s informers. Like most in law enforcement, Tobin believed he was more intelligent than the criminals he pursued. He’d rethink that notion and welcome death when faced with what would happen if he’d failed in the least. Cubrero moved to the next page of the man’s report, read halfway down, then looked up. “Are you certain about this?” Tobin stopped running his handkerchief over his sweaty neck. His expression reminded Cubrero of a child challenged by a teacher who’d just asked about the quality of his schoolwork. Should I tell him what he wants to hear? his eyes asked. Will he know? Cubrero waited for his answer. Hurrying the handkerchief over his face, Tobin squinted, trying to see better. It wasn’t possible. Deliberately, Cubrero had positioned his back to the sun so this fool had no choice except to face its intensity. At last, he said, “They were assigned to her case.” Cubrero studied the official photos of Deputies Jake Gabriel and Toby Quinn. They matched the pictures he had of them from The Second Circle. “Where did they take her?” The officer balled the handkerchief in his hand. He turned at a sound from behind, several tumbleweeds hitting the side of his new SUV. A pricey Cadillac. No doubt purchased with the money he’d made from alerting area drug dealers of potential raids. “Where?” Cubrero repeated. Tobin cleared his throat. “We don’t know as yet.” 104

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Cubrero’s hand fisted around the report, crushing the paper. Already Lea had been gone for more than a day since she’d last performed as SiNN. For decades, she and her parents had evaded Cubrero’s rage and revenge. To have her or her mother escape his grasp now when he’d been so close would make him the fool in the eyes of his associates. They’d see him as weak and disposable. Not a man who could murder with impunity no matter the sex or age of his victim, easily making the women of his enemies and their children fair game. Quickly, Cubrero moved forward, crowding the detective. Tobin withdrew the same amount of space, his foot hitting a rock. In danger of losing his balance, he flailed one arm while his other went behind himself and beneath his sports shirt where he carried his gun. Not once did he pull his eyes from Cubrero’s hands. They remained at Cubrero’s sides, not reaching for any weapon. There was no need. He’d already lied to Tobin that their meeting would have to be short because he had other business to attend to. If he failed to arrive for it, his men were to find and deal with the detective. Of course, he also alluded to the fact that his men might be out here, hiding, watching. “When will you know?” Cubrero asked. “Soon.” “Are you lying to me, Detective Tobin?” “Fuck no.” His answer had been quick enough to sound like a lie. “Look,” Tobin said, then stopped, noticing he’d dropped his handkerchief. Hunkering down to pull it off, he returned his full attention to Cubrero. “I checked all the hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and other places where they could have been staying within the surrounding area. The deputies and the woman aren’t there. They didn’t fly her out of state either. I had one of my snitches check out the plane manifests. She didn’t use an alias. No one her age and description has left Phoenix with two guys. They didn’t take a train either. Not that they would,” he added. “That’s not how the U.S. Marshals Service works.” “You’re saying they’re still close and yet you refuse to find them for me?” “I’m not refusing any fucking thing.” Pushing to his feet, he took a cautious step back. “I’m saying they have her hidden somewhere like they’re supposed to do.” “Where?” Cubrero growled. “At their homes or apartments?” “No. I checked.” “Do they own other property? Places where they might vacation?” “I’ll find out,” Tobin said. “You have three hours.”

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“Three— Are you serious?” he snapped. “I can’t do shit in three hours. I need more time.” “For what? To be home when your daughter returns from her play date with her best friend Jennifer?” Tobin’s eyes bulged. “You leave my daughter out of this!” He bounced on his heels, his pallid complexion finally turning as red as his hair and eyelashes. “She’s a little girl!” “With a father who has three hours to complete his task if he wants to keep her safe. You do want that, do you not, Detective Tobin?” “Please,” he said, far more subdued this time. “I’ll do whatever you want, I’ll risk my fucking life, I’ll go to prison until I die to get you what you need, but don’t go anywhere near my baby.” Cubrero wasn’t about to offer a promise he had no intention of keeping. “Don’t!” Tobin shouted. “I see you anywhere near her, I’ll pull the plug on all of this. I’ll hunt you down like a fucking animal. I’ll—” “Three hours,” Cubrero interrupted quietly. “You and your daughter have no more time than that.” You’re going to do whatever we want, Toby had said. And, baby, trust us, Jake had added, we want it all. Indeed they had. Lea’s first full day with her protectors had passed in a haze of erotic indulgence. They took her repeatedly, enjoying her mouth, cunt and anus. None of them rested until they could no longer avoid it. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were hurried affairs. A bite of this, a drink of that, then back to whatever furniture they could use as their bed. Somewhere around midnight, they ended up in the dining room with Lea on the table and her men sprawled on the Navajo rug beneath it, exhausted from their latest orgasms. While they snored, Lea staggered into the maid’s room, craving a shower. As she emerged from the steamy bath, smelling of expensive shampoo and soap, Toby sat waiting on one of the overstuffed chairs. Arms crossed, Jake leaned against the doorjamb. They looked unbelievably alert, not bleary-eyed as she would have expected. Their beard-roughened faces and hungry expressions delivered a renewed rush of sensation to her pussy. Jake kissed her first, no doubt tasting the designer toothpaste she’d used. With his forehead against hers and his hands roaming her moist nudity, he said, “You left without our permission.” “You shouldn’t have done that,” Toby advised.

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Lea’s heart beat a little quicker at what she sensed was coming, the game they now wanted to play. “Yeah right,” she said, pretending defiance. “I’ll go where I want. I’ll do what I fucking want.” Toby left his chair. “Not in my house you won’t.” In a flash, he had her bent over his thigh, her ass facing Jake so he’d have a clear view of her punishment. As exposed and used as Lea had been during the last hours, her position was even more servile now. With delicious authority, Toby brought his large hand down on her buttocks. The sharp crack and resulting sting startled Lea. She dug her fingers into his leg. “You’ll do exactly what we want,” Toby ordered. “Understood?” She spoke through her teeth. “Screw you.” He spanked her. Fast. Hard. Lea’s mouth fell open with her aroused gasps. She raked his muscled calf with her nails, which made him more determined to tame her. At last, she surrendered, her skin prickling with heat, a delicious reminder of her chastisement. Her pussy was so damn wet, so freaking ready for a cock. Jake must have thought the same. He ran his fingers up her moist slit. Lea shuddered at his bold touch, the utter debauchery of what they were doing, wanting him inside her again, followed by Toby. Neither man mounted her. Was this a new punishment, making her anticipate their next move? “On the bed,” Jake directed. “Arms above your head, legs bent at the knee and spread,” Toby ordered. The moment Lea assumed the pose. Jake sat on the edge of the mattress, studying her damp and willing cunt. Toby padded into the shower. The pounding water matched the speed of her sprinting pulse. “Fuck me,” she pleaded. Jake offered no comment or relief, remaining at her side, simply regarding her nudity. Toby did the same during Jake’s turn to bathe. After what they’d all done, Lea didn’t realize she could still be embarrassed. How wrong she’d been. Jake’s and now Toby’s quiet scrutiny of her sex, anus and breasts was more intimate than a touch or anything they might have said. What had Jake been thinking while in here? What was going through Toby’s mind now? “Enjoying yourself?” she asked. He studied her nipples as if he’d never seen a pair before. “Immensely. Now be quiet.” “Why?” 107

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“Because I said so.” Right. It was his house. “If you want me to shut up, you should put something in my mouth.” He smiled. “Later.” When Jake finished showering? No. Once Jake had washed and smelled wonderfully clean, he sat on the other side of Lea, making no move to touch or enter her. He and Toby simply perused her bare flesh at their leisure. Lea wondered if they were trying to memorize each of her curves and every contour so they’d remember what she looked like long after she was gone. The thought caused her frustration to fall away, replaced by exhaustion. Her eyes got gritty, her thoughts slow and stupid. Without realizing it, she drifted away, sleeping well into the next morning, vaguely aware of Toby and Jake discussing business, speaking on their cellphones, no doubt producing reports. Unwilling to face her inevitable departure—the reason they’d stared at her so much last night—Lea curled into the fetal position, burying her face in her arms, stirring only when a hand touched her wrist. Jake. “Come on,” he said, “you’ve rested enough.” His expression and tone held all sorts of decadent promise, rather than any goodbyes. Despite his shower last night, he still hadn’t shaved and his hair was barely finger-combed. He looked wickedly dangerous and unbelievably male. “Where?” Lea breathed. “Don’t forget to bring my tie,” Toby shouted from the hall. “I have it,” Jake called back. Lea stared at the strip of blue silk dangling from Jake’s hand. Damn. What did they have in mind? Rolling off the bed, she pressed her length against Jake’s, loving how his cock responded by stiffening a bit more against the inside of her thigh. She settled her mouth on his awesome tattoo, then his throat, licking his stubble. His Adam’s apple bobbed. “Where we going?” she whispered. “What are you guys planning to do with me?” “Everything.” On the heels of his promise, he cupped her ass and squeezed, as though to remind her of last night’s punishment and what would happen once more if she didn’t obey. Lea’s knees gave out, sending her weight into him. “God, this is nice.” Don’t let it stop. Keep it going somehow. Jake murmured, “Nice isn’t what we had in mind.” He brought her into the kitchen. As opulent as the rest of this place, it boasted a brick oven, pricey appliances and gold granite counters. On the one nearest Toby were 108

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the makings for their breakfast—a package of bacon, carton of eggs, pork sausage, bread, biscuits, cinnamon rolls, butter, three kinds of jam. “Put your hands out in front of you,” Jake said. Was he going to tie her up so he and Toby could feed her? “Now,” Jake ordered when she hadn’t moved. Lea’s body went all tingly and warm at his deep, dominating tone. She did as he asked. Jake looped the wider end of the tie around her wrists, tying them securely, tugging on the knot. Using her binding as a kind of leash, he led her to an area past the center island where copper pots and pans had hung the day before. They were gone now. “Lift your arms above your head,” Jake said. Lea glanced up, then right back down. The heat on her face and throat told her how badly she was blushing. “Think she needs another paddling?” Toby asked, arms crossed over his chest, his erection jutting toward her. “Later,” Jake answered. “When I’ve finished tying her up.” Double damn. Torn between grinning in delight and whimpering at what may be coming, Lea lifted her arms. In no time at all, Jake had her secured to the overhead fixture that once held the cookware. Stepping back, he studied Lea, domination in his eyes. The kind of look she imagined a female slave would have received from her master when men had the right to pursue their basest pleasures. Conquering, owning, whipping, fucking. So many pictures filled Lea’s mind, she would have sunk to the floor if not for being tethered. Toby left the counter and moved behind her. What was he going to do? His silence increased her expectation, causing her skin to flush with more heat. She inhaled sharply at his fingers stroking her buttocks, which he’d marked with his spanking. Lea moaned, wanting more. Jake obliged, spearing his tongue into her mouth, his hand claiming her cleft. He kissed and masturbated Lea while Toby suckled her neck, his fingers on her anus. Too heavy to keep up, Lea’s arms sagged, tugging against the tie. Her men continued, dictating each sound she emitted, working her body tirelessly until Lea was about as strung out as a woman could be from her advancing climax. Jake took just that moment to pull his mouth and hand free. So did Toby. Offering no explanation or apology for not finishing what they’d started, the men returned to the food. “Unless you intend to hog it all,” Jake said, “I’ll have some of the sausage.”

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“I think I can spare you a piece. Lea, what do you want?” Toby asked. “Bacon, ham or sausage?” Was he joking? She wasn’t gasping for the fucking food. She wanted him and Jake to do their goddamn duty and give her some relief. “Maybe she’s not hungry,” Jake commented, checking out her breasts and cunt like a fucking overlord would do with his property. Lea stated the obvious. “Breakfast isn’t what I want.” At just that moment, her stomach decided to growl. Loud and long. “Then again,” Toby said. With a long cooking spoon in hand, he padded to her. “What’s it going to be?” He ran the utensil up the inside of her thigh. “What’s your pleasure?” Lea had to wait until the sensations in her legs and pussy passed before she could speak. “Your eyes are really amazing.” Toby’s forehead and cheeks went beet red. Apparently no other woman had ever told him how awesome he was, especially his absentee mom. “Bacon, sausage and ham,” she said. “Huh?” “What I’d like to eat…besides you and Jake.” Toby’s spoon was on the move again, the business end of it grazing her belly and the side of her breast. Not to be outdone, the crown of his stiffened cock bobbed against her thigh. “All three, huh? Having trouble making up your mind about what you really want?” “Not at all.” Lea moved closer, until the tie stopped her. She sighed. “I never had enough as a kid, so I eat everything I can now.” Toby’s expression changed from aroused to surprised, then dismayed. Jake had already left the counter. Stopping at her side, he rested his hand chastely on her waist. “Your foster parents didn’t feed you?” “Relax,” she said, offering a smile. Neither of her men returned it. Lea explained, “They didn’t single me out, all right? Danielle and another kid they fostered were treated the same. The couple’s biological kids were allowed to take whatever they wanted, but we—” Toby interrupted, “They had their own kids?” “Yeah. Four of them.” Jake frowned. “They let their brats eat whatever they wanted, but you and Danielle and that other kid couldn’t touch the food?” “The state didn’t pay them enough,” she said. “They were having trouble making ends meet. Danielle and I managed just fine. We hung out at this pizza parlor after

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school. In return for cleaning up the tables, the guy who owned the place gave us each a slice of whatever wasn’t selling well that day.” Toby stared. Jake muttered an obscenity. “It was all right,” she insisted. “I got through it just fine because of Danielle…she’s always been there for me.” That didn’t brighten their expressions. Lea could guess what they were thinking. Her throat tightened, rasping her words. “I know I can’t call her, but will you guys make certain she’s okay? That she doesn’t worry about me? Not anything so specific that it would put her into danger,” Lea added quickly. “I don’t want that. But it’d kill me to have her worry because of a bogus story from the cops. Can you watch over her for a little bit too? At least until she gets over what’s happened? That we’ll never see…” The rest of Lea’s words caught. She swallowed, unable to continue. Jake wrapped his arms around her, his caress tender. “We’ll get the message to her, we’ll see that she’s safe, I swear.” “Jake,” Toby said. “There has to be a way,” he shot back. “And it will be done, even if I have to do it alone.” Aw shit. She’d told them too much and now they were going to fight. “It’s okay,” Lea said. “I shouldn’t have asked. You guys can’t do the impossible. Don’t argue. Please.” “Hey, we’re not,” Toby assured. “We won’t. Promise.” “That’s right.” Jake squeezed her gently before pulling back. “We’ll work something out with Danielle. You have our word.” She blinked back tears and managed a smile. “Thanks—what are you doing?” “Untying you,” Jake said. Lea could see that. “Why?” “So we can take care of you.” He kissed her cheek. She’d gotten more passion from her foster brothers. Toby was no different. Worry still pinched his face. He stroked her arm as a worried mother would. Lea sighed. “I’m not going to break down, all right? You don’t have to stop what you were doing or planning to do. Come on, let’s have some fun.” Released from the overhead fixture, her arms fell, along with her spirits as Jake undid the knot and tossed the tie aside. Bringing her to the kitchen table, he pulled out one of the chairs. Toby went to the refrigerator and took out another package of bacon, no doubt intending to offer the entire pound to her. She fought tears at their kindness and concern. That’s not what she needed right now. “You guys don’t have to be so nice. I’m all right.”

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“Yeah, we know,” Jake said. He pulled out another chair, positioning it so it faced the other. Like in a shrink’s office. Lea made a face. “We’re going to talk?” “If that’s what you want,” Jake said. “No pressure,” Toby added. Sure. If their expressions had been any graver, they would have been crying. Lea sank to the chair that faced Toby. “Really, I’m okay.” I want to play. I want to forget. Jake took his seat and scooted it closer to hers. Oh shit, they were going to talk. Lea sighed. Jake grabbed her calves, lifted her feet and placed the soles on his knees. Given that his legs were spread pretty damn wide, Lea was exposed enough to please a connoisseur of smutty videos. No shrink ever conducted business like this. Her toes curled. “Scoot down,” Jake said. Oh, she did, giving him the best show she could, even holding her hands behind her head. The way he stared at her breasts and slit said he approved and wasn’t interested in conversation at all. Toby stopped draping bacon across the griddle to come over and give her a lusty kiss, his whiskers scouring her chin and cheeks. Nice. Wrapping her fingers around his upper arm, Lea stopped him before he could pull away. “You have your dad’s eyes?” His blush returned. “My mother’s.” “No kidding. I never noticed they were different colors in her movies.” “She had good directors.” Lea grinned at him joking around. Something he probably didn’t do very often. Toby regarded her for a long moment, then gave Lea another kiss, this one tender, almost appreciative, his lips so soft and searching she moaned. On his way back to the stove, Jake called out, “Toss over the strawberry jam.” “You want the bread too?” “Nope, just the jam—thanks.” He screwed off the top and dipped his forefinger inside. “You get to have this as a little girl?” Lea couldn’t recall. Jake’s cock commanded all of her attention. When she’d confessed about her experiences in foster care, his shaft had deflated a bit. It was hard as stone now, the crown plump, almost maroon from arousal and penetrating her so frequently yesterday. “What?” Scooping out a bit of the jam, he ran it down the inside of her thigh. Lea flinched, not expecting how cold it would be.

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“You okay?” Jake asked. She cleared her throat and still sounded too husky. “You bet. Don’t stop.” “Neither of us will,” Toby said. Lea looked over. Jake smeared jam on her other thigh. She smelled its sweet scent, along with her musk. Fighting a shiver, Lea spread her legs a bit more, wanting the jam on her clit where Jake and Toby would have to lick it off. Capping the jar, Jake placed it on the table and leaned back in his chair. Surely he didn’t expect Lea to eat the stuff off her legs. She’d performed as an erotic dancer, not a contortionist. “That’s it? You’re through?” “Get real,” Toby said. Jake gave him a thumbs-up and turned to her. “When it comes to strawberry jam I need to pace myself. It’s always been my favorite.” Beneath his joke, Lea caught something else…something sad. “You didn’t have it much as a kid?” He appeared surprised at her question and shrugged as if it were no big deal. To Lea, it was. From what he’d told her that first night, she knew he’d grown up without affection, at least from his stepdad. She hadn’t suspected he’d also been as hungry as she’d been. “Eat your fill now,” she offered. “I fully intend to.” His commanding manner was back, his previous concern for her gone finally. Good. Lea didn’t want tenderness. She needed strength and demanded satisfaction. With his hand on her knee to keep her leg steady, Jake licked the jam off the inside of her right thigh. Lea’s head dropped back, hitting the edge of the high-backed chair. Toby left his sizzling bacon and pinging oven to claim her mouth once more. God. Between his probing tongue and Jake’s lapping, Lea couldn’t stop her shameless grunts. This time, unlike the last, Jake didn’t stop. With one of her thighs licked clean, he moved to the other. At the bacon’s loud popping, Toby hurried back to the griddle. Good thing too. Lea really needed to gulp some air. It wasn’t enough. Her breath stalled at Jake smearing the jam on her nipples, taking them into his mouth, suckling hard. His lips were so satiny, his tongue so soft and wet, she shivered. All too soon, the tips of her nipples were as sensitive as her clit. To her delight, he finally concentrated on that part of her, dragging out her climax, his hands on her inner thighs so she couldn’t bring them together.

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The aroma of sex mingled with the fragrance of baking biscuits, cinnamon rolls and cooking meat. For the rest of her days, Lea would remember this each time she had breakfast. She fisted her fingers into Jake’s hair, tugging it to make him lick faster, harder, to give her some goddamn peace. He bit the inside of her thigh instead and spoke above her startled cry. “Behave.” “I am!” The sound of knobs turning and clicking was followed by the slap of Toby’s feet on the pavers. “I’ll hold her.” “Hey,” she complained. Toby tightened his grip on her wrists, dragging them above Lea’s shoulders, leaving her defenseless. “Go on,” he told Jake. “I’ve turned off the oven and griddle. Take your time.” Shit. With the tip of his tongue, Jake explored her vulva, lips, the ridge of her mound and her inner thighs, everything but her clit. “Do my nub,” she begged. “Don’t make me—” Toby’s mouth on hers cut off the rest of Lea’s plea, his kiss as lazy as Jake’s licks. They worked as partners, neither outshining the other, their combined efforts pulling Lea’s climax nearer. Toby suckled her throat. Jake’s teeth gently scored her sex. A tormenting pressure crept up her thighs and circled her pussy. Lea dug her heels into Jake’s shoulders, unable to withstand the sensations. Demanding it, Jake latched onto her clit, while Toby gave her neck one openmouthed kiss after the other…both of them concentrating on the most sensitive areas of Lea’s body. She came, shattering with the depth and richness of her orgasm, alternately panting and babbling with neither sound convincing them to stop. “Give me a sec,” she gasped. They did not. “Please,” she cried. Jake’s rumbling belly finally did the trick. With his forehead against her torso and the tip of his nose on her diamond stud, he breathed, “Fuck, I’m hungry.” “Me too,” Toby said. He returned to the stove, Jake to his chair, leaving Lea again without pause or apology…or even a cuddle. Men. Pricks. Blowing a clump of hair from her face, Lea frowned at Jake. “What?” he asked, scratching his hip. “You sticky from the jam? Shit, don’t tell me you’re allergic to strawberries.”

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“Wasn’t in her file,” Toby offered. “But just in case, better not kiss her until you brush your teeth.” “Good idea.” Jake spoke to her. “Don’t worry, you’re safe with us.” Lea regarded her sprawled legs, heaving chest and abandoned pussy. “Need a hug?” he asked. She wasn’t certain whether to smile at his teasing or to ignore it. “You do,” he said, pulling Lea from her chair and onto his lap. Much, much better. She curled into him, fitting perfectly, her arm around his broad shoulders, her cheek to his as she spoke to them both. “What’s next?”

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Chapter Ten Jake wiggled his tongue in Lea’s ear, savoring her laughter, grateful it kept her from noticing Toby’s gloomy expression at her question about what was next. At the thought of it, Jake’s chest ached so badly he had to fight for air. “Hey,” Lea said. “Why are you stopping? What’s wrong?” Everything. Exactly what Toby had warned against when all of this began—that it wouldn’t last. Last night, Jake had managed to deny the inevitable until Nunez’s call. Thankfully, Lea had been asleep. If she hadn’t, he sensed she would have seen the truth on his face. Tomorrow morning they’d be leaving, not even getting the extra day he’d hoped for. The Service had already arranged for two deputies to protect Lea in Austin, where she could easily hide among the thriving Hispanic population. Jake and Toby would escort Lea to the Flagstaff airport, but wouldn’t board the flight with her. Other deputies with business in Texas would take over at the security checkpoint. Even before her plane left the runway, Jake and Toby would be driving back to Phoenix for their next assignment, finished with the woman born as Maria Morales and fostered as Lea Baptista, who finally performed as SiNN. From now on, she’d be no more than a name on a file, and not even the new one she’d soon have. One he and Toby would never know. “Jake?” His belly continued to roll. “Move a bit to the right,” he said in answer to her first question. “You’re squeezing my balls.” “Oh—sorry.” She repositioned herself, then snuggled back into him, her warmth and weight a balm he needed, but couldn’t have for long. Certainly not forever. “Better?” she murmured. Unable to trust his voice, Jake nodded. “Who wants juice?” Toby asked too brightly, as though everyone’s happiness depended upon it. Last night, he and Jake had agreed that they’d wait until the last minute to break the news of their departure to Lea. Until then, they’d deliver as much pleasure as they could. “You like milk?” Toby asked her. She nodded, her cheek brushing Jake’s.

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Toby put two tall glasses—one filled with milk, the other with orange juice—on the table next to her. Back at the griddle, he scooped up a wad of bacon, dropping it onto a plate and delivered the sizzling strips. “I’ll make your sausage, ham and eggs next. Go on, eat.” “Wait. Come back.” She reached for him. “You should have some of this with us.” “He’s not touching any of it,” Toby said, pointing his spatula at Jake. “That’s all yours. And I expect you to enjoy it.” “So do I,” Jake ordered, wanting her to have the fucking food, the only thing he and Toby could give her. “You’re not leaving the table until you finish every last bite.” She swung her attention between them. “What’s wrong?” Jake stopped himself before he glanced at Toby. “Besides you questioning me?” “And being defiant?” Toby asked. Her cheeks burned with color. “Sorry.” She shrugged. “It’s just that you guys were being so nice. Like you have bad news you didn’t want to tell me.” She was too astute. “We do,” Jake said. “You eat everything on your plate or there will be no more fucking, got it?” “You bet.” Lea ran her fingertips over his pecs. It took all of Jake’s will not to crush her to him, burying his face in her fragrant hair, wishing for more, for what couldn’t be. “However,” she added, “if you don’t screw me blind like you’ve been doing, that kind of leaves you two out in the cold, right?” She swung her finger between them just as she had at the pool their first full day here. “Unless you guys intend to get it on with each other.” Toby rolled his eyes. Jake grabbed a strip of bacon and ran it over the seam of her lips. “Shut up and eat.” Sneaking out her tongue, she licked the bacon’s length, much as she’d done repeatedly to his and Toby’s cocks. God, she was something. What was he going to do without her? No, shit, don’t think about that now. He had to give her what she needed…what they all did. “Tell you what, you don’t eat and you don’t get to climax. We’ll bring you right to the edge and then we’ll yank you back.” Toby cracked another egg. “You’ll go fucking nuts.” “While we’re having all the fun,” Jake promised. Her brows drew together. Jake drew the bacon across her mouth again. “Face it, baby, you can’t win.” “That’s right,” Toby said. “We call the shots.” Her forehead and throat matched the color in her cheeks. She had a glazed look about her, the kind a woman gets when she’s getting turned-on. Dutifully, she ate the bacon, sucking bits of it from Jake’s fingers. Holding his hand, she licked the length of his palm.

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His toes curled at her tongue’s wet heat. “More,” she murmured. Jake wanted the same. To give her time they didn’t have, a family denied all three of them when they’d been young. Hell, he longed to offer an endless amount of tomorrows rather than more running and hiding for Lea and the mindless dating he and Toby had known. What he delivered was a lame smile and more bacon. By the time Lea had eaten four strips, Toby joined them, delivering the eggs, ham, sausage, cinnamon rolls, biscuits and everything else. He pulled Lea from Jake’s lap onto his, wrapping his arm around her waist. She kissed his throat and planted her foot on the seat of Jake’s chair, her toes touching, then stroking his cock. The damn thing was already so stiff, so fucking needy of her, it just couldn’t get any harder. “Take care of me,” she said, more a plea than a demand. How could either he or Toby resist? Cupping her breasts in his palms, Toby held the tips of her nipples between his thumb and forefinger, pulling them gently, making them even harder. Lea’s lips parted on a faint moan. With his fingers beneath her chin, Jake slipped a bite of egg into her mouth. She grunted in what sounded like pleasure and grabbed his wrist so she could lick the fork clean. “More,” she breathed. “I want it all.” Toby suckled her throat and teased her clit as Jake fed her a biscuit heaped with butter and strawberry jam. On her first bite, a bit of the fruit topping slid from her bottom lip to her chin. Jake licked it off. Lea stopped chewing, then swallowed fast. “Damn, this is so freaking good.” She didn’t have to tell Jake that. He saw her features going slack and her eyes getting glassy with lust. Minutes earlier, her foot had slid off his chair and dropped to the floor. Arms hanging limply at her sides, she now sighed at Toby masturbating her. Not that he was about to let her come so quickly or easily. His fingers stalled on her clit. He murmured, “You’re not eating.” Jake stopped himself before he smiled at this new side of Toby—confident and playful. Joining in the game, Jake asked, “How about some of the sausage now?” She frowned. “Huh?” “Maybe she wants ham,” Toby said. “I’ll give her both,” Jake offered. “I don’t want food and you know it,” she growled. “Are you guys always such pricks?”

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Jake brought a forkful of ham and sausage to her lips. “Just with you, darlin’. Now eat.” “And if I don’t?” “Up to you,” Toby said, pulling his hand from her cunt, resting it on her knee instead. She muttered, “Fuck.” Jake held back his laughter. He drew the food across her lips. “Not until you clean your plate.” Glaring at him, Lea opened her mouth. What an invitation. One Jake couldn’t resist. He swung the fork away, slipping his tongue inside rather than the food. Without pause, Lea returned his kiss, delivering the bacon’s saltiness and her own flavor that Jake craved even more. She suckled his tongue hard, whimpering as she did. He was no better, making the same kind of sounds he had as a horny teen when he hadn’t known anything about sex or love. Shit. Don’t go there. Too late. He was falling in love with her. Had been from the moment he’d witnessed her anguish at never again seeing or talking to Danielle. Over the years, he’d told countless others what relocation would mean, but with Lea it had been different. She’d had so little—just a dear friend and a dream of getting a pharmacy degree. Even that had to go now. Everything in Lea’s past, whatever had made her who she was, could bring her to Cubrero’s attention and harm. She had to discard all of it for something new. And all because of her father’s greed and foolish choices, the fucking legacy he’d left her. Last night, Toby had asked Jake how he felt about Lea. Jake hadn’t answered, too afraid to consider the truth. Toby hadn’t been as reluctant. “She makes me feel important,” he’d said, as though he hadn’t considered any woman being able to do such a thing. “With her, I’m actually worthy.” Jake had never seen his partner look so vulnerable. “I want to do everything I can for her,” Toby had added. “Is that love?” In everyone’s world but theirs. As Toby had stated from the beginning, she was their charge, theirs to keep for only a little while. Jake deepened his kiss, hungering for Lea as he had no other woman, knowing Toby was no different. His groan sounded well past frustrated, bordering on panic at the thought of tomorrow. Dammit, it wasn’t here yet. Ending their kiss, Jake stood. He pulled Lea from Toby, sweeping her off her feet and into his arms. “We’re taking this to the bedroom,” he said. “Toby, bring the food. We’ll feed Lea there.” 119

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She tightened her arm around his shoulders, her palm resting over his heart. It beat too quickly, Jake knew. “I don’t want to sleep,” she said. Jake heard her concern that she’d miss what time they had left. It matched his. And Toby’s. He brushed Lea’s hair from her cheek. “You won’t,” he said. “We’ll see to it. Right, Jake?” “Come on,” he growled, unable to contain his emotions any longer. “We’re wasting time.” He carried her from the kitchen and past the hall leading to the maid’s room. Surprised it hadn’t been Jake’s destination, Lea asked, “Where we going?” “To bed.” In the kitchen, utensils and plates clattered. Lea pictured Toby tossing everything onto a tray so he could join them as quickly as possible. “I know,” she said. “But where?” Was Jake planning to use the sofa in the living room as they had their first night here? Bypassing every bit of that furniture, he headed for the stairs. Lea snuggled closer. “What’s up there?” “Nothing, if you don’t do exactly what we say. Understand?” Unfortunately, she did. He was talking big to hide his desperation. From the moment he’d awakened her, Jake had been acting weird. It didn’t take a psychic to know he and Toby were thinking the same thing she was. Their time together was ending. They’d never given her an exact departure date, but Lea sensed how near it was. Wrapping her other arm around him, she held tight, smelling his skin faintly scented with soap, musk and even a bit of bacon and strawberry jam. The breakfast he’d so lovingly fed her. Suddenly, Lea couldn’t get close enough, gripping him as hard as she could. He reached the top of the stairs. “Don’t worry, I won’t drop you.” She bit her lip to keep from speaking and pressed her face against his neck. How in the hell was she going to survive without her two guys? In less time than it had taken Lea to bond with Danielle, she’d fallen for Jake and Toby as she’d never done with any one man. They treated her with passion, kindness and tenderness she’d rarely known. They worried about her. When she was with them, Lea had a sense of being complete, as though she was part of a real family for the first time. Even Danielle’s unwavering support and presence hadn’t been able to accomplish that. And it wasn’t going to last, no matter what she did or how she felt.

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Oh God, she was so fucking screwed, but still couldn’t resist either man, loving them equally. Jake, for his commanding presence and needy heart that he hid behind a wall of risk-taking and nonchalance. Toby, for his struggle to just be himself rather than the perfect man, son, marshal, always following the rules and sacrificing his feelings. Thank God he wouldn’t be doing that today. He bounded up the stairway, the steps vibrating beneath his weight, the plates and utensils clinking against each other as they had in the kitchen. His sweet eagerness made Lea smile. “Which door?” Jake called out. Quite a few were on either side of the long hall. Amber lights in the shape of flames illuminated the wide space. Like the downstairs, this area boasted a Southwestern style with reddish walls and nooks that held sparkling bronze and silver statues. “The double doors at the end,” Toby said. Constructed of a dark wood and adorned with circular metal pieces that gleamed dully in the faint light, they brought to mind ancient churches in Central and South America. “Can you reach the knob?” Jake asked Lea. “My hands are kind of full.” “Not for long,” Toby said from behind. Her pulse quickened at his unspoken promise of what was to come. Gladly, she opened the door. The bedroom was three times the size of her entire apartment in Phoenix. Rounded timbers graced the ceiling, along with a wrought iron chandelier boasting dozens of bulbs. Neither man turned on the lights. It wasn’t necessary. Afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows, sparkling off the copper artwork, a Native American design that stretched across one wall. Next to it was a fireplace with an arched hearth that gave it an adobe look. Large dressers that appeared both Spanish and rustic complemented the pricey Navajo rugs and the massive wrought iron four-poster, big enough for five men. Wow. Toby put the tray on the right nightstand next to the bronze lamp. Sun glinted off the glasses of juice and milk, falling at last on the eggs and a set of handcuffs. Lea stared. When had Toby taken them from his other things? What were he and Jake planning to do? Who cared? They would never hurt her. She had both men’s love. Lea knew it in her heart, sensed it in their kisses and the way they embraced her. Jake drew Lea closer as though he didn’t want to let go, no different from her response when they’d been on the stairs. Again, she tightened her grip on him and spoke without thinking, “How can you ever leave a place like this?” How can you leave me?

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Toby stopped mid-chew, the slice of bacon bobbing over his chin. He regarded the room as if seeing it for the first time. “I don’t come here often,” he said, speaking around his food. “It’s so big.” And so lonely. Lea heard his unspoken words behind the others. “If you could stay here forever, what would you do?” she asked. The men exchanged a glance. To Lea’s dismay, Jake lowered her to her feet. She should have stopped talking, but couldn’t. “I’d have Danielle over. You guys would love her as much as I do. She’s a freaking riot. Always joking around.” Lea smiled. It felt weird, forced, sad. Didn’t keep her from grinning even harder. “She’s really good at imitating rock stars. Her impression of Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber is so damn funny. It’s just too much…you’d love it.” Jake wore a pained expression. He reached out to touch her. Lea backed away, not wanting sympathy. She needed her fantasy. Didn’t he know that? “She likes to swim too. She’d go crazy over the pool.” “Lea,” Toby said, looking concerned. “We could also have my mother over here,” she said, glancing at both her guys. “Maybe I could get to know her. Maybe we’d become friends or something.” She turned to Jake. “Does she want to see me? Did she say that after Cubrero murdered my father? Are we going to be relocated together?” Jake inhaled deeply and sighed out his answer. “Too risky.” A tear ran down Lea’s cheek. Why, she didn’t know. Whatever bond she’d had with the woman had died long ago. The only thing that remained was a little girl’s need to be rescued from strangers, to be held in loving arms. “Not a problem.” She swiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “I don’t know her anyway, right? She’s okay, though, isn’t she?” Both men nodded. “She’d really love it here,” Lea said, padding around the room, touching a lamp’s leather shade, more statutes in more nooks, the satiny bedspread boldly slashed with bronze, copper and gold tones. “Who wouldn’t adore everything here?” She frowned at Toby. “How can you ever fucking leave?” He crossed the room to her, as did Jake. This time, Lea huddled against them, her cheek on Toby’s shoulder, her arm around Jake’s waist. Their unique scents and male musk did more to ease her sorrow than all the words they might have said. It was long past the time for promises or hope. There was only now. “I want to have some fun,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “Show me a good time.” Jake murmured, “We will.” He didn’t move, nor did Toby. “Now,” Lea insisted. “Use the cuffs.”

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Toby cleared his throat. “I shouldn’t have brought them. It was stupid. I don’t think—” “That’s right,” she snapped. “Don’t think. Just fucking do. Show me a good time, dammit.” Jake sighed. She countered, “Unless neither of you are man enough.” Unwise words, Lea knew, but they did the trick. None too gently, Jake swatted her ass, pulled her away from Toby and lifted her back into his arms. Lea trailed her fingertip over his collarbone. “This better be good. No, fuck that. It better be pissing great.” He turned his face to hers. His sorrow and sympathy were gone, replaced with hard-ass lust. “You have any doubts?” Not now. Lea gripped his shoulder and called out, “Toby, don’t you dare hold back.” He paused at the nightstand, then returned, kissing her biceps, running his handcuffs up and down her arm. “Don’t worry, I don’t intend to.” That’s what Lea wanted to hear, what she required…as much fun as possible for as long as they were all together. She expected Jake would put her on the mattress, cuffing her to the headboard. He did not, carrying her into the bathroom instead. With its massive windows and skylights, no artificial illumination was necessary or missed. Sunlight glinted over everything. And damn, there was a lot to see. Lea gaped at the antique gold fixtures, coppery granite, the reddish marble floor, the wall-to-wall mirrors and the improbable size. The footage in here was possibly fifteen hundred square feet. Maybe more. And about half of what the master bedroom owned. “My God, who designed this?” she asked. “Steven Spielberg?” Jake laughed. Toby shrugged. “One of my mother’s many boyfriends.” Lea’s giggles stopped. Jake also fell silent. Before they got morose, Lea teased, “Which one of you guys do I get to cuff?” Jake pinched her butt. She yelped. He said, “The one in your fantasies.” “Uh-uh,” Toby said. “She doesn’t get to daydream about anyone but us.” “I like how you think,” Jake said. Bypassing the claw-footed tub, he brought Lea to the shower. Toby opened the glass door. Like the master bed, the space was large enough to accommodate several adult men and their companions. Unbelievably, mirrors covered the walls in here too, rather than tile, leaving nothing to the imagination. 123

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Lea stared at her tangled hair, kiss-bruised lips, the color in her cheeks. She wore a whorish look that matched the animal passion in Jake’s and Toby’s eyes. “Cuff me,” she said. Jake lowered Lea to her feet and spoke to Toby. “You heard the lady.” He snapped the metal around her wrists. With his body, Toby backed her toward the left showerhead. There was another one on the opposite wall and several at waist and calf level. Raising her arms, Toby slipped the center of the cuffs over the fixture, restraining and exhibiting her. The mirrors exposed her nudity from every angle. She saw the hickey Jake had left on her throat and the one from Toby on her right butt cheek. They’d marked her well and had used her thoroughly. Her nipples were a darker color than Lea recalled, evidence of Jake and Toby’s suckling, their tongues licking, stubble scouring. Her cunt also showed their relentless dedication to her pleasure. Her vulva, normally a dark pink, was a shade below crimson now, proving they had also fucked her repeatedly. With still more to come. Jake closed the shower door in such haste, its glass rattled loudly. If he noticed, he didn’t let on, standing shoulder to shoulder with Toby, both of them regarding her. Anticipation heated Lea’s blood, along with a desire to look her fill of them. As short as Toby’s hair was, the ends stood up, giving him a rumpled appearance, the same as Jake. His dark locks were deliciously mussed, his face beard-shadowed. Despite having shaved that first day, Toby’s whiskers were catching up, making him seem less stuffy and positively dangerous. His cock certainly knew no restraint. The beautiful rod was so hard, it defied gravity, lifting away from his body, its crown a deep red, nearly purple. Jake’s was the same. What a bounty. And they were all hers for the moment. Two exquisite men, one so golden, the other a more coppery shade. Lea’s attention moved from the thick thatch of hair above their respective cocks to Jake’s luscious tattoo and then to Toby’s amazing eyes. He moved into her first, claiming Lea’s mouth, his hand running over her breasts. With his shameless possession of her, she pushed to her toes, then came down hard at Jake’s hands on her inner thighs. Wordlessly, he directed Lea to part her legs. She obeyed and he rewarded her amply with his fingers sliding into her sheath and his mouth on her clit. A brazen moan escaped her, silenced quickly by Toby’s tongue. He settled one hand on the right side of her butt. Almost simultaneously, Jake placed his hand on the other side. Both men slid their forefingers down her crack to her anus.

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Lea’s scalp prickled at the heavenly sensations streaming from her cunt to her ass to her nipples, then back to her pussy, all of those tingles and heat merging into what a reasonable woman wouldn’t have been able to withstand. She’d passed the bounds of self-restraint long ago, probably the first minute she’d seen her guys in The Second Circle. Her performance there seemed a lifetime away, as though it had happened to someone else. For Lea, the only reality she now knew, the only one she wanted, was whatever happened in the coming minutes. Jake eased his fingers out of her, working them back inside with incomparable care, as though he understood how sore she might be from his and Toby’s cocks. Accompanying his gentle thrusts was his tongue lapping her clit and his forefinger stroking her anus. Toby’s impatience to fondle her there was touching. Twice, he pushed Jake’s hand away. Not having that, Jake shoved Toby’s right back. God love her guys, they couldn’t get enough of her, nor could Lea get her fill of them. She suckled Toby’s tongue as hard as she could, tasting the bacon he’d eaten and a faint bite of orange juice. Her nipples hardened at his expert touch, the tips becoming delightfully sensitive. So much feeling competed for Lea’s interest, she couldn’t settle on any one delight for long. Until Jake focused fully on her nub, drawing pleasure from each part of her, bringing it all together in that one spot. Her lips went slack around Toby’s tongue. She fought for air. Not about to allow it, Toby deepened their kiss, his forefinger entering the tight pink ring of her anus. His action was so debauched, so sublimely arousing, Lea again pushed to her toes. Jake brought her right back down. Toby held her in place with his body tight against hers. Restrained and used, Lea rode a wave of velvety heat that thrilled, comforted and promised to satisfy. The warmth coiled in her thighs and belly, then journeyed to her groin. Each of Jake’s licks grew more pronounced, urging Lea closer to climax. Toby’s stirring kiss ensured that she’d make few sounds. The faint clink of the cuffs on the fixture, Jake’s and Toby’s roaming hands and exploring mouths excited Lea beyond anything she’d known. This wasn’t a good time. Hell, it wasn’t even a great time. It was all that she’d once hoped life could be. Being loved and wanted beyond anything else in this world. It wouldn’t last. She squeezed her eyes tight, refusing to recognize the brutal facts. Not now. Later. Tomorrow or the next day. If there was a next day. Stop it. Lea spread her legs a bit more for Jake. Her tongue danced with Toby’s. Both men were appreciative, tending to her as if she were all that mattered, delivering what they’d promised. One fucking good time.

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She shouted at her climax’s arrival, holding nothing back, her response telling her guys that she loved them and had to have still more. As much as they could provide for the precious hours that remained.

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Chapter Eleven Driven by his stark longing for her, Toby kissed Lea clear through the peak of her arousal and well after she’d grown slack. With her weight supported by him, he experienced a sense of invulnerability. As though he could do everything he’d always doubted, including having her. Not just here or at this moment, but for a lifetime. Yeah, sure, who are you kidding? His hand stilled on her breasts. Pulling her mouth free of his, Lea inhaled deeply, then sighed it out, her breath caressing his cheek. “Don’t stop.” He saw the concern on Jake’s face and experienced his own, their worry and sadness over losing her. Crap. Why was he thinking about that now? They weren’t at that point yet, were they? There were quite a few hours before morning. Hell, the sun wasn’t even close to setting. Bolstered by his nutty reasoning, Toby squeezed Lea’s ass. “We’re not.” “Wait.” She swung her leg in front of his to keep him from leaving her side. “Where are you going?” “To the counter.” He pointed at the area past the glass door. Lea didn’t bother to look. “Why…what’s out there when I’m in here?” Despite her seductive tone and expression, Toby caught the bleakness in her smile. “You going to get another set of cuffs?” she asked. “Not even close.” He pecked her lips and ignored Jake’s arched brow. The kind that said, this better be good. Toby could only hope. Until Lea, he’d never indulged in BDSM, role-playing or anything remotely kinky during sex. None of his dates had ever brought it up or complained about it lacking in their bed play. He wondered if they had any idea what they’d been missing. At the counter, he scanned the labels of the bath and body oils, lotions, and whatnot the housekeeping service had supplied. For years, they’d worked for his mother and still provided these luxuries long after she’d been gone. Stuff Toby had never really noticed. Lea’s husky moan drifted from the shower. From where Toby stood, he could see Jake’s hand in the mirrored wall, his fingers exploring Lea’s anus, his mouth on her nipple. 127

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Fast as can be, Toby unscrewed the containers and sniffed. Several had a vanilla scent. Others smelled of roses, oranges, apples, even bananas. The last had a floral fragrance he couldn’t quite identify. Grabbing the ones he thought smelled the best or might please her the most, he returned to Lea. Her head rested against her right arm. Her eyes had narrowed to slits. For the moment, she seemed unaware of Toby’s return, her only interest being what Jake was doing. Well fuck that. Toby placed the containers on one of the glass shelves and selected the vanillascented body lotion. A fragrance reminiscent of baked goods, a cozy kitchen, family, unconditional love and safety. Everything he, Lea and Jake had never quite known. With his fingers slick from the lotion, Toby stroked Lea’s neck. Her lids fluttered. She inhaled deeply and smiled. “Wow, that’s nice.” Jake mumbled something, his words rendered unintelligible by her breast. “There’s lots more,” Toby murmured, running his forefinger down her cheek. “The others smell of roses, apples, oranges, whatever you want.” She breathed, “I like what you’re using now. Rub it on me.” Gladly. Toby upended the bottle in his palm, then gave what remained of the liquid to Jake, who’d finally noticed that Lea’s “wow” hadn’t been in reaction to what he’d been doing. With Toby on her right side and Jake on her left, they massaged the lotion into her breasts, across her belly and finally smoothed it on her cunt, each part of her softer, more succulent than the last. Lea sucked her bottom lip and whimpered, the sound saying she wanted more. “What else you got?” Jake asked. Not waiting for Toby to answer, he opened one of the bottles, sniffed, then frowned. “Potpourri,” he said, reading the label. “What in the fuck is that?” Like Toby was supposed to know? “Haven’t a clue.” “Smells like some kind of flower.” “And something else. Cinnamon?” “Maybe. It’s not bad,” Jake said, “but it’s not great either.” “No kidding, but could be women like—” “Guys?” Lea cut in. “Remember this woman?” Jake pecked her cheek. “You feeling lonely, baby?” She slanted him a look. “Let’s focus,” Toby said, slapping the bottle of rose body lotion into Jake’s palm. For himself, he opened another container of the vanilla stuff. Together, they rubbed Lea down until her body glistened from the concoctions, she smelled good enough to eat and her whimpers had turned into contented moans. 128

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Grinning, Jake ran his fingers over Lea’s cuffs and spoke to Toby. “Can you turn on the showerhead behind us without this one coming on?” “Not a problem.” He went to the control panel. “Gently,” Jake advised. What else would do for their baby? Toby adjusted the flow so it would come out as a faint spray, not unlike a pleasant spring rain. He tested the water’s temperature. When it was nicely warm, he turned on the shower. Within minutes, plumes of steam drifted around them, fogging the mirrors, creating a decadent, sensual cocoon where anything could happen and should. Moisture streamed down Lea’s calves and feet. Her smile grew luminous, saying she liked it. Trying to get closer to the flow, she tugged hard on her cuffs, causing the metal to clank against the fixture. “Hey,” Toby said, using his body to push hers back. “You don’t want to break anything in here, do you?” Lea regarded him with an expression that was pure SiNN…provocative and bold. “Aw, are you worried?” Pushing to her toes, she leaned close, but spoke loudly enough for Jake to hear. “Have I injured you? Already?” Smiling at her sass, Toby swatted her butt. She yawned and stretched. “Is that the best you got?” “Nope,” Jake said, joining them. With his hand on her hip to keep her still, he spanked Lea fast and hard. Her face registered sensual rapture, not pain. Toby’s cock hardened. “Here.” Jake handed him one of the damp sponges. He tossed his from hand to hand. “Now what do you think we can do with these?” Lea gulped more air. “No need to use that to shut me up. I’ll be good,” she promised. Toby leaned down to her until the tips of their noses nearly touched. She smelled of vanilla, roses and bacon. A mouthwatering combination. “Not to worry. If Jake or I want you quiet, we don’t need sponges.” “So true.” Jake kissed the inside of her arm. “That’s what tongues and cocks were made for.” Lea smiled wickedly. “Promises. Promises—whoa.” “You like that?” Toby murmured, running the sponge between her legs again. She paused to swallow. “What do you think?” He thought when this was over, another part of his heart and hope would have died. Just as it had when his mom relinquished custody of him and his father had remarried and had new sons, devoting his time to them. Before Lea, Toby hadn’t considered allowing himself to feel deeply about anyone again, not even Jake. It was too 129

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risky. There was always a mountain of pain after the good times that lasted no longer than the blink of an eye. “Quiet,” he said, harsher than he’d intended. He caught the way Jake looked at him and suspected Lea was doing the same. Sinking to his knees, Toby took control of bathing the lower part of her while Jake was in charge of the top. They used a lilac-scented body wash and shampoo to work up a frothy lather. Bubbles ran from her ass to her anus, over her vulva and vaginal lips, around her nipples, down her throat. Satisfied with what they’d accomplished, Toby directed the showerhead to spray her clean. Given the steamy mist and the way he and Jake had rubbed her with the sponges, each part of Lea glowed, her skin the color of a blush, oh so fragrant and beaded with moisture. Toby stopped himself from licking off even one pearl of water. He wanted to remember her as she was now—damp hair clinging to her neck and breasts, her belly trembling with her quiet sigh, the sparkly diamond in her navel, her beloved cunt so naked, so accessible to a man’s needs. He might have stared at her forever if not for Jake leaving the shower. “Hey,” Toby called out. “Where you going?” Jake stopped short of the bedroom’s doorway, water puddling at his feet. “Be back in a sec.” Why leave at all and at this point in their play? That was so unlike him, especially when he was sporting a monster erection. Toby’s belly rolled. Had Jake heard one of their cellphones ringing? Was Nunez calling? Would they have to leave now, hours sooner than they’d planned? “What’s wrong?” Lea asked. Toby shook his head. “Nothing.” “Sure it is. I can see it on your face. Why’d Jake leave? Where’d he go?” Before Toby could think of a reasonable answer or a lie, Jake padded back into the room, holding the handcuff key Toby had left on their tray of food. Once the cuffs were off, Lea shook her arms, then rubbed her wrists. “Better?” Jake asked. “Depends.” She glanced from him to Toby like she didn’t know what to expect and wasn’t too thrilled that this might be the end of their fun, the beginning of their separation. “What now?” Jake tossed the cuffs and key out of the shower. They clattered across the marble floor. Turning back to her, he planted his hands on his hips. “Time for you to take care of us.” It was an order Lea hadn’t expected and one she’d have no trouble obeying.

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If this was all they’d ever experience together, she wanted their last days to be memorable. Something Jake and Toby would use as a benchmark with other women. Would there be other women? Was she seriously crazy? Of course there would be and soon too. They were young, virile, good-looking men with a pressing hunger for sex, and more importantly, a yearning for someone to love them. Whomever they met and fell for, Lea hoped it would be someone worthy. If any woman dared injure their hearts and Lea found out, she’d locate those bitches and would make them pay. “What’s your pleasure?” she asked. “Everything,” Toby said. “Surprise us,” Jake ordered. Oh, she would. After closing the door, Lea adjusted the showerhead on her side, then went to the control panel, turning the dial for the hardest flow possible. “Stand back,” she warned. Neither man moved. “Your funeral.” She turned on the water. It pelted their groins. With the timing of synchronized dancers, they stepped back so their thighs and knees got the worst of it. With a smile, she turned another dial that activated the next set of jets. These were directed at their asses. Again, they moved in harmony, glancing behind at the spray. Taking advantage of their distraction, Lea grabbed the potpourri body lotion. Jake’s hand shot out, stopping her from smearing the stuff on his cock. “Think again,” he said. He sounded so damn rough and dangerous. Lea’s belly fluttered. “That’s right,” she purred, “you guys don’t like the way this smells. I’ll use the rose-scented one on both of you.” “Not a chance,” Toby said. Stepping behind Jake, he grabbed a thick bar of white soap from one of the glass shelves. “This’ll do.” She gave it a sniff and wrinkled her nose. “It doesn’t have any scent.” “Exactly,” Jake said. “Go on, wash us.” Lea sank to her knees and sat on her heels. The water pounded her back. She barely noticed, there was too much else capturing her attention. God, her men were tall and built so beautifully with broad shoulders, trim waists, narrow hips and luscious cocks. It took all of her will not to lick her lips. “Let me get this straight. Your virility’s safe as long as you don’t smell good.”

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“Something like that,” Toby said. Again he reached over, this time grabbing a fresh sponge, which he tossed to Lea. It hit her boobs and dropped between her thighs. “You feel the same?” she asked Jake. He worked his mouth, clearly fighting a smile. “That’s the way it is, baby. We gotta smell like guys.” “How about you smell like me?” She took his cock in her mouth, her tongue swirling around the back of his crown, a guy’s most sensitive area. “Holy fuck,” he gasped. Proud of her effect on him, Lea released his rod and took Toby’s next. “Hey,” Jake whined. Toby choked out his words. “Don’t fucking stop. I swear if you do, I’ll— God.” He pushed to his toes at Lea licking the back of his crown, giving him the same amount of time and devotion she had to Jake before pulling away. “What are you doing?” Toby complained. What did he think? Their balls were wired for pleasure too. Lea fondled his sac and Jake’s, loving the weight and warmth of their testicles, gauging their reactions. Their shoulders tensed, they clenched their fists, muscles ticked in their pecs and biceps, toes splayed. She had them now. While they were still sucking air, Lea released them, soaped up the sponge and drew it across Jake’s thick, dark bush, then over Toby’s slightly lighter curls. Water and suds streamed down their cocks, balls and thighs. Toby moved first, cupping the back of Lea’s head, no doubt to direct her mouth to his cock. She slapped his hand away. He frowned. “Watch,” she said, squeezing the sponge. Capturing the bubbles in her palm, Lea ran them down the length of Jake’s erection. He groaned. She murmured, “This is what I’ll be doing to you in a sec.” “Fuck that,” Toby said. “I want it now.” She leaned over and licked the side of his balls. “You don’t like this?” His body shuddered. “Huh? What?” “I think you do. Now be good.” Pushing to her feet, Lea stepped back. Jake and Toby followed until she planted her hands on their chests. “Face the wall—the mirror— whatever. Hands above your heads, legs spread.” They looked at each other. “Why?” Jake asked. Lea ran her finger down his bristly cheek. “So I can do all sorts of surprising and nasty things to both of you. Of course, if you guys don’t want that or if either of you is too chicken, you just let me know.” 132

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Toby huffed, “You are so going to pay for this.” “Something to look forward to.” She grinned. Jake elbowed Toby. “Let’s give her what she wants.” “You mean, humor her?” “Whatever it takes. You know women.” “I don’t think you do,” Lea said. “Keep talking about me as though I’m not here or like I’m brain dead and we won’t be playing anymore.” Without further comment, Jake and Toby faced the shower wall, their palms flat against the mirrored surface, legs spread. The perfect position for them to be frisked by law enforcement or pleasured by her. The images that conjured up made Lea dizzy. This was light years away from nice. More like amazing and she had to draw out every bit of satisfaction for them. First, she adjusted the water’s flow so that it pulsed gently from all of the fixtures. “You like?” “That’s your nasty surprise?” Jake asked. Toby muttered, “Fuck, let’s hope not.” Babies. With her hand on Jake’s tight ass, Lea explored the separation between his cheeks. She stroked his anus, then eased her forefinger inside. On his sharp inhale of air, she suckled Toby’s left butt cheek, giving him a hickey as he’d done to her. “How’s this for starters?” she asked. Neither man spoke. They communicated their need for more—far more—by rapping their fists and foreheads against the mirrored wall. “Careful,” Lea said, then parroted Toby’s earlier admonition, “You don’t want to break anything in here, do you?” Jake growled, “You think I’m worried about that when my cock’s about to explode?” “And mine isn’t?” Toby complained. “Boys, boys,” Lea murmured, running her hands between their legs, cupping their nuts, fondling them gently. “Let me take care of you the way I want. Just this once. Please.” She didn’t have to ask again, nor would she inquire as to what they were thinking. With three words—just this once—she’d put a limit on their time together. There wouldn’t be another chance for them to recreate these moments. They knew it and so did she. The reality made her insatiable and tender, a crazy contradiction that neither Jake nor Toby questioned, allowing Lea to do as she willed. She washed their backs, licking the bumpy ridge of their spines and the smooth skin on their shoulders, giving each a hickey on their biceps, making certain her marks 133

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would last for a brief period after she was out of their lives. Would they look at the fading stains and recall today, perhaps even yearn for her as she would for them? How long would it take for her heart to stop aching this time? Six months? A year? Never? Would she continue to search for them and Danielle as she had for her mother so long ago? Stepping back, Lea cupped her hand over her mouth afraid Toby or Jake would hear her anguished whimper. The water’s gentle tapping filled the silence. Toby looked over, straining to see her from his position. “Why’d you stop?” “Run out of things to do?” Jake asked, also turning. His playful teasing made Lea smile. “Not hardly.” She cleared her throat and swallowed. “Turn around and face me. Please.” They did. If either of them noticed her lingering sorrow, they didn’t let on. Of course, their silent scrutiny of her eyes and mouth spoke volumes. She ignored it. “Drape your arms over your heads.” Jake looked as though he wanted to argue, but did not. Grateful, Lea settled her body between theirs, her arms resting on their waists, her face pressed into the tangle of hair in Jake’s pit, then Toby’s. They smelled so male, so freaking sexy, Lea moaned in renewed delight. She licked Toby’s hair first, a darker blond than on his head. He chuckled when she tugged at the strands with her teeth. Jake reacted differently, growling at her play. “I want to go to bed. I have to be inside you again.” She kissed his right pec and licked the line of his jaw. “You will be. I promise.” It was all they could give each other. “But on my terms.” “Sure—what?” “Terms?” Toby asked. She tightened her arms around them in a fierce hug, then stepped back. “I’m going to handcuff you guys to the bed.” Toby stared. “No fucking way,” Jake said. Lea crossed her arms over her chest, deliberately hiding her nipples. “You don’t trust me?” Jake dragged his attention from her breasts to her face. “It’s not that.” “Women are the ones who should be cuffed, not the other way around,” Toby explained. “That in your marshal’s rule book?” she asked.

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He gave her a snotty look. “You know what I mean.” “I don’t think I do. Either you guys don’t trust me or you’re too scared to let a woman have control. So which is it?” “Jesus mother fuck,” Jake muttered. “Is that a yes?” she asked. “I keep the key,” Toby said. “Why you?” Jake argued. “Fine. You keep it. Long as Lea doesn’t have it.” “What’s wrong with me having it?” she asked. As chatty as her guys had been a moment before, they were as quiet now. Were they afraid once she cuffed them, she’d take off in their SUV, returning to Phoenix so she could see Danielle one last time? Or did they think she’d try to keep them here after their superior ordered them to leave? If it had been remotely possible for Lea to do both, she would have. “Fine,” she sighed. “One of you keeps the damn key.” “It’s for the best,” Toby said, patting her arm. Lea had a sudden urge to slug him, even though her crappy future wasn’t his fault. Jake leaned close and murmured, “One less thing for you to worry about.” Like that actually made things better? “Maybe,” she said, then decided she wanted to play. Really play. “But only if you can get to it first.” She bolted from the enclosure, heading for the key. Jake and Toby exited at the same time, their bodies bumping into each other, then the shower, rattling the door. Jake got free first. Right behind him, Toby skidded across the damp marble, huffing as his hip hit the counter. Jake grabbed Lea’s arm. She twisted away, crawling across the floor, reaching for the key and cuffs. “Bad girl,” Jake scolded, draping his body over hers. She didn’t stop. With one hand fisted around the cuffs, she flung out her other arm, reaching for the key. “Toby, down here,” Jake said. “Hey—no—stop!” she squealed. They did not, tickling Lea ruthlessly. She rolled away from one and ran into the other. Their hands went up and down her rib cage. Lea gagged on her laughter. “No, please, don’t, stop!” she cried. “Hear that?” Jake asked. “She doesn’t want us to stop.” “Then we won’t,” Toby said.

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She dropped the cuffs and forgot about the key, doing her best to keep them from driving her nuts. They continued well after Lea was too exhausted to move and could scarcely catch her breath. Jake kissed her quivering belly. Toby stroked her hair. Lea squirmed. “I’m lying on something. Move back so I can get it. Could be the key.” “Nope, I got it,” Jake said. Lea held out her hand. He licked her palm. She sighed, “You’re not going to let me have it?” Toby chuckled, “I thought we already did.” She slapped his thigh. He leaned down and kissed her tenderly, draining the last of her strength. When they came up for air, Jake murmured, “We’re going to let you cuff us, but Toby keeps the key.” He tossed it to his partner. “I wouldn’t lock you guys up and run,” Lea said. Leaving them was something she could never do voluntarily. Jake brushed his mouth over hers. “We know.” She parted her lips to his kiss, enjoying his greedy desire as much as Toby’s previous gentleness. When Jake was through, she fisted her fingers in his sodden hair and wrapped her other hand around Toby’s wrist. “I want to go to bed now. Help me up.” Toby got to his feet first. He pulled Lea to hers and slung her over his shoulder. Like a freaking caveman. Giggling, she ran her hands over his muscular ass, separating his cheeks. “I’m going to do stuff to you and Jake that’ll make both of you cry.” “As long as you don’t draw too much blood, I’m good.” He stopped next to the monstrous mattress. “A person could get lost on that thing,” Lea breathed. Jake patted her spanked ass. “That’s what we’re hoping for.” “Get rid of the comforter and the pillows,” she ordered Jake, then spoke to Toby. “Put me down.” When Jake had stripped the bed of everything but the fitted bottom sheet, Lea snatched the cuffs from him. “Climb on boys, Toby to the right, Jake to the left.” Perversely, they switched positions, making certain their bodies hugged the opposite ends of the mattress. Far enough away so they’d never risk touching each other. “I need you guys to be closer to the middle.” Lea directed them with her hands, the cuffs swinging from her thumb. “We’re good.” Jake folded one arm beneath his head. 136

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Toby worked the key between his fingers. “We need our space.” She smiled agreeably. “If you don’t want me to tend to both of you at the same time, I’m good with that. I had no idea how patient each of you are. One of you can watch while I’m taking care of the other. I do want to warn you, though, I don’t intend to rush, no matter how much you whine, complain, cry or whatever.” Jake frowned. “You do realize we could say no to this entire thing.” “But you won’t,” Lea countered. “Come on, get closer.” They both sighed as if it was the end of the world, then moved nearer the middle, the bedsprings squeaking beneath their combined weight. A lot of space still yawned between them, proving they had no interest in each other. “Okay, give me your hands,” Lea said. They held out the ones farthest from the center. In order for her to cuff both their wrists, they’d have to lie face down on the mattress, hiding their family jewels from her…unless they preferred to roll toward each other. Lea pointed that out to them. They stopped fooling around and held out the correct hands, their fingers close, but definitely not touching. “Good boys. This won’t hurt at all.” Seated between them, Lea cuffed Jake first, then looped the other end of the manacle through one of the designs in the wrought iron headboard. Taking Toby’s hand, she snapped the metal around his wrist and tested the shackle. “Enjoying yourself?” Jake asked. There was no mischief in his question nor was there lust. Just honest concern that told Lea he cared if she was happy. Her joy was important to him. She smiled. “Ask me that in a couple of hours.” Worry, or maybe it was sadness, clouded Jake’s expression. In her peripheral vision, Lea saw Toby turn to the windows, the sun’s newest angle telling him how much time they’d already used. How little of this day they had left. Not wanting to remind either of them of that, Lea ran her hands down their torsos to their groins. Toby lifted his chin to the ceiling. Jake spread his legs a bit more. Scooting back, Lea trailed her fingers down their thighs and calves to their feet, both wonderfully large with long toes. “Hold it,” Jake ordered, “no tickling.” “No sir,” she said. “I wasn’t planning to.” Toby lifted his head from the mattress. “Then what are you doing?” Exploring every bit of them, starting right here. “This.” She drew her tongue across the tips of his toes, suckling the biggest while caressing Jake’s foot. Toby laughed. Jake bitched until Lea gave him some of her loving.

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After licking their soles, she moved to their calves, kissing the faint scar beneath Toby’s knee. He cleared his throat as though uncertain how to respond. Lea studied the whitish imperfection, the only break in his consistently bronze coloring. Stroking it, she asked, “Did you get this during one of your assignments?” He smiled. “Fell out of a tree house when I was five.” Oooh. She kissed his boo-boo, then turned to Jake, noticing the various scars on his body. Surely not from his stepfather beating him. Lea didn’t think she could bear that. Touching the one on his shin, a longish, angry-looking mark, she joked, “You get this from falling off a playground swing?” “My skateboard. A buddy of mine was towing me behind his car. Didn’t hit the brakes until I started yelling.” “Oh my God, you could have been killed.” She smacked his thigh. “What’s the matter with you?” “I got a hard-on you’re ignoring?” “No different than me,” Toby said. So true. His crown was the same shade as Jake’s, fleshy with desire. Lea murmured, “Let’s see what I can do about that.” She took Jake’s cock inside her mouth, while working Toby’s with her hand. One grunted, the other groaned. On either side of her, their legs stiffened. They shifted their weight. The bed rattled. Lea ran her thumb over the small slit in Toby’s crown, using his silky pre-cum to lubricate his skin. She tasted Jake’s arousal. The salty fluid pulled a contented moan from her. Before her guys were too far gone, she switched tactics, sucking Toby’s shaft and pleasuring Jake’s with her hand. Back and forth she went, giving them each the same degree of her interest and love. Toby came first, his shout loud and unrestrained. Creamy cum shot into Lea’s mouth. Hungrily, she drank, lapping up every bit of it, her actions telling Toby how much she cherished this part of him. She rubbed her cheek against his hairy groin until his gasps subsided and then she kissed the root of his cock and focused on Jake. His face was ruddier than usual, his jaw clenched from the strain of holding off. With her hand still wrapped around his rod, Lea straddled him. Jake’s brows lifted in surprise. Toby was oblivious, already having drifted off from his climax. With great care, Lea directed Jake’s crown into her opening, bathing it in her juices prior to easing him fully inside. His frown said he wanted her to go faster. She did not. They were pretty damn sore from so much sex and Lea wanted this to last. To give Toby time to recover. He yawned, smacked his lips and went still except for the gentle rise and fall of his chest. 138

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“Fuck me,” Jake whispered. “Within an inch of your life,” Lea promised. He grinned, then grunted as she lowered her body onto his, pushing every bit of his cock inside. Her sheath stung for a moment from his hardness and size, but the hurt was one Lea wanted, quieting her troubled heart and soul. Squeezing her inner muscles around him, she pulled up until they were almost free of each other, then slithered back down. Jake sucked air through his teeth. He rubbed her nub. A jolt of sensation radiated down Lea’s thighs, forcing her to bite her lower lip to keep from crying out. The pleasure was too much, threatening to distract her from tending to him. She pushed his hand away. Jake brought it right back, his action telling her they would come together or not at all. Lea submitted, her only course when it came to this man. Her strokes, long and unhurried, had Jake thrashing his head back and forth. As she slowed her pace even more, he rubbed her nub faster, harder, determined to make her come. Damn him. “Behave.” She slapped his hip. He slapped hers right back. “No.” “Gonna be a prick, huh?” Jake laughed. The commotion didn’t bother Toby. He let out a prolonged snore, jerked in response, then went quiet again. Lea resumed pumping, faster this time. Jake manipulated her clit at the same pace. The cuffs clanked against the headboard. Soon, she and Jake were nothing but sound. They heaved air, blowing it out. Jake growled. She moaned. Both panted at their respective orgasms. Too weary to keep upright, Lea sagged over his leg, her shoulder coming to rest on Toby’s hipbone, Jake’s flaccid cock nestled against her calf. “Do me now,” Toby said. Surprised to hear him speak, Lea blurted, “You’re up?” “Check it out.” Pride rang in his voice as he ran his stiffening cock up and down her ear. Damn. She could barely get her lids to part or her body to move. “Do you always recover so quickly or are you just trying to show off?” “I’m a U.S. Marshal, baby. Comes with the territory. Hop on.” Did she have a choice? Did she want one? Lea straddled his narrow hips and sneaked a peak at Jake. His mouth hung open as he slept. Lea was beginning to envy him, at least until Toby stroked her clit with such gentleness a new wave of heat flooded her. “Good?” he murmured. 139

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Different from what Jake had done, but not better, just freaking wonderful. “Oh yeah.” “Then what are you waiting for?” Lea didn’t any longer. She took Toby’s full length inside and rode him as she had Jake, the friction from his cock and fingers forcing her over the edge. She cried out louder than he did at the peak of their climax, then collapsed on top of him, figuring one more orgasm would probably kill her. He and Jake had other thoughts. While she struggled to catch her breath, Toby fumbled with the cuffs, unlocking them finally. Still bleary-eyed, Jake soon had Lea on her back, one hand clamped on her wrists, her legs spread, his hand between them and his tongue in her mouth. She whimpered in satisfaction, even as her body begged for a bit of peace. Jake gave her none, his hand and tongue using her without mercy, bringing her to an excruciatingly slow and powerful orgasm until Toby recovered. In less time than before. Both guys took their turns mounting her missionary, then doggie style. Jake ordered Lea to suck Toby’s cock while his own plowed into her cunt. After that, no part of her was free of their lust. Toby enjoyed her anally twice before he let Jake have his chance. He entered her narrowest opening with a right that he’d presumed from the start, knowing it was exactly what she wanted. How much time passed, Lea didn’t want to know. She clung to the present, willingly giving herself even when she was too weary to move. At length, Jake and Toby slowed down, their heavy sighs telling Lea they were fighting sleep. She held out her arms to them, too tired to form words. Jake lay to her right, Toby to her left, their hands on her breasts, their mouths near her throat. In that position, they finally gave in, allowing darkness and peace to claim them.

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Chapter Twelve A distant scream awakened Jake. Lea? Had Cubrero found her? Bolting to a sitting position, Jake stared at the moon’s ashy light pouring through the windows, creating ominous shadows in the room. On a rough breath, he looked down, surprised to see Lea next to him. Her features were slack with sleep, her head on Toby’s shoulder, his fingers resting on the cleft between her legs. Jake didn’t get it. Had he been dreaming? He sagged to the mattress and froze with the sound, a thin shriek his slumbering brain had mistaken for a scream. Though familiar, he couldn’t quite place the noise. Was it an alarm? Had Toby set one of the clocks downstairs to awaken them in time for Lea’s flight? It couldn’t be that time already, could it? The shrill squeal stopped for a few seconds and started again. What in the fuck was—oh shit. His cellphone was ringing. Quickly, Jake left the bed and hurried downstairs to the family room where he’d left his clothes days before. The darkness was more pronounced here. Even the lights displaying the artwork were off. He rushed across the space anyway, ramming his knee into an end table and stubbing his toe on one of the chair’s legs. “God damn—fuck.” He fell to his knees, following the sound to his clothing, finding and opening his phone. “Gabriel.” “What took you so long to answer?” Nunez barked. “What’s wrong?” Jake sat cross-legged on the hardwood floor and did his best not to sound sleepy or breathless with pain. “Nothing. I was outside checking the periphery of the building, securing it, when I heard the call. I had to get back inside.” “You don’t carry the phone with you?” Nunez snapped. “Where’s Quinn?” An image of Toby’s fingers on Lea’s slit filled Jake’s mind. “He’s still outside making certain everything’s all right.” “Call him back in. You have to leave with the woman now.” What? “Why?” Jake grabbed his watch from the cocktail table, angling its face toward the windows, the few threads of moonlight filtering past the monstrous pines. It wasn’t even ten o’clock. “Has the flight been pushed up?” “No. But you need to get her out of there.” Jake’s stomach rolled. His mind screamed why? 141

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Nunez told Jake what he hadn’t expected and didn’t want to hear…what he would have to tell Toby and eventually Lea. Oh God no, not her. His head hung between his shoulders. He could barely breathe, but managed to speak with surprising authority the moment Nunez was quiet. “We’ll have her at the airport as quickly as we can.” “Make certain you do.” Jake squeezed his cellphone, wanting to break it, needing to hurt something to blow off his rage and worry. No time for that now, not if he wanted to keep Lea safe. He moved on instinct, gathering her, his and Toby’s clothes, making certain he also had his and Toby’s weapons. Until this moment, Jake hadn’t recalled leaving his gun down here. A stupid move on his part, he’d readily admit. His only excuse was that this place had a state-of-the-art alarm system as complicated as the upstairs shower. The entire estate was so fucking secluded and safe. Or so he hoped. “Cubrero’s been trying to find out where you are,” Nunez had said. “He may have already figured it out.” How was that possible, even with an informer in the police department? The detective who’d been making inquiries about him and Toby couldn’t have discovered that Toby was Rebecca Holmes’ son. She’d never advertised the fact. No one had ever published pictures of them together—she’d considered it bad for her career to even have a child. She was a fucking has-been star when she’d died, barely noted by the media. Attorneys settled her estate without fanfare, putting it into some kind of trust, not Toby’s name. This place was as off the charts as they could have hoped, the perfect place to protect Lea. In the bedroom, Jake put the clothing on a leather chair. He kept Toby’s holster slung over his shoulder, took his own gun and went to the bed. Toby awoke instantly at Jake tapping his arm. Taking in the weapons, he followed Jake into the bathroom and squinted at the lights coming on. “What’s going on?” he asked quietly. “We have to leave now.” Jake handed Toby his holster. “A detective in the police department has been asking a lot of questions, doing research on you and me. The only reason he would is to feed Cubrero information about us.” All the color drained from Toby’s face. “That’s not possible. Cubrero couldn’t possibly know who we are.” “He was at The Second Circle when we were, Toby. He saw us.” “How can you know that?” “He killed Danielle.” Toby’s features went slack.

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Jake continued, relaying what Nunez had told him. “Her apartment manager found her this afternoon when the service came to spray for insects. She had a few days off from the club. No one had been looking for her. The only one who could have done this, the only one with a reason, was Cubrero. He probably thought she had information about Lea that he could use.” “Oh shit,” Toby said. “When we first got here, Lea’s cellphone rang. She said the call was from Danielle.” Jake’s stomach rolled again. “We have to get her out of here now.” “What are we going to do about this, about telling her?” Toby grabbed Jake’s arm. “I don’t want her hurt.” “You think I do?” He pulled away from the man. “We don’t say anything until we have to.” “You mean at the airport? We’re going to tell her then and just leave?” “No—hell, I don’t know. We’ll figure something out.” “What? Fuck, we have to tell her about Danielle, there’s no choice.” Toby looked ill. “It’s just a matter of where and—” He stopped abruptly. Jake turned. Lea stood in the bathroom doorway, her eyes wide. Oh shit. How much had she heard? Jake didn’t want to know. He went to her, wrapping his fingers around her upper arm. “We have to leave now. Your clothes are on the bedroom chair. Come on.” Yanking free of him, she stepped away. “Why were you two talking about Danielle? What about her?” Toby joined them. “Lea—” Jake cut him off. “We have to go now.” She frowned. “To see Danielle?” “No.” Jake tried to maintain his calm. To get her the fuck out of here without any more questions he didn’t want to answer, didn’t know how to answer. Lea wasn’t having it. “Then why were you talking about her?” She turned to Toby. “You said—we have to tell her about Danielle, there’s no choice. I heard you. What’s going on? What happened?” This time, Toby said nothing. “Tell me,” Lea snapped. It killed Jake to bring her even the slightest bit of pain, but he had no other options now. No way would she back down. “Danielle’s dead, Lea. We believe Cubrero murdered her.” She stared. Jake’s words kept echoing in her mind, but didn’t quite register. “I’m so sorry,” he said. 143

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Lea was about to ask why, but did not, seeing the truth on his and Toby’s faces. Danielle was really dead. Cubrero had really murdered her. All of the air whooshed from Lea’s lungs. Her body went hot, then cold. Jake reached for her. She stepped back. “We didn’t want to have to tell you like this,” Toby said. Lea glanced past him at the bathroom, recalling the pleasure she’d experienced in here a short while before, trying to make sense of what was happening now. Danielle’s dead. Nooooo. That wasn’t possible. They had to be mistaken, lying, something. “You’re wrong,” she said. “She’s only twenty-five. People that young don’t die.” Jake moved closer. “They don’t!” she shouted at him. “She only has three semesters to go before getting her degree. She had such a shitty childhood, but she’s digging herself out of it. She’s going to work at one of the major banks and run the damn place before she hits thirty-five. At thirty, she’s going to marry a guy she loves. I’m going to be her maid-ofhonor and godmother to her kids. We have it all planned out.” Jake wrapped his arm around her, followed by Toby. Lea couldn’t stop trembling. Her heart ached so badly, she was unable to catch her breath. Her legs started to give out. “I have her,” Jake said. With his arm on her waist, he supported Lea, bringing her into the bedroom. “I’m sorry, but you have to get dressed,” he said. “We have to leave. One of the detectives in the police department has been feeding Cubrero information. It’s not likely, but it’s not impossible that Cubrero knows about this place and is headed here now.” To do what, kill Jake and Toby as he had Danielle so he could finally get to her? Lea dug her fingers into Jake’s wrist. “You don’t have to worry,” he said. “You’ll be safe as long as we leave.” “I don’t care about me,” she cried, her tears finally coming, streaming down her face. She’d lost Danielle and any hope of a future. All that mattered now was Jake and Toby getting out of this alive. “I don’t want you guys getting hurt because of me.” “We won’t,” Toby said. He pulled on his shirt and briefs. “Go on, get dressed. Please.” Mechanically, Lea pulled on her clothes, barely listening to Toby and Jake discussing their plans and the departure. Her mind wandered back to Phoenix, Danielle’s apartment. Is that where the cops had found her? Had Cubrero brutalized her as he had his other victims? Please God no, not that. Danielle couldn’t have been in pain or afraid when she died. Life had been so fucking unkind to her, she deserved some measure of

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compassion. To have gone quickly, too surprised to react or to realize that all of her dreams hadn’t come true…would never come true as she’d hoped. Lea pressed her hand over her mouth, muffling her wrenching sob. Jake looked over. So did Toby. They appeared as helpless as Lea felt. She turned away, not wanting them to feel burdened by her grief. Toby cleared his throat and spoke quietly. “I have to get my laptop. It’s in the kitchen, I think. Did you leave anything of yours downstairs?” “I don’t think so,” Jake said. “Go on, get your stuff. Lea and I will be down there in a few minutes.” Toby stopped at her side. She murmured, “I’m all right.” He turned her around and folded her within his embrace. “We should have protected her, Lea. We should have known. It’s our fault.” “No it’s not.” She hugged him hard. “Don’t ever say that. If it hadn’t been for me, none of this would have happened. Danielle wouldn’t be…” Lea’s throat closed with new tears, not allowing her to continue. Toby kissed the top of her head, squeezed her one last time and left. Jake crossed the room. “None of this is your fault, Lea. You have to believe that. Decisions were made by your father when you were a child. Nothing you could have done would have prevented this. It was always on his head, not yours.” He sounded so composed, yet appeared so sad. Was this how he’d been during those years when he’d tried to win his stepfather’s love? Reasoning things out with his mind while his heart continued to long for what could never be? Caressing the side of his face, Lea rested her thumb on his bottom lip. “Keep safe, please. Make certain nothing happens to you or Toby.” Jake yanked her into his arms, holding Lea so tightly she couldn’t breathe. She clung to him as fiercely, knowing this would be their last chance. Once they were at their final destination, his and Toby’s colleagues would be there, giving them no chance to express their love. Weeping, Lea dug her fingers into his shirt. He kissed her throat, her cheek, then sought her mouth. Just as their lips touched, his cellphone rang. He swore. She asked, “Who is it? Is it bad?” Jake put up his hand for her to be quiet and answered the call. “Gabriel.” Lea bit her bottom lip as he listened. “Yes, that’s right,” he said. “Wait, give me a sec.” Holding the phone to his chest, he whispered, “It’s all right. Nothing bad. Go on downstairs. I’ll meet you and Toby there when I’m through with this call.”

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Halfway down the stairs, Lea saw light streaming from the kitchen. More came from the maid’s room where Toby and Jake had provided so much joy. Given the sounds, Toby was in there gathering his stuff so they could leave. Swiping tears from her eyes, Lea crossed the family room, searching for her backpack. The last she recalled, she’d left it on one of the chairs. All of them were empty. So were the sofas. She turned slowly, taking everything in, finally spotting the backpack on one of the heavy Spanish credenzas against the wall. When had she put it there? She couldn’t remember. From the moment they’d arrived, she’d focused on satisfaction, having the best time she could, forgetting the future, living in the present. Even that had been taken from her. Fighting new tears, Lea dug through her things—a comb, lipstick, her apartment and car keys, a grocery list, her cellphone. She looked at the device, wondering when Jake had returned it. After he’d found out about Danielle, knowing she couldn’t call her friend ever again? Lea’s bottom lip trembled. Gripping the edge of the furniture, she lowered her face, not wanting to leave this place, knowing she had no choice. She belonged nowhere now. Again. Her heritage making certain she’d never share her life with anyone. A tear hit her hand, rolling into the phone. She ran her thumb over the keypad, pausing on the button used to take pictures. Of course, why hadn’t she thought of it earlier? Before they left, she’d get a photo of Jake and Toby. They might not want her to take it, but she’d argue them down. The picture would be hers to treasure in the months and years to come. A small part of them for her to remember. Lea’s hand trembled as she checked the phone’s battery. Shit. It was almost dead. She dug into her backpack for the charger. Surely she’d brought it with her to The Second Circle. She couldn’t have left it at— Her thoughts halted with a rattling sound to her left. Lea stared at the front door, slightly ajar. Frowning, she listened. There were no more sounds coming from the maid’s room. Had Toby gone from there to the outside without her hearing or seeing him? Or had Jake come downstairs and moved past quietly, not wanting to interrupt her weeping? Lea glanced at the stairway, then felt something tugging her hair. Lifting her hand, she touched warm skin. Toby’s? Jake’s? Her mouth opened on a gasp at her hair being twisted and held tight, the press of cold metal at her throat, warm breath on her ear. “Scream and your friends will die,” a man whispered. His words lilted slightly with his Spanish accent. Raw terror prickled Lea’s skin.

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It’s not impossible that Cubrero knows about this place and is headed here now, Jake had said. How had he gotten inside? Had he broken the lock on the front door and simply strolled in here? Why hadn’t the alarm gone off? Hadn’t Toby set it? With sickening speed, Lea realized he must have forgotten about the estate’s security once he’d joined her and Jake at the pool that first day. After what happened out there, none of them had been thinking clearly, and all because of her. She’d encouraged both men to behave as hedonistically as possible, ignoring the truth, how single-minded and sadistic Cubrero could be. “I’ll go with you, wherever you want,” she whispered. “I won’t make a sound. They won’t know I’m gone. Please don’t hurt them.” “Before I’m finished with you, you’ll beg me for a lot more than that.” Lea’s eyes filled, but she said no more. Pleading was futile now. Her life had come full circle and would end as horrifically as Cubrero’s other victims. As Danielle’s had. Lea held back a sob. She hadn’t been able to protect her friend, but she’d do everything she could to keep Jake or Toby from coming to harm. With his hand gripping her hair, Cubrero shoved Lea toward the front door. Footfalls sounded in the hall leading to the maid’s room. Cubrero stopped and yanked her back. No. Oh God no. Lea’s mind screamed for Toby to stay where he was, not to come out here. He rounded the wall and froze at what he saw, astonishment registering on his face. His hand flew to his shoulder holster. Cubrero fired. His gun’s silencer made a noise like the bursting of a single kernel of popcorn. So insignificant, yet devastating. Toby staggered back, his head dipping to his chest, the blood blossoming on it, staining his shirt. Gasping, Lea reached for him. Cubrero twisted her hair, keeping her from moving closer. Toby fell against the wall, sliding down it to the floor, his eyes wide with horror. From above, Jake’s footfalls sounded on the stairs. No. She opened her mouth to shout an alarm. Only a croaking sound escaped. Jake continued down the stairs until Lea could see his legs. Inexplicably, thankfully, he stopped. Cubrero tightened his grip on her hair. Bending at the waist, Jake glanced in Toby’s direction, then hers. Again, Cubrero aimed. “No!” Lea screamed. She rammed her body against his, repeatedly thrusting her elbow into his ribs. 147

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His arm jerked. He fired again and again. These shots were wild, one striking a bronze statue, another a lamp, the next the banister. Growling, he released her hair and grabbed her throat. Lea clawed his hand and face, her rage liberating, uncontrolled at him taking Danielle from her and now Toby. Bastard! He wouldn’t get Jake. Lea would kill him first. She gouged the skin beneath his eyes. He swore in Spanish and swung the gun to her, directing the muzzle at her forehead. She expected to hear the click of its trigger. A sharp bang sounded instead. Cubrero pushed to his toes, his eyes widened, unbelieving. Blood gushed from the side of his neck. His hand fell from her throat. He dropped to the floor. Lea scuttered back and looked up. Jake was sagging against the stairway, his gun in both hands, the barrel still pointed at Cubrero, blood staining the leg of his jeans.

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Chapter Thirteen “How’s the pain?” Jake turned from the hospital’s hallway to the young doctor who’d treated his injury, a through-and-through. The bullet hadn’t hit any major blood vessels or bone. He couldn’t recall it even hurting. His worry had been over Lea. And Toby. Don’t go there, Jake ordered himself. He didn’t want the doctor to see his distress and misinterpret or question it. Talking wasn’t what he needed to do. He had to forget. His memories wouldn’t allow it. Toby’s face swam before him, pale and damp with sweat, his expression frozen in fear. There’d been so much blood. More than Jake could ever recall seeing in all of his days in the service. It wasn’t as though he’d never seen the aftermath of a killer’s carnage. He had. He’d even witnessed another marshal’s charge being killed, the act random and sudden when an out-of-control car had careened into her. It was part of his job to see death. He’d expected and accepted it, until Toby. “Deputy Gabriel?” He regarded the physician, a pretty woman with green eyes, reddish hair and a surprisingly creamy complexion. No freckles. Weeks ago, Jake would have asked her out. Weeks before, he hadn’t known Lea. “Is the pain manageable?” the doctor asked. “It’s fine.” His wounds would heal long before he recovered from what had happened. Cubrero’s actions had changed Jake in a way he never would have suspected. For the first time since he was a child, love mattered to him again. Nothing else could come close. The doctor searched his face. “I can prescribe something stronger.” “I don’t need it.” He wanted to feel everything, whether it was good or bad. Never again would he anesthetize himself against life. It meant too much to him now. “I’m all right, really.” With a nod, she gave in. “I’m here if you need me.” Not wanting to encourage her obvious interest in him, Jake didn’t comment. The moment she moved away, he glanced down the hall again. At the end of it was a waiting room with a series of beige vinyl chairs where Lea sat…next to her mother. At fifty, the woman was still lovely, her features remarkably 149

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similar to Lea’s, their coloring the same. As she spoke to her daughter, she touched Lea’s hand, her arm, her cheek, as though wanting to make certain she wasn’t imagining this. The child she’d tried so hard to protect was actually here. Lea allowed the woman what she willed, making no move to curb her chatter or to hurry it along. There was no need any longer. For the first time in decades, Lea and her mother were truly safe, permitted to be themselves, free of witness protection or a life filled with lies. A little over a week had passed since Cubrero’s death, but already his cartel was in disarray, his lieutenants battling for control. They didn’t care that Manuel Morales’ testimony had put Cubrero’s father in prison. That had always been his fight, not theirs. Lea and her mother were not their concern or even on their radar. Mother and daughter could pick up their lives and get to know each other now. Lea could learn to love the woman who’d given up so very much for her. She patted her mother’s hand. Encouraged, the older woman smiled. So did Lea. It looked so fucking sad, Jake wanted to do something about it, but didn’t know what. In the last few days, she’d lost a lot of weight. She couldn’t eat. Rarely slept. Dark circles ringed her eyes. He knew she was thinking about Danielle and Toby, blaming herself for what happened. Nothing Jake had said convinced Lea otherwise. He’d reasoned, then argued, finally giving her space in the hope that she’d eventually forgive herself. She pushed from her chair, then bent down and kissed her mother’s forehead. The woman looked as though she might cry. She held onto Lea’s wrist, her mouth moving quickly with her words. Clearly, she didn’t want her to go. Lea pressed her mother’s hand to her cheek. They talked a bit more until the older woman seemed comforted. Turning, Lea looked at Jake. He smiled immediately, an involuntary reaction he wouldn’t have curbed if he could. Lea smiled softly in return, her feelings for him evident in her expression. She came down the hall and rested her hand on his. “What did the doctor say?” “The same thing I’ve been telling you for days. I’m fine.” She glanced at the cane he was using until his leg could bear his weight again. “You’re not going back to work sooner than you’d planned, are you?” No. He needed time off, had for years, not realizing it until Lea had come along. “I’m still taking a couple of months.” Relief swept her features. She laced her fingers through his. “I told my mother about you…us.”

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“No shit.” He couldn’t help but tease. “Is that why she was about to cry?” Lea slapped his arm. “Behave.” “Sure you want that?” She ran her free hand down his tee and managed a happier smile than the ones he’d been seeing. “No. But you don’t have a choice. She wants you to come over for supper. She’s going to make you ajiaco, that’s chicken soup. I told her no, that we’d take her to a restaurant, but she insists, wanting to take care of us. My God, she’s so sweet.” Her surprise made him smile. “She’s your mom.” Lea tightened her fingers on his tee as though she needed to hang onto something. “I don’t know how to feel. She’s a stranger, Jake. A nice lady, but—what do I say or do? I don’t want to hurt her by not reacting as I should.” “Give it time. It’s only been a few days.” “I know, but I’m afraid.” “I’m sure she is too.” Lea glanced over at her mother. The woman was pressing a handkerchief to her eyes. “I haven’t told her about Toby.” Jake couldn’t blame her. “She doesn’t have to know everything that happened or will.” He squeezed Lea’s fingers and continued to tease. “Wouldn’t want to give her a heart attack.” She pinched his arm. He faked a frown. “Ow.” “Baby.” Lea kissed the spot. “I told her Toby was a friend of ours, not that I love you both. I’ll have to tell her the truth eventually. It’s not like I can hide him from her.” “Yeah, I know. He is pretty big. Not as big as me, of course, but then what guy is?” Lea rolled her eyes. “Hey,” Jake said, “Toby would agree readily.” “Only because he’s so doped up. Just wait until he’s fully recovered…he will be, right?” That’s what the doctors had been saying after the first awful night when the EMTs had raced Toby here, losing him twice on the way, shocking him back to life. Yesterday, they’d moved him from the ICU to a private room. He wouldn’t be running marathons anytime soon, but he was on the mend. “As good as he was before this happened, which will make him nearly as good as me.” She arched one brow. “What happens when all of this is over and we’re back to normal?” Jake chuckled. “Oh, baby, we’re never gonna be normal.” “I know. That’s what I’m talking about. My mom’s going to insist on visiting us. What do we do then?” “Make her chicken soup?” 151

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Lea laughed. The sound tinkled in the drab green hall, signaling a return of her joy. Nice. Jake liked to see her happy. Seductive and sassy was good too. He wanted that part of her back, the woman she’d been when performing as SiNN. Not that she’d be returning to The Second Circle. No fucking way would he or Toby ever allow that. They’d support Lea while she got her degree. She’d spend her days at her college classes and her nights tending to them. Jake checked his watch. Visiting hours had just begun. “Ready to see Toby?” he asked. “Always. Wait.” Lea grabbed his arm and spoke quietly, “I don’t want to hear any talk about whose cock is biggest. You’re both adequate, all right?” “Adequate?” She gave him an innocent look. “You don’t think you are? Aw, baby, I’m so sorry you feel that way.” Jake wanted to swat her ass, but noticed her mother watching, wearing an expression all moms do when their daughters are with guys. Keep your hands to yourself, her stare said. Nothing but death would make Jake do that. Leaning down to Lea, he murmured, “Wait ‘til I get you home.” She turned her face into his. “We’ll record it for Toby, no?” Now there was an idea Jake hadn’t considered. The heat in his groin told him how much he’d enjoy starring in their own adult flicks. “You bet. It’ll be one hell of a homecoming present.” “So will everything I have planned for him.” On that promise, she led Jake into Toby’s room. Equipment stood to the side of the bed, monitoring his heart rate and temperature. From what little Jake knew about medical stuff, Toby’s stats seemed normal. He looked like hell. Eyes closed, he was propped against the pillows, face drawn, the longer parts of his hair in disarray, his face still unshaved, his weight loss as bad as Lea’s. Bandages covered his left pec. According to the surgeon who’d operated on him, the bullet had missed his heart by a fraction of an inch. Lea ran her fingertips down his cheek, then brushed her lips over his in a gentle, awakening kiss. Toby responded immediately, telling Jake the man had been faking sleep. His hand went to the back of Lea’s head and his mouth opened against hers, his tongue no doubt thrusting inside. Yep, he was definitely on the mend. Good for him. Jake ran his thumb across his bottom lip, waiting for Toby to finish with Lea.

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He took his time, giving her a hungry kiss, complete with his own grunts and her soft, submissive moans. When he was through, Lea’s cheeks flushed a dark pink. She turned to the door as though expecting one of the staff or her mother to be peering through its window. “No one saw, except for me.” Jake said, then spoke to Toby. “Very nice.” He wiggled his brows. Lea sighed. “Are you trying to relapse?” she asked Toby. “What is the matter with you?” “He’s horny,” Jake said. “Right?” “Fucking A.” Toby pushed the top sheet down. “I’ll show you.” “No, you won’t.” Lea yanked the linen right back up, smoothing it over his waist. “Are you in a lot of pain?” “You’re kidding, right? My balls are about to burst. Suck them. Make the ache go away.” Jake laughed. Lea bit Toby’s shoulder. He sighed. “Not as good, but it’ll do for starters.” She ran her fingers through his short hair. “You are feeling better, aren’t you?” “Bite me again and I’ll tell you.” Lea licked his neck. Toby’s chin lifted with his quiet moan. The door opened. A female orderly peeked inside. “Ms. Baptista, your mother wanted me to tell you she’ll be in the cafeteria when you’re through here.” Lea had already taken several steps away from the bed. She nodded quickly. “Thanks.” Toby waited until the orderly left. “Have you told your mom about me? That is, all of us?” “Not yet,” Jake said. “Lea’s waiting for the right time.” Toby’s eyes widened. “You mean there is one?” “I’ll make her understand, somehow,” Lea said, looking mystified as to how she might pull it off. “I don’t want to lose either of you.” “Don’t worry, you won’t.” Jake took Lea’s hand, bringing her to Toby. “We’re not going anywhere.” Never again would she be alone among strangers…without family. Those days were gone forever. Lea glanced down at Toby taking her hand. She caressed Jake’s fingers. “Is this really going to work?” She sounded so doubtful, so worried, Jake joked, “You don’t think I’d ever consider leaving you to him, do you?” “Excuse me?” Toby said. “No way are you getting all of her.” 153

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“Oh yeah?” Jake eased Lea’s hand behind her back, using it to pull her closer to him. “Think you’re going to be able to stop me?” “You have to sleep sometime, right?” “You honestly believe you can last that long?” “Can you?” Lea laughed. “Okay, I get it. Now, I want you guys to behave.” “No fucking way,” Jake said. “Ever again,” Toby added, his tone as rough. “We’re going to do exactly what we want with you.” “For as long as we want,” Jake promised. Releasing her hand, he gripped her sweet ass as hard as he wanted, telling Lea in no uncertain terms that she belonged to him now. She belonged to them both. Body, heart and soul. She’d bare her breasts when he and Toby demanded it. She’d spread her legs and display her cunt. They’d mount her together and separately, reveling in her passion, fueling her love. Lea’s color rose once more. Her expression softened, her manner grew yielding, obedient. Nice. But for Jake it wasn’t yet enough. He demanded it all, knowing Toby felt the same. Leaning closer, he murmured, “Got it?” “Answer him,” Toby said. Desire flared in her eyes. She breathed, “Yes sir. Oh, yes sir, I got it bad.”

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About the Author Tina Donahue is an award-winning, bestselling novelist in erotic romance, and an admitted chocoholic known to down semi-sweet candy bars in grocery checkout lines. She lives with her family in Palm Springs, California, where tires melt in the 120-degree summer heat and an occasional earthquake puts everyone on notice to bolt things down. When she’s not writing her steamy stories, trying to stay cool or crawling beneath her desk during a trembler, she loves shopping, eating at her favorite Mexican restaurant and meeting other authors. Before she wrote romance, Tina was the editor of an award-winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company. Tina welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

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