Sweet Revenge

Chapter 21

At the moment, Laney wanted nothing more than to get completely lost in the heat Matt created. She took his hand, needing to feel connected.

He led her back inside the bar and to a seat by Smitty at a table. “You okay?” he asked.

Smitty nodded. He’d already found a bag of frozen peas to press to his forehead. “I’m fine. When the guy shot at me, I fell and smacked my head on the stairs.”

Laney kept hold of Matt’s hand, all but pulling him into the free seat. “Did you see the guy? My back was to him the whole time. Who was he?”

Smitty lifted a shoulder. “He had on a ski mask that covered his entire head. In fact, the guy was in all black—heavy ski jacket, pants, and gloves. Maybe black boots?”

Dread chilled through Laney. “He was strong and maybe six feet tall?” The guy had seemed really tall and strong, but maybe some of that was the surprise of the attack. “He didn’t say anything at all.” She glanced up to see Frant rapidly writing in a notebook. “Hey. This is off the record.”

The reporter kept scribbling. “No, it isn’t.”

Matt moved before Laney could argue, snatching the notebook and shoving the reporter into a chair. Matt leaned into him. “When she says it’s off the record, it’s off the record. Got it?”

The outside door opened, and the sheriff hustled inside followed by Agent Patterson. Todd hurried toward Laney and dropped a hand on her shoulder. “Are you all right?”

Tears pricked the back of her eyes. That was why she’d chosen a small town. “I am. Matt chased the guy away.”

Matt stopped intimidating the reporter and retook his seat next to her, sliding a reassuring arm along her shoulders. He shook his head. “Laney fought well. The guy will have bruised ribs tomorrow, without a doubt.”

Warmth filled her at his proud tone. Even now, she wanted be strong but couldn’t help leaning into his solid form.

Agent name drew a notebook free of his jacket. “Describe the assailant.”

They went through the list of what they’d noticed again. Unfortunately, the guy had been covered head to toe, and the car wasn’t familiar.

Todd scratched his head. “Blue Jeep Cherokee?”

“Yes. Why?” Matt asked, studying the sheriff.

“Had one reported stolen earlier today.” The sheriff shook his head. “So we don’t really have much more to go on except that the guy is willing to kidnap people now.”

“Actually”—Frant spoke up from where he’d leaned against the wall, away from Matt—“the killer kidnapped a woman in Faith, Washington, from outside of an ATM machine. They found her later in the forest, and not at her home.”

Agent Patterson turned his full attention on Frant. “Who the hell are you?”

Matt frowned. “Who did you think he was?”

“Somebody who worked here.” Patterson flipped back several pages in his notebook. “According to the background information my partner picked up, you have several part-time workers through the year.”

Frant slipped a business card from his back pocket. “Zeke Frant. I’m a reporter with ATW News Source out of Seattle, and I’ve been covering the Sleepy Town Serial Killer since the beginning.”

Patterson took the card. “Sleepy Town Serial Killer? Are you serious?”

“Yes. All famous killers have monikers.” Frant revealed his perfect set of teeth. “Any chance the FBI would agree to an interview in this case?”

“No,” Patterson barked. “What did you see tonight?”

“Nothing.” Frant actually looked disappointed at the thought. “I heard the shots and ran outside in time to see this guy running after a speeding vehicle. The car was a dark blue, and there was no license plate, as they’ve already said.”

“How many shots?” Agent asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe six?” Frant pushed his glasses up his nose. “It all happened so fast. So, maybe your partner will consent to an interview?”

“My partner is currently trying to track down a witness from the Peaceful Valley crime scene. When he gets back, I’ll get you two in the same room.” Patterson flashed a hard grin. “He’ll shoot you before he talks to you. I’m the nice one.”

Frant’s lips turned down. “The people have a right to know if there’s a serial killer stalking them.”

Patterson sighed. “When are you going to print?”

“Tomorrow is the first installment.” Frant eyed Matt warily. “All I mentioned about the most recent crime is the location and that the FBI is in town investigating. I haven’t written a word about Miss Jacobs. Yet.”

Matt’s low growl reminded Laney of a jaguar about to strike. She slipped her hand beneath his. “I appreciate that. Thanks,” she said.

“Sure.” Frant kept his gaze on Matt.

Yeah. Laney had learned the same lesson eons ago—to keep one’s eye on the biggest threat. Matt was definitely the biggest threat in the room. Thank God he was on her side. Well, mostly.

Matt turned toward the agent. “Tell me you have some idea who this guy is.”

“No clue.” The circles under Patterson’s eyes spoke volumes. “The guy seems to get better with each town he hits. Hopefully our profiler will get here tomorrow. We’ve been stretched thin.”

Laney shivered in her wet dress.

Matt instantly stood. “We’re done here, gentlemen. The second you hear anything, please call.” He nodded at the sheriff. “I’d like to talk to you tomorrow about safety arrangements for Laney.”

The sheriff stood. “You got it.”

Smitty escorted the men out the front door. “Sheriff, give me a ride home, will ya? My head aches a bit.”

“Me, too,” Frant piped up. “The cabbie never showed.”

Laney snorted. Mario was well known to hate calls after ten at night. She turned and tried to smooth down her wet dress. “Thanks, Matt.”

He flipped off the lights and strode forward to take her hand to lead her through the bar and up the steps to the living quarters. “I didn’t do anything.”

“You saved me.”

He stopped outside her door. “If I had saved you, the guy would be dead right now.”

The harsh words rippled chills down her spine. She leaned back against the door, her head finally going quiet. “Why are you meeting with the sheriff tomorrow?” No way would Matt want anybody else to protect them.

“I’m hoping to get to his computer.” Matt sighed. “Sorry I didn’t catch that guy tonight.”

“Why are you so hard on yourself?”

“I’m not.”

Lightning arced outside the hallway window, illuminating the harsh planes of his face. The memory of him coming for her through the storm, walking toward spraying bullets as if they couldn’t harm him, filtered through her memories. He’d been focusing on her and nothing else.

She dug both hands into his wet shirt, leaned up on her toes, and pressed her mouth against his.

He inhaled sharply and wrapped both large hands over her shoulders to push her back against the door.

She blinked.

Raw hunger glittered in his eyes. “Wait.” Low, guttural, his tone licked right down her skin to part her thighs.

Her eyelids dropped to half-mast as need washed under her flesh. Breathing became unnecessary. “No. No waiting.”

“Laney—”

“I want you, Matt. The real you… all of you.” There were no more secrets between them.

“You don’t know what you’re saying.” His tone dropped to gravel in a cement mixer… rough and ready.

“I do.” She struggled against his hold until he loosened enough that she could reach up and tangle her fingers through his hair. “We don’t have forever, and I know it. Hell, we may not have more than tonight. But I want it. Just you and me—the real us.” When was the last time she’d let somebody know her? The good and the bad?

The idea that they were so temporary lent an urgency to the moment. To her need. Something flared to life inside her, filling those empty places she hadn’t realized she’d had… until she’d met Matt. Until he’d filled them.

He licked his lips, and her knees weakened. Then his gaze dropped to her mouth, the darker flecks in his gray eyes becoming almost black. “I’m better at pretending. The real me? I’m not pretty, and I’m sure as hell not gentle.”

“I don’t want gentle.” Taking the risk, she broke free of his restraining hands and plastered her wet dress against his heated front. “I just want you.”

His hard body shuddered as he fought the desire she could read on his face. “No—”

“Yes.” Tightening her hold, she pulled his hair and took his mouth.

He fought her for all of one second. With a groan, he shook her grip and flipped her around to face the door.

One arm snaked around her waist and slid up to draw back her chin. She pressed both palms against the smooth wood. His erection pressed against her buttocks, while his hold arched her back.

She couldn’t move.

Fire flushed through her so quickly she gasped.

“You want real?” His heated breath whispered against her ear, the tone dark and real. An offering… a surrender.

“Yes,” she breathed. She wanted all of him with a desperation that had her nails curving into the door.

His fingers gripped her leg, skimming her dress up her thigh. She moved her butt restlessly against him, seeking any hint of relief.

“No.” His other hand manacled around her hip, holding her still, his tone full of need. His hand continued up, over her belly, between her breasts, taking the material with him. “Arms up.”

She faltered, her mind swimming, the words barely making sense. “B-but, we’re in the hall.”

“Now.” The order held unrelenting command.

An erotic shudder wound down her back. Slowly, she inched her palms up the doorway, and he slipped the dress over her head. Her breasts sprang free.

“No bra?” he asked, his lips dipping to her ear, his hands covering hers above her head and holding tight.

She swallowed and bit back a whimper. “Shelf bra—in dress.”

“Ah.” His fingers curled over hers as he stepped into her, capturing her length with heat and unyielding muscle. There was nothing gentle about him—and he’d warned her. His hold on her was firm, controlling.

And she knew, with every instinct she owned, that he was just getting started. She’d unleashed something within him, and she’d done so on purpose. “Matt, please—”

“No, baby. You’ll beg when you’re on your knees. Later.” His mouth found the sensitive spot beneath her ear in a full assault demanding her compliance. Her surrender.

His words permeated the fog in her brain even as she tilted her neck to grant better access. “I. Won’t. Be. On. My. Knees.” She panted the words out.

The male chuckle at her ear almost threw her into an instant orgasm. “You know not to challenge me.”

Oh yeah? She rolled her hips against the hard ridge pressing into her.

His sharp intake of breath filled her with triumph.

“You wanna play?” he murmured.

“Yes.” She did it again.

“You ever been taken from behind?” he asked, nipping her earlobe with enough of a bite to catch her breath in her throat.

“No.” Sex had been merely been a quick stress reliever while she was in school, and she hadn’t been with anybody since fleeing the organization. “Not going to happen, Matt.” Yes, she wanted him to change her mind. If he wanted such trust, he’d have to earn it.

He released her hands, opened the door, and banded one arm around her bare waist to walk her inside. Shutting the door, he flipped her around.

The glittering hunger in his eyes lit her on fire. She gripped his shirt and tugged it over his head, having to stand on her toes to make it work. Holding his gaze, she reached for his belt, her fingers fumbling as she slipped it free of his jeans.

Rain pelted against the windows in a full tantrum. The lights flickered, and she didn’t care. Not at all. Unsnapping his jeans, she helped him to shed them. The guy had gone commando again. “Now who’s nude?”

His arm snaked out and twirled her up and over, removing her panties before settling her back on her feet. “You are.”

Her knees wobbled. God, he was fast. And strong. Incredibly strong. “So are you.” She ran her fingers along the bottom of his shaft. The man was built.

His eyes darkened to masculine warning. “You have the softest touch.” Threading both hands through her hair, he tilted back her head, his mouth taking hers. She parted her mouth to ease the pressure.

Matt thrust in and took firm possession with demanding strokes of his tongue. His scent surrounded her, filled her. The hands in her hair tightened, holding strong, keeping control. Her nipples scraped against his chest and sent raw tendrils of need to her cleft. God, she needed to be filled. She groaned, her hands gripping his waist, trying to get closer. So much closer.

He backed her through the apartment to the bedroom, his mouth working hers the entire time. Her feet slid on the smooth carpet, but she allowed him to steer her, sure he wouldn’t let her fall.

They reached the bed and her knees buckled. He pushed her up the bed, moving along her, settling his bulk against her. His cock throbbed and pulsed right where she needed him, so she slid her legs apart.

His grin provided warning. “You’re not ready.”

“I’m so ready I may orgasm without you.” She brushed his hair back, losing herself in all the silk.

He slid to the side, tweaking her nipple before caressing down to slip one finger inside her. “I think I was clear earlier.”

Was he using words? Speaking something? Trying to communicate? “Um,” she agreed, twisting against his hand. Another finger joined the first, and he rotated them, causing her to see stars.

“You’re so wet for me,” he said, his voice a deep rumble. “And I was clear.”

About what? She frowned, trying to focus while he tortured her with that orgasm was swirling nearer. “Clear?” she gasped.

“Yes.” He leaned in, his mouth wandering along her throat. “Your knees. Begging.” Strong teeth nipped her collarbone.

She arched into his hand, sighing deep. “No.”

The tap to her clit had the room sparking into silence.

He slipped one arm beneath her and rolled them both onto their stomachs. Smooth and controlled, his knees pressed down on the backs of her calves, sliding her legs toward her chest.

One sharp yank back, and she found herself on her hands and knees. “Oh, I don’t think so—”

He thrust two fingers into her from behind and scraped her clit with a fingernail. Sparks exploded behind her eyes.

“Oh God—” she moaned, her head dropping forward.

“Close, but not quite there.” He released her. The hair on his thighs tickled her legs as he covered her, his cock pressing at her entrance.

Her nails digging into the bedspread, she shoved back against him. “Now—”

“Not quite…” He reached under her and palmed her breast, tweaking the nipple with enough pressure she whimpered. For more. “How about now?” His breath at her ear was heated sin.

Her entire body undulated with the need to come. “Now is good,” she ground out.

He plunged hard and deep into her.

She cried out, her back arching, her sex vibrating.

His fingers found her clit, playing, tugging, torturing. She attempted to pound back against him, to find the friction to send her over, only to be thwarted by his sure hold as he continued to play. It was too much. Her abdomen rippled with hunger.

He pulsed inside her, so large, so deep. Another sharp tug to her clit.

“Oh God, Matt, now.” Her eyelids fluttered shut as she balanced on the precipice.

“You’re on your knees, just like I promised. Remember the rest?” His teeth sank into her ear. “Say please, baby. Say it now.”

Her eyelids shot open to see a blurred world. He’d put her where he’d told her she’d be, and she didn’t care. He was in control, and he held her tight. She couldn’t move. One little word, and she could fall. She needed to fall. “Please.”

At her word, a deep growl of surrender came from his chest.

Power infused her. He might think he was in control, but he needed her as much as she needed him. “Now, Matt,” she whispered.

A heated breath at her ear was the only warning before he clamped both hands on her hips and started to pound. Hard and deep, he thrust into her, sending electrical sparks along the way. The headboard beat against the wall, and he pulled her back into his groin with each thrust.

So much pleasure rippled inside her she lost her breath. He angled deeper, and she exploded, screaming his name.

Flashes of fire zipped behind her eyes. Devastating sparks ripped through her in waves too intense to be pleasure. The sensations bombarded her, taking her over, taking everything. Somehow, he swelled even bigger inside her, prolonging her ecstasy, wringing every ounce of spirit from her.

Stilling, he tightened his hold as he came, her name a mere whisper on his lips.

She came down with a sob, going limp. He withdrew and flipped her around, his mouth finding hers.

Sweet, hot, and teeming with emotion, he kissed her until all she could do was wrap both arms around his damp shoulders and hold tight. Finally, resting against her, he let her breathe.

Her heart beat so rapidly her lungs compressed.

He dropped his forehead to hers, his eyes closed. “Laney.”