Phoenix Rising I (21 page)

“You’re not regretting this are you?” he asked.

Juliana glanced up at him and smiled, not pulling away from his strong chest. “I never saw a reason to regret pleasure--so long as no one was hurt in the process.”

“But--”

“Shh.” She put her finger to his warm lips. “Don’t. I want this. I want you. And I am most assuredly thinking clearly.”

Maverick smiled and quickly sucked her finger into his mouth. Pleasure shot back down her, moving like liquid ecstasy down her arm to her breasts then further to her sex. Tingling erupted between her thighs as they eagerly came to attention. When she glanced down his lean body, she saw that her libido wasn’t the only thing springing into action.

“Mmm,” she moaned, lightly kissing his chest. Running her hand over her chest, she affected a small pout. “Do you think I could play with your gun, Officer Perkins?”

Maverick stiffened and glanced at the bedside drawer. “Ah, listen, I know you must be mad about what’s happened to you, but that’s not any way to talk. I’m sure you don’t mean--”

Juliana pulled back, quirking a brow. “Huh?”

“Well, wanting to borrow my gun. Juliana, I know you’re angry--”

Her laughter cut him off. It was his turn to look confused. “Trust me when I say I’m not feeling too angry at the moment. And I don’t want to fire your gun, Officer Perkins, I want to fire your
gun
.”

To emphasize her meaning, she reached between his thighs, grabbing his shaft. She ran her fingers over the length, feeling it grow hard against her palm. Maverick groaned, giving her a sheepish look of apology for misunderstanding. “Oh, that gun. Sorry, it’s hard to turn the cop in me off sometimes.”

“Mmm, nice weapon,” Juliana said lightheartedly, purring in the back of her throat as she began the process of kissing the span of his chest. Stopping by each nipple, she licked the little buds hard. “Do you take it out for just anyone?”

Maverick continued to groan in approval. “Well, you know, I was trained never to take out my weapon unless I was going to use it.”

Juliana laughed at the absurd comment, but it fit with their role playing perfectly.

“Well, you know, officer.” Juliana reached to the side and grabbed the handcuffs. Swirling them around her finger, she gave him a coy look. “I think the criminal is going to turn the tables on the law.”

“Really,” he said, his voice a low, husky sound. “Going on a crime spree?”

“Mmm-hmm.” She nodded. Straddling his naked waist, she rubbed her swollen clit along his hard stomach and dragged the padded handcuff over his chest and up by his neck, tickling him with the end of it. He visibly shivered and his eyes narrowed in response. “First on the list. Kidnapping.”

Maverick didn’t fight her as she leaned over to cuff his hands above his head. His muscles strained beautifully and the heat radiating off his chest warmed her nipples as they brushed against him. When she had him bound, she sat back. Lifting her arms over her head, she stretched, lengthening her body as she rocked her hips back and forth on his stomach. He stared at her breasts, watching them bounce with her gentle movements.

“This is torture,” he growled.

“Mmm, good, a good crime spree has to have a little torture involved.” Juliana winked at him, continuing her little show.

“You might as well add arson to the list because I’m on fire right now.”

Juliana laughed. Her ass slid back, hitting his erection. It pressed into her and she wiggled against it. His flesh was indeed fiery hot. “You are right. I am becoming quite the criminal.”

“The worst,” he agreed. “A real intergalactic crime boss.”

“Oh, I like that,” she purred, sliding to the side as she got off of him. Her sex protested the lack of contact, but she ignored it, going to pull his uniform shirt off the floor. His hot eyes were on her and she simply stated, “Impersonating an officer of the law.”

Going to his nightstand, she pulled it open. Hesitating only slightly, she grabbed the lubricant and the small dildo. Maverick made a strange noise. He was breathing heavily, his body straining against the cuffs so hard that the bed creaked.

“Theft,” she said, keeping the items.

“You’re gorgeous,” he whispered, eyeing her in his shirt as she settled herself between his knees. “I’ll never look at my uniform in the same way again, which might be a bad thing if I’m at work.”

“Good, I’ll call that corruption.” Juliana laughed, liking that she was the ‘bad girl’.

Very slowly, she opened the lubricant and squirted it on the dildo, making a great show of slathering up the rubber cock.

“Is that for me or you?” Maverick asked, excited.

“Who do you want it to be for?”

“I don’t enjoy anything that big in my ass, but I’d love to watch you put it in yours.”

“Oh?” Juliana arched a brow. Angling a finger covered in the lubricant, she touched it to the tender piece of flesh beneath his balls. “What do you like? This?”

Before he could answer, she slipped the tip of her finger in his anus and lightly caressed him. His whole body tightened and shook.

“Yes!” he moaned. When she started to pull it out, his hot gaze caught hers. “How about bribing a law official?”

“Oh? At what price?”

“Suck my cock while you do that.” His eyes flitted down to his heavy erection. “Mm, yeah, only turn around to do it so I can see your sweet pussy.”

Desire shot through her at his bold words. Eagerly, she turned, straddling his waist so her back was to his face. Then, inching down, she drew her sex toward his face. She pulled his arousal between her lips.

The shirt fell forward, cocooning her as she ran her lips along his turgid shaft. Maverick made noises of approval, as she sucked him deeper with each pass. Her tongue rolled over the hot flesh, stopping to swirl around the rim of his hot tip. He squirmed thrusting up into her mouth.

Juliana drew her finger back to his ass. It had dried slightly, but there was still enough lubricant left to ease her way back inside. The firm opening clamped around her as she slid her finger in to the knuckle. Maverick’s harsh breath hit her pussy and she thrust back on him to ride his face. He groaned in approval, instantly swiping his tongue along her wet slit. His moans of enjoyment vibrated her clit as they brought each other pleasure.

Feeling her orgasm fast approaching, Juliana sucked his cock harder. Her body began to shake, releasing cream against his mouth. She took him to the back of her throat, thrusting her finger deeper into his ass. Maverick’s body tensed, joining hers in an explosion of release. Hot seed bathed her mouth and she drank down every drop.

Weak with spent desire, she fell to the side. Her legs stretched out by his head. The taste of him was still in her mouth, but she didn’t care. Being with Maverick was too much fun. What should have been a rotten week was turning out to be one of the best in her life. Never had she felt so free, so open with someone. It was like she could do anything with him and he’d never judge her or demand anything from her but mutual pleasure.

“Ah, excuse me, crime boss,” Maverick said, “but would you mind uncuffing me now? I’m starting to lose feeling in my arms.”

Juliana laughed and sat up. It took her a second, but she finally found the key folded into the messed up bedding. Pressing it to his thumb to get his print, she scanned the lock and set him free. She gasped as he grabbed her face and pulled her mouth roughly to his. He kissed her deeply, exploring intimately with his tongue as he stole her

already ragged breath. Then, letting her go, he grinned. “You’re a lot of fun to have around,” he said, “even if you are a criminal.” Juliana laughed, feeling very sleepy. “You’re not too bad yourself, officer.”

Chapter Six

Juliana wasn’t sure when she’d gone to sleep, but when she awoke it was in Maverick’s arms. The room was dark and she realized he must have turned off the light at some point in the night. His lips brushed her neck as his body curled around hers. Part of her was afraid to fully awaken, afraid that it might be a dream.

“Again?” she asked, feeling his erection pressing into her.

“I just can’t seem to get enough of you. I find myself wanting to see what you’ll do next,” he whispered into her ear before playfully licking at the lobe. “Besides, you got my toy out and forgot to use it.”

It took her a moment but Juliana remembered the dildo that had been discarded for other play. Swiping her foot, she felt it bump the toy from under the covers. Soon after the sound of it landing on the floor echoed through the room.

“Well, I guess that’s out of the question,” Maverick laughed. “At least until we get around to cleaning it.”

“We?” she asked. She turned, unable to see his face in the dark room.

“Unless you programmed the cleaning droids to attend personal items, as well.”

“They don’t care what they clean. They just do it.” She snuggled closer. “But I’ll see if I can’t give it a specialized program before I go.”

Juliana frowned, glad it was dark and he couldn’t see her expression. He’d given her a place to stay, but she couldn’t live off him forever. How long was overstaying her welcome? She wouldn’t assume just because they’d had sex that she could continue to take from him. Reprogramming his electronics would only repay him so long.

“I’ve been thinking …”

“Oh, yeah? About what?” She waited for him to speak, running her fingertips over the strong arm holding her waist. Juliana wondered why he was hesitating.

After some time had passed, Maverick said, “I think you should stay here. With me.”

“Oh?” She pulled back slightly. Pleasure filled her at his admission.

“Not as a tenant, that seems too formal, but as my roommate,” he explained when she didn’t answer.

Juliana tried to sit up, slightly disappointed though she knew she shouldn’t be. His arm tightened, holding her to him. She was a free woman and could do whatever she pleased, but she didn’t want to give him the wrong idea. She didn’t want to lead him on, only to hurt him. She cared too much about him for that. But, until her life was straightened out, it wouldn’t be fair to let him think that there could be anything more between them. Her messy existence wasn’t his problem and he’d already been a lifesaver, going above and beyond the call of friendship.

“Maverick, I’m not looking for a commitment. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed our time together, but I don’t want you to get the wrong impression. I’m sorry. I should have laid the ground rules first. I just … Well, honestly, I just thought we were on the same page. I’m sorry if I’m hurting your feelings, but I’m just not ready to commit again, especially after only one night.”

He chuckled and kissed her temple. “I know you don't want a commitment and the truth is I’m not one to jump into a relationship either. It’s just nice to have someone here when I get home. I’m not looking for commitment. Since my divorce it’s been rather quiet around the house. I miss the noise. I miss someone being around to watch transmissions and eat with and talk to.”

Juliana sighed, not moving. What did she do? What could she say? It was a generous offer, to be sure.

“We’ll just be roommates,” he said. “No commitment at all except half the bills and utilities. I’ll give you until your Assets Distribution is taken care of, because I know how hard it is, but as soon as you are able to do so, you have to kick in. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind the help around here. I want to finish remodeling the house and the extra help with bills would free up the space credits.”

“Roommates with a few perks?” She asked, stroking his arm. It was a crazy idea, one she might not have ever considered before now. But it sounded just like what she needed. She didn’t want to live alone either.

“Why not? It’s not like we’re in love with anyone else,” he said. “I say if we both feel in the mood then we should indulge our fantasies. If not, then we don’t. We’ll never have to answer to each other. We’ll never have to explain.”

“And only we can change the rules of the relationship,” Juliana said. “
If
and
when
we’re ready.”

“Exactly,” he agreed. Maverick pulled her closer. “Besides, I walk the mean streets everyday. It’s not always safe for a woman to live alone. What better protection than to live with a cop?”

Hearing the honest tone in his voice, she felt he really meant it. “It would be nice to have a friend around.”

“I agree. Also, if at any time you’re unhappy living here or if it doesn’t work out then you can leave whenever you choose. Until you know what’s happening, there’s no need to make hasty decisions. What do you have to lose? You said you didn’t have anywhere else to go.”

Juliana closed her eyes. “Okay. We’ll try it. But if either of us is unhappy then we call an end to it. Deal?”

“Deal.”

“Okay,” Juliana nodded. This was so crazy it might just work. “Deal.”

“I’ll arrange to have someone bring over your things from storage,” he said. “Since it’s only been a few days, I’m sure my friend won’t charge you. He’s a good guy.”

“Thank you and make sure you thank him. I really appreciate it.” Juliana sighed. Maverick’s home as hers? It seemed fitting. She was comfortable here and found she didn’t even really miss her old house. Decorating and lawn work had just been a way to pass the hours, to put meaning into her existence. It was a way to drown herself and keep busy.

“And you feel free to put your things wherever you want to. This house will be as much yours as mine as long as you’re here.”

Juliana reached to stroke his face. “You are a primary amongst men, Officer Perkins.”

“Now,” Maverick said, flipping her on her back. His tight body settled comfortably into hers. “All I need to know is do you want to make love here, or in the shower.”

“Mm,” Juliana moaned, wiggling around beneath him as she tried to stretch her tired muscles. “Shower. Definitely.”

“Good choice. I’ll go start the water.” Maverick leaned in to kiss her, missed, and pecked her cheek. Unfazed, he sat up and she heard him walking toward the bathroom. The light flipped on, showing her the way to follow him.