Fourth Fight Read online

  He nudged her back and she fell onto the bed, laughing. “Stay there,” he said as he gripped the waistband of her tights. He tugged them down to her ankles and removed them along with her shoes. As he straightened, he marveled at her, dressed only in her bra and string bikini.

  “Have I told you how beautiful you are?” he asked.

  “Take off your shirt.”

  He wasted no time and obeyed her command.

  She raked her gaze down his torso to his groin. “Have I told you how incredible you are?”

  “I will never stop loving you,” he said as he unzipped his shorts. “And I will remind you every day.”

  One of her brows arched. “Every day?”

  He stepped from his shoes as he pushed his shorts and boxers down. “Every single day.”

  He lowered over her and sought another kiss from her. She eagerly gave it to him and took to sucking on his tongue. Need burned deep under his flesh and to his bones. He tangled one hand in her hair while he traveled the other from her neck to one of her breasts. Her soft skin pleased his fingertips, begged him to touch her more. And he did. He slipped his palm into her bra and covered her tit. She moaned softly as he chafed her hard nipple and groped her. Yes, she was his. This beautiful woman like no other was all his to devour. And he would.

  She sucked in air as he lowered his mouth to her perky bud. He stroked it with his tongue before taking a long draw from it. She arched toward him and ran her fingers through his short hair. Her response led him to believe she was indeed ready for his reminder. First, he had to tend to her other breast. It wouldn’t be right to leave it uncared for.

  He pushed aside her bra and latched onto her other nipple. She gasped and dug her nails over his shoulder. Her touch sent zings of desire straight to his groin. When she rubbed her body against his length, he briefly considered plunging into her. Fuck, he wanted to. But not yet. He had to taste her. He had to please her with tongue first to make sure she fully understood his determination to have her.

  He moved his kisses to her ribs while he slithered his hands down to her panties.

  “You’re driving me crazy,” she said.

  He paused above her belly to meet her gaze. “And you’ve already driven me insane.”

  She grinned and he lowered his tongue to her navel. She moaned as he headed south, tasting her skin and removing her underwear. He kneeled at the end of the bed and marveled at his prize. The thin line of hair made it easy to see her moist lips. Yes, she was ready for him.

  He grabbed her hips and pulled her closer to the edge of the mattress. As if she knew his plan, she rested her legs on his shoulders. He wasted no time and dove his tongue between her slick folds. Her apple flavor brushed over his tongue as he brought it up and over her sensitive core. She gasped and gripped the covers as he stroked her nub again and again. His erection ached for more, begging him to enter her, to feel her slick walls snug around him. Not yet, he thought as he circled her clit. He first wanted to feel her come with his tongue.

  She writhed under his hungry kiss between her legs. He held on to her hips while he circled, flicked, and then sucked on her core. Her flesh became warmer. She clenched the blanket stronger. Sensing her release was near, he slipped his tongue inside her and moved a few fingers to tease her nub. After a few squeezes and soft cries of passion, her release came. Her walls pulsed around his tongue while he savored her. He loved her. Everything about her made him want to devour her again and again.

  He planted a kiss on her inner thigh before he rose to his feet. His balls ached while his thick erection jutted out before him.

  “I want you,” she said.

  The three words revved his heart. “I want you more. Always and forever.”

  As he lowered onto her, she locked her legs around him. Surprising her, he captured her knees and put them up to his shoulders. His cock found her entrance and with one swift pump, he plunged into her slick depths.

  She claimed his lips and tongue while he withdrew and thrust deep inside her again and again. His heart pounded as his love for her consumed him. Her moist walls stroked him as he endeavored to go as deep and fast as he could. She locked her ankles over his back and clawed his ass. The scrapes sent sharp zings straight to his cock, strengthening his desire to fill her, to please her, and to make her come for him again. He drove harder, balls deep, and flesh smacking. She was so hot and wet, so snug and mind blowing. The anticipation had him wound up tight and nearly panting.

  “Don’t stop,” she said breathily. “Harder. Yes.”

  He gave her what they both wanted, driving as deep as he could. Perspiration formed on his body as he fought his release. He had to feel her come first, had to feel her muscles squeeze his cock and then he would come. She whimpered and gasped while digging those wicked nails into his back and ass. Her heart thudded against his chest, or it could’ve been his. No, it was hers. She rocked into him as much as she could. Damn, she was so hot and moist. He was ready to burst. He worked feverishly to give her what she needed. She gasped loudly when her climax arrived. Her walls hugged his cock and he couldn’t hold back his release any longer. Groaning, he pumped into her and let go of his seed. His erection throbbed while her muscles milked him. Love and euphoria flowed through him with each pulse and squeeze. She was his. He would never let her go.

  “That … was a good reminder,” she said, breathing heavily.

  He kissed her lips. “Mm… And I’m not done yet.”

  She smiled and he did too. Yep, Emily was his now and forever. He’d enjoy reminding her every chance he could.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The California sun shined in the clear blue sky, forcing Emily to squint. Water lapped at her neck as she waded in the swimming pool. Andrew swam underwater, heading toward her from the opposite end. No one else was around. The morning had been quiet, relaxing, and fun as they enjoyed time alone while waiting to hear about the security positions.

  Andrew’s head popped up from the water. Rivulets flowed down his face and he quickly wiped his eyes. Below the waves, his warm hands grabbed her hips and he tugged her toward his body. “Come here, beautiful.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and locked her legs behind his back. The water had cooled his flesh some, but she still felt his heat. “Did you swim much in heaven?”

  He walked in the middle of the rectangular pool, arms secured around her. “No, but my parents used to take us swimming at the lake during the summers when my sister and I were young.”

  “Do you ever think about her anymore?” Emily recalled how he’d found his sister through his aunt’s blog on the Internet. He’d considered visiting her at one time.

  “Once in a while.” He gave her a brief smooch. “My thoughts have been more occupied with you.”

  The slight curl of his lips warmed her insides. She gave him a kiss.

  He squeezed her close to his body. “I wish we could spend every day like this. We can in heaven.”

  She hesitated to respond. While she fancied the thought of spending eternity in heaven with him, she feared he might not be able to get her past the entrance. She knew he’d fight as hard as he could for her, but she had no guarantee of her final resting place for her soul.

  “What would happen if you didn’t complete the terms of your sentence?” she asked.

  “I don’t know.” He gave a light shrug. “I suppose they might send someone to check on me or maybe they’d end my time here.”

  Her brows tightened. “End your time here? How would they do that?”

  “I’d have to die.”

  Emily swallowed hard as she considered some freak accident happening to him. People died every day in some sort of strange event. She could see something odd ending his life. And if they forced him to return, she doubted they would listen to his pleas to bring her to heaven. She had better chances of getting in if he fulfilled the terms of his punishment.

  “I’m not worried about finishing my tasks,” he said. “I kn
ow each one has been more challenging, but we work through the problems and find a way to move forward.”

  Over the three months they’d been together he’d managed to destroy three demons. The last one in Missouri had taken the longest since the demon had a family and worked as a nurse. Getting alone time with her hadn’t been easy. Emily suspected it could take twice as long to get one-on-one time with Annie since she was a big celebrity. But she had faith he’d eventually get his chance to send the demon where it belonged. He was right about them getting through the problems and persevering.

  “I think we should consider our options if we don’t get the security positions,” she said.

  “Now?” It sounded like a complaint. “I’d rather consider slipping that bikini off you and doing other things.”

  His response didn’t surprise her. The angel had sex on the brain twenty-four-seven, not that she minded since she benefited from his horniness.

  “Now is as good of a time as any,” she said, trying to ignore his hands sliding to her ass.

  “But we’re alone in a pool on this beautiful day. We should relax and enjoy the time we have.”

  “And we are. The day is young and we’re not going anywhere. So let’s talk about what we’re going to do next if we don’t get the positions.”

  He groaned as he backed her up to a wall. She unlocked her legs and he quickly grabbed her thighs, holding her in place. “Stay. I think better when you’re close.”

  The excuse was bullshit, but she brought her ankles back together behind his back anyway. She enjoyed the feel of his hard body near hers.

  “We can’t try to break into her home. The property is too secured and monitored. We can’t follow her around town if she even ventures here. Her bodyguards would recognize us now that they know us,” Emily said.

  “We could go to one of her concerts.” He toyed with the sides of her bikini bottoms.

  “Then what? Try to get back stage? I don’t think they will let us. In fact, they might think we’re angry since we didn’t get the jobs. They might be more protective of Annie if they see us.”

  He lowered his gaze to her breasts. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

  Clearly, he still wasn’t thinking straight since he eyed her tits as if they were candy.

  “We can’t stalk her. We can’t break into her home,” Emily said, sliding her hands down his chest. “How do you get close to her without security around?”

  A car pulled into the lot, stealing his attention. “I hate to say it, but I don’t think I can. She’s always going to have someone with her or nearby.”

  “What if…” She waited while the vehicle turned around and then left. “What if we offered to train Annie defensive skills? If they agreed, we could get close to her.”

  “That’s a good idea, but she could get training from the guards she has on staff now.”

  “She seemed to like you. I think she might be agreeable to having you as a trainer.”

  He gave a slight shrug. “I guess, but if they say no, we will be back to where we are now.”

  “So how do you get close to her without being seen?”

  He slid his hands up her body until he reached her bikini top. “I can’t.”

  There was one way, but she doubted he would like the idea.

  “You could show up at the gate and ask to see her,” she said.

  “For what reason?”

  “Talk to her? Maybe … ask for a date. I’m sure you could think of something.”

  “Say they let me in and I get to talk to her. Say I even get to kill her. There’s no way I’m walking out of there. Everyone will know I killed her.”

  “Then build their trust and hers.”

  His chest expanded as he took a deep breath. “That takes time.”

  “Well, we knew this one would be more difficult.”

  He stared into her eyes. “You want me to take advantage of her interest in me.”

  “I’m not saying seduce her.”

  He shook his head. “I told you before, I don’t want to get close to her in that way.”

  “I know, but if you can acquire more of her interest, you can figure out how to kill her without getting caught. We don’t have many other options to work with.”

  He pressed his forehead to hers. “I’ll consider it only as a last resort, but I don’t like it.”

  “We could try to party with her after a show, slip the poison in her drink, and then I get her to go to the bathroom with me.”

  He chuckled softly. “Do you really think we could pull that off?”

  “No, but it’s an idea.”

  The ringtone from Emily’s cell began to play. Andrew backed up.

  “Shit, that could be the call we’re waiting on,” she said as she hurried to reach the ladder to get out of the pool. Luckily, they’d been standing two feet away from them. Water gushed from her as she climbed the steps. Her foot slipped on one and she gripped the railing harder.

  “Careful.” Andrew’s hands quickly landed on her calves and steadied her.

  She smacked her feet on the concrete as she ran to the cell sitting on a towel on a table. She tapped the screen before lifting the phone to her ear. “Hello.”

  Andrew climbed from the pool. The blue swimming trunks hung loose past his hips and looked ready to slide off. Water pooled around him.

  “Carrie?” the man asked. His voice sounded like Matt’s.

  “Speaking.”

  “This is Matt. I’m calling on behalf of Christopher.”

  His deep tone held no emotion. Emily suspected he wasn’t calling to offer them the jobs.

  “Hi Matt. How are you?” she asked as Andrew sat in one of the chairs near the table.

  “I’m good, thank you. Am I interrupting anything?”

  “No, not at all. What news have you got?”

  “Straight to the point. I like that.”

  She took a breath and held it. The news had to be bad. She just knew it. She tried to remain calm so she wouldn’t sound rude or upset.

  “Is Spencer with you?” Matt asked.

  “Yes, he is.”

  “Can you put me on speaker phone?”

  She twisted to look at Andrew. “Yeah … sure.” She lowered the cell to the table and tapped the icon on the screen. “Go ahead, Matt.”

  “Spencer?” Matt asked.

  “I’m here,” Andrew said.

  “Christopher wanted me to extend job offers to both of you. The contract will be for one year. If everyone’s satisfied at that time, the contract could be extended.”

  Andrew met her gaze. Emily dropped her jaw. Her pulse sped. They’d actually impressed Christopher and the others enough to beat the military men. How fucking cool was that?

  “Are you there?” Matt asked.

  “Yes,” Andrew and Emily said together.

  “We’re thrilled to hear Christopher would like us to help protect his daughter,” Emily said.

  “Does this mean the two of you accept?” Matt asked.

  “Yes,” they said in unison.

  Andrew splayed a wide grin.

  “Great, I’ll let Christopher know. Would you be able to show up tomorrow and start?” Matt asked. “We’d like to go over the contract and formalities, then get you settled into your new home for the next year.”

  “Is nine in the morning too early?” Emily asked.

  “Nine is perfect. I look forward to seeing both of you tomorrow,” Matt said.

  “Thank you, Matt,” Andrew said.

  “Yes, and thank Christopher for us,” Emily added.

  “We’ll see you tomorrow,” Matt said before the connection ended.

  Andrew rose from the seat, still grinning. “See, everything works out.”

  “I can’t believe it. I was so sure he was going to tell us they offered the jobs to the other two guys.”

  He pulled her close to his body and held her. “We’re a good team. They saw the proof.” He smooched her lips.

&n
bsp; “I’m overjoyed we were selected, but I have a feeling the most difficult part is still to come.”

  Keeping her in his grasp, he backed her up. “Probably, but we’ll get through it. Now we can enjoy the rest of our day together.”

  She glanced over her shoulder and noticed the pool close behind her. “Uh, I hope you aren’t planning to throw me in the water.”

  “Why would I do that?” he asked in a mischievous tone.

  She stopped and braced her hands on his chest. “Oh no you don’t.”

  A grin stretching from ear to ear formed on his face. He quickly lifted her off the ground.

  “No! You little shit! No!” She wiggled in his grasp.

  Excitement flooded her as he tossed her into the pool. She held her breath before she slid under the water. Kicking her feet, she headed for the surface. Andrew sank into the water a few feet away from her. She wiped her face as he surfaced.

  “That is so not cool,” she said.

  He claimed her in his arms again. “I enjoyed it.” He pressed his lips to hers. “Now let’s have more fun.”

  The two of them were alone in a pool on a sunny day. When he kissed her again, she had a feeling she would find out the extent of his version of fun soon enough.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Follow the road past the trees. You’ll see a house, then a carport not far from it,” Matt said from the back seat of Emily’s Jeep. “You can pull into one of the spots in the carport. The apartment is above it.”

  Andrew stared forward out the window as Emily drove. Past the small wooded area, he spotted a light-green two-story house with a two-car garage. A swinging chair hung from the front porch. The long carport had three spots of which one was filled. Above sat a small apartment with the same color vinyl siding as the house.

  “Who lives there?” Andrew asked, pointing to the two-story home.

  “Sherri, Don, and I share it.”