Deadly Deception (18 page)

He pulled away, watching the thin garment slip off her shoulders and fall to the floor. “So damn pretty.” He ran his fingers across the slope of her breast, his breath hitching as the nipple hardened at the gentle caress. “I could touch you all night.”

She moaned as he leant forward and took the taut peak into his mouth. He flicked his tongue across the tip, pressing it against the back of his teeth. Her hand speared through his hair, burying in the length as she held him tight to her chest. He suckled her nipple, fighting against her hold enough to repeat his action on the other side. Rough breaths marked each draw on her bud, until she whispered his name, the husky need more than apparent.

Sawyer smiled and eased away, straightening up. “I love how you react to me.” He thumbed her pants. “I suggest you get rid of these before I rip the fucking seams apart.”

She sighed, feigning annoyance as she popped the button free and pushed the denim over her hips. He didn’t miss the way her ass swayed back and forth a bit more than necessary as she inched them down, finally allowing them to pool at her feet.

He nodded at the pathetic strip of cotton covering a triangle of skin at her crotch. “Really, darling. If you’re going to wear panties, shouldn’t they at least look like they might cover more than a mere inch of your body?”

She shimmied her hips. “I could go without them again if you think that would be easier for you to cope with.”

“How about I just tie you to the bed so I can keep you naked all the time?”

She grinned at him as she stepped towards him and pressed her body flush to his. “Oh, I can just imagine Cole’s reaction when he walks in on us like that.”

Sawyer growled and slipped his fingers down each side of her panties, ripping the seams before allowing the meagre scraps to fall to the floor. “Are you determined to test me tonight?” He gave her butt a light slap as he pulled them towards the shower door. “You’re begging for a spanking.”

“Is that a promise,
baby
?”

He clenched his jaw, moving them into the shower. She knew just how to push him to the point he lost control and took her against any handy surface, despite his best intentions to love her slowly. Softly. She didn’t hide the smile gracing her lips as she stepped beneath the spray of water, the misty steam curling around her body. Water sluiced over her skin, making it glisten in the bright light. He pulled her close, attacking her mouth again before slowly turning her in his arms.

“Rest against the wall, darling.”

She looked at him over her shoulder, nothing but love reflected in her eyes. God, if he’d questioned her trust in him, she’d all but showed him he’d earned it back. Tears gathered again as she did as he asked, leaning into the white tiles as the water sprayed lightly across her back.

He grabbed the soap, working the bar into a thick lather before rubbing it along her shoulders, massaging the tense muscles as he worked his way downward. A contented hum followed every swirl of his hands, her body pressing harder into the wall. He moved with her, rediscovering every inch of her body, from the lush curve of her buttocks to the delicate line of her spine. He placed his hands around her waist, palming her ribs as he snugged his chest against her back, his lips trailing along the sleek column of her neck. The small hairs prickled at the gentle contact and he couldn’t stop the sudden urge to kiss the side of her jaw.

She turned towards him, her head lolling backwards against his shoulder and granting him access to the sensual hollow where her muscles threaded together. He bit the soft flesh, the primitive side of him determined to leave a mark staking his claim.

“Sawyer.”

The raspy hiss of his name ignited a deeper need, and he closed his eyes as he rested his head on hers.

“God, I love you.”

She stiffened slightly at his words, her sharp intake of breath revealing her thoughts before she’d even spoken them. He kissed her when she looked as if she was going to speak, loving the way she moaned into his mouth.

Their gazes locked as he finally eased back, one hand dipping down to rest on her thigh as the other angled the showerhead to rinse them off. “I don’t know why you gave me a second chance, but I’m certain I don’t deserve it…deserve you.”

He pushed her thigh off to one side, probing her entrance with his cock. Warm moisture coated his skin and he couldn’t stop from thrusting inside her, burying himself in her vise-like grip.

Mallory cried out his name, allowing him to bend her knee and wrap her heel around his back. He could tell she was off-balance, but he wouldn’t let her fall. He whispered soothing words as he drew back, pausing with just the head squeezed inside her before surging back in.

“You know damn well why I gave you a second chance, and I beg to differ on your last statement.” She moaned again at another pass, this one harder than before. “God, Sawyer. I need more.”

“Greedy little minx, aren’t you?”

He chuckled at her disgruntled huff, obliging her request. Her body shuddered with every stroke, and he knew she was already close to climaxing. He slipped his hand along her leg, cupping her mound. His fingers traced the line where they joined, and he groaned as he felt her soft flesh give to accept him.

“Damn, darling. You’re so fucking hot.” He slammed into her, pushing her against the tiles. “I wanted to go slow. To show you how much you mean to me, but, shit…”

He lowered his head, resting it against the base of her neck as he held her hips and pounded into her. Water splashed across her back, running in rivulets along her skin, but all he felt was her grasping channel and the hold she had over him. Her voice echoed through the small space, mixing with the steam as he worked her higher, feeling her pussy contract around him. He waited until the walls started to spasm before releasing his grasp on his control and emptying inside her.

Mallory’s body went rigid, her hands fisting against the tiles. He held her close, listening to her grunt through her release before she relaxed into him, seemingly content to let him bear their weight. He smiled and wrapped one arm around her chest as the other found her waist. Her chest hit his hand with every rough inhalation, the rapid breaths mirroring his. How he’d survived two years without her was a mystery, but he knew he wouldn’t last two days now. He wasn’t sure if he believed in soul mates, or fate, but he knew his life meant nothing without her in it.

Mallory sighed and leaned against him. He didn’t need to see her face to know she was smiling. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head, rinsing off any remaining soap before easing his weakening erection out of her. She huffed in what sounded like disappointment and turned, watching him with that slight tilt of her head that made her seem innocent and wicked all at the same time.

He cupped her chin, moving in for a soft kiss. “You’re amazing. But don’t think I’ve forgotten about that spanking.”

Her smile was pure sin. “I’m counting on it.” She drew her hand across his chest, lightly squeezing his flat nipples. “Now I believe you promised to be my pillow.”

“I suppose I can’t break a promise.” He tugged her towards the door. “But remember. No snoring.”

Chapter Ten

Mallory bolted awake, the soft patter of feet across the wood floors outside the bedroom jolting her from sleep. She’d heard the noise a thousand times before—had learned to recognise the tread of her father when he was on one of his benders. For a drunk, the man had been as quiet as a damn cat, and she’d become an extremely light sleeper in order to stay one step ahead of him.

Memories of those nights tumbled through her head as she stared at the door, momentarily frozen until a creak sounded from the living room. Her muscles tensed as she shuffled to the edge of the bed and quietly opened the side table drawer. Her gun felt cold and heavy in her hand as she wrapped her fingers around the handle, removing it before sliding back over. She curled her other hand around Sawyer’s shoulder.

“Sawyer.”

The man hummed, blinking several times as he turned to look at her. His sexy half-smile brightened the room as he reached out and caressed her arm. “In the mood again already, darling? Damn, don’t you ever sleep?”

“There’s someone in the house.”

The lines around his mouth tightened as his gaze swung to the door, then dropped to her gun. He met her stare. “Are you sure?”

She tried not to sound too bitter. “Trust me when I tell you I’d recognise the sound of feet on a wood floor anywhere.”

Sawyer’s eyes narrowed and he muttered something under his breath as he rolled out of the bed, picking his jeans off the floor before tossing her his shirt. He gave her a nod as he retrieved his gun, pulled on his pants and headed for the door. Mallory followed behind him, slipping on his shirt before stopping at the closed door. Sawyer had his ear pressed against the damn thing while one hand palmed the handle. He glanced over at her and nodded.

She took a deep breath, counting with him as he reached three and opened the door, clearing up the hallway towards the living room as she slipped out behind him and cleared the path back to the spare bedroom. Eerie silence greeted them and Sawyer tapped her on the shoulder, motioning towards the spare room. She acknowledged his plan and moved down the hallway with him. While she was anxious to catch the bastard invading their home, they couldn’t chance something might come at them from behind.

She stopped when they reached the room Sawyer had spent all of two hours in that first night. He pushed ahead of her, opening the door and ducking inside without a word. She cursed, but kept watch, not sure whether to be touched by his protectiveness or pissed by it. She choose the first, remembering how hurt he’d looked when he hadn’t backed her up quicker in the alley.

Sawyer reappeared a few moments later, shaking his head as he nodded up the corridor. She took off, clearing the bathroom before continuing towards the living room. Sawyer took point, keeping his back to the wall as he stared into the darkness. Mallory took the other side, her gun nestled beside her shoulder. They counted to three then shifted out, each taking a side. A cool breeze coasted along the floor, swirling around her feet. They moved as one, clearing the living room then moving to the kitchen. Sawyer searched every closet, every possible hiding spot before finally addressing the open front door. Though she was certain he’d locked it after they’d arrived home, it stood wedged against the wall, nothing but darkness beyond the entryway.

He cursed and kicked the thing shut, obviously not wanting to risk touching it without gloves. She relaxed slightly when he flicked on the lights, bathing the room in a harsh light.

He ran a clenched hand through his hair. “What the fuck? I know I locked the damn door, and not just the handle. I used the deadbolt.”

“No lock is impenetrable. Hell, I picked harder doors than that in foster care.”

He gave her a hardened look. “That’s not the kind of shit I want to hear right now. Not when you’ve been living here, alone, for the last two years.” He held up his hand to stop further comments. “I know. I’m to blame for that. Just humour me right now, okay?”

She smiled and moved into his open arms. “It wasn’t just you, and I can assure you I’m not an easy target. But we should see if anything’s missing.”

Sawyer sighed. “I can’t believe someone would be stupid enough to break into our house. Shit, what were they thinking? If we’d caught them…”

Mallory nodded, following him through the kitchen and into the living room. She squinted as Sawyer flicked on the lights, blinking at the sudden glare. Nothing seemed out of place until she swung her gaze towards the bar. A small blanket was mounded on the counter, the edge of a knitted foot sticking out of one end.

Sawyer glanced at her, his eyebrow raised in question. “What the hell is that?”

“Not sure I want to know.” She moved beside him. “Do you want to do the honours, or should I?”

“Just stay back.”

He walked across the room, stopping an arm’s length away. He glanced back at her then grabbed one end, keeping his fingers near the edge. Mallory held her breath as he gently lifted the fabric, pausing halfway to look underneath. His loud curse made her jump as he snatched the blanket away, tossing it off to the side. She inched forward, unable to distinguish what the lump was until she got a few feet away. She inhaled roughly, staring at the old knitted doll with a manila envelope tied to the front with a sash. More memories tumbled through her head and she looked away, all too sure what was inside the beige offering.

* * * *

Sawyer opened the door, trying not to scowl at the man standing on the porch. A passing car cast a long shadow along the driveway, reminding him it wasn’t even three o’clock yet. Mallory stepped up beside him, elbowing him in the ribs as she smiled at the man.

“Fisher. Thanks for coming. I know it’s late, it’s just…” She sighed, motioning him inside.

Fisher gave her a smile, picking up his case as he stepped through the doorway. “It’s okay. I’d just gotten home, anyway.” He extended his hand to Sawyer. “I’d heard you were back in town. Good to see you.” He winked at Mallory. “I’d also heard Sawyer’s been staying in your spare room without bloodshed. Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”

Mallory laughed, though it sounded tight. “The case isn’t over, yet. Maybe I’m just lulling everyone into a false sense of security, so I won’t be the prime suspect when Sawyer goes missing.”

Fisher chuckled. “That sounds more like the Mallory I know.” He paused as he glanced at the next room. “Is it in there?”

Sawyer moved in behind Mallory, not sure whether to hold her shoulders or stay at a distance. Though he was certain Fisher had guessed at their current sleeping arrangements, joking aside, he didn’t want to put any pressure on Mallory. She’d more than stepped up for him, and he needed to give her all the time she required before making their renewed relationship common knowledge.

He brushed her hand then nodded at Fisher. “All I did was remove the blanket. Otherwise, we haven’t touched it.”