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  When she knew she couldn’t bear another second, he pulled her to all fours. “Knees wide, head on the pillows.” She complied through a haze of want.

  He spread her ass cheeks and tickled the feather down her crack all the way to her clit. Flicks over the hard flesh stole what was left of her breath. She closed her eyes and absorbed the sensation, the building rise, the frustration when he wandered through the valleys of her labia and away to tickle her anus. With each return trip, he played a little longer, bringing her closer to heaven. Valerie fought the need to slam her thighs closed on his hand to keep it right where she wanted. She fisted the bedspread, alternately chewed on her lower lip through her moans and gasped when he found a new angle.

  “Oh…please…” she begged.

  “Yes, honey. Come for me.” He danced the feather over her clit.

  Valerie shuddered under the orgasm that swept over her. Kisses dotted down her back settled her back to earth. Russell removed the pillows and helped her ease onto the mattress. She lay there too spent to move. He spread her cheeks yet again. She didn’t have the energy to protest the cold lube. He slicked her well, eased two fingers inside for a fucking that stirred her libido to life. When he slipped their largest plug into place, all she felt was pleasure. Then he bit her ass and moved away, only to return quickly. This time there was no mistaking the kiss of chamois down her back.

  She felt each thud of the flogger deep inside as he worked it from shoulders to toes. It filled her heart, set her drifting to that place no drug could touch. Warmed her completely. Then he rolled her to her back and did a lighter flogging over her torso. Her clit swelled for attention. She parted her legs as far as possible and raised her hips to show him. Russell slapped the falls back and forth over her clit, stopping just short of making her come.

  He shoved the pillows back under her hips and removed the plug. Her heart raced when she heard him rip open a condom packet. Kneeling between her legs, he braced her ass on his thighs and added more lube before he probed her opening. He entered her at a snail’s pace, giving her time to adjust, to protest, to stop it all while he slowly took possession. His breath was as ragged as hers. Finally, he was balls-deep. Neither moved, though his fingers flexed against her hips.

  “Very clever breaching my meager defenses when I’m too sated to protest.”

  “Is that what I did?” He shifted forward to remove her mask.

  “That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. So, how much longer do I have to wait for you to start moving?”

  “Oh, I’m not going to. You are.” He slipped a small, fat dildo into her pussy. “I’ll even let you set the pace.” He rubbed his thumb over her clit.

  She’d already come twice, but the flogging and his dick up her ass put her close to the edge. The dildo didn’t hurt either. She lay there, his to pleasure, while he thumbed her clit and kneaded her breasts. Valerie writhed more with every passing second. How could she have forgotten how quickly a dick in her ass made her come? It rushed in from out of nowhere.

  Russell groaned with her, then pulled free. Impossible to think she could love him even more for doing so. He’d remembered how much the position hurt her when she came before him. He’d given this moment of power to her, for her. She watched through hooded eyes as he lost the condom, removed the dildo, tossed the pillows to the head of the bed and then finally settled between her legs, thrust himself deep in her body.

  “Now…about that fucking.” He dug his fingers into her hips and pounded away.

  She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, twined her legs over his calves and drank in the tension that mounted in his body. Loved how his jaw clenched and he closed his eyes when they rolled back in his head. Wondered at the heat that pooled in his lower back when he was so close to coming he might burst into flames and take her with him.

  Valerie spiked her nails into his ass. His back bowed, hips snapped forward, body locked with a strangled groan as climax overtook him. He ground into her, pulled back and plunged in again. Then again, before he collapsed, gasping on top of her.

  “I love you.” She brushed her hands over his back. “I love you so much.” She craved a lifetime with him.

  “I love you too.” He dropped a kiss to her lips, then eased his weight from her. Somehow he managed to find the strength to arrange the bedcovers, make a bathroom run and turn out the lights before he crawled in with her.

  Valerie wiggled into his arms. “You really did know exactly what I needed.”

  He spooned against her. “Was there any doubt?”

  “Never.” Not anymore. They could do this. They could make this work. Her only regret was not realizing it sooner.

  Chapter Ten

  “I hope to hell that’s your phone and not mine,” Russell mumbled into his pillow. Actually, he hoped it was a wrong number. He sure as hell didn’t feel like dealing with work issues at the crack of dawn.

  He squinted at the digital clock on the nightstand. Eight. Okay, so not exactly the crack of dawn, but still.

  “I’m trying to ignore it.” Valerie scooted closer, draping her leg over his. “I have other plans.”

  Now that made him smile. He rolled to his back. His erection tented the sheet. “You do realize I have morning breath.”

  She tickled her fingers down to the bush surrounding his erection. “Not where I’m going.” She looped a loose grip around his cock.

  He sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth with her hard stroke, pushed her head downward when she headed in that direction. And the damn phone had the nerve to start up again.

  “Fuck it,” they said together.

  Valerie snapped the sheet back, swung her legs to the floor and stomped toward the living room. “That better not be yours,” she called over her shoulder.

  “It better not be yours either. The Off button works well on both of them.”

  “Got it.”

  He took advantage of her absence to make a bathroom run, only to return to find her stepping into the capris she wore yesterday.

  “Estavarez is missing,” she said without prompting.

  Fucking Estavarez again. “And we know this how?”

  Valerie glanced up from under her eyebrows. “His mother woke up and he wasn’t there.”

  “Goddamn it.” All those pit stops were a ruse to phone home and give her their location. No wonder Estavarez was so anxious to get rid of him once they arrived at the safe house. “Fuck.”

  “Yep, he played us.”

  “You mean he played me.” He thumped his chest.

  A sigh pulled her upright, hands on hips. Not a good sign. He felt vulnerable facing her naked, but refused to scramble for clothes. “No,” she calmly replied. “I mean us. He lied. His mother lied. God only knows how many relatives were headed for Twentynine Palms. None of them ever had any intention of letting him be without family. I can appreciate the loving support but they could have—”

  “Signed his death warrant.” His irritation faded.

  “Exactly. I need to call the local police and advise them of the situation. They won’t act on her call alone since he hasn’t been missing all that long.” She snagged her yellow blouse and tossed it on, all in one smooth motion. “You want breakfast?”

  “Only if you’re hungry.” He’d make the effort for her, but he’d have to force the food down his throat.

  Her head tilted slightly. Was that a smirk? “Well, I was hungry, and not for food.” Her fingers made quick work of the buttons.

  Damn Estavarez. “When I find this sucker I’m gonna shake him until his teeth rattle.”

  “Not if I find him first,” she said. “He’s just lost an attorney. Maybe even two once Casey hears about this.”

  “I’ll let you deliver that news. In the meantime,” he grabbed his jeans from the clothes he’d piled on the floor the night before, “I’m heading to my house for a few things. I won’t be long.”

  “Hopefully I’ll have this all wrapped up before you get back.”
She stepped into his space, pressing her palm against his abs. “Because the thought of you all commando?” She clamped her hand over his ass and yanked herself to him. “Oooo baby.”

  “You expect me to zip up after that?” He shoved his erection into place. “Think about this while I’m away.”

  Putting distance between them, she eyeballed the ridge with devilment. “I will indeed.”

  He got a very lovely view of her ass as she walked away. Suggesting a quickie popped into his head. Russell ignored it. There was nothing quick about all the things he loved to do with her, and trying to distract her from work wasn’t going to do anything good to their relationship. He respected her professionalism. It was time to prove that.

  She was deep into a firm conversation with a deputy from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office when he left. Still, she tossed back a kiss in response to the one he sent her, then gave him a wink. The interplay helped bolster his morale. They were on the right track. Now to stay there.

  He stopped at a Starbucks halfway between his place and hers. Nerves settled, he decided a cranberry orange scone would be a nice complement to his Venti coffee of the day. Instinct nudged him a little harder.

  “Actually, make that two of both,” he told the guy. Valerie deserved a treat. It’d take no time at all to run it back to her. Thinking of the smile in her eyes just for him while she dealt with bureaucratic bullshit in a take-no-prisoners fashion put him on top of the world. In next to no time he stood at her door, juggling a cardboard tray and keys.

  “Back with a little surprise,” he called out. No response.

  Russell pocketed the keys and headed for the kitchen. He was almost there when he heard the shower running. Oh the visions that danced through his head. He set the tray on the counter and headed for the bathroom, stripping as he went. The door opened silently. He saw her silhouette behind the opaque white curtain. Edging closer, he reached for the curtain, then slid it aside.

  Valerie’s scream cut through the small room. She whirled around, bottle of shampoo pointed in his direction.

  “Whoa, just me.” He raised his hands, warding her off.

  “What the hell, Russell? You scared me half to death. Ever heard of knocking?”

  “I brought you coffee and a scone.”

  “Aww. Really?” Valerie craned her neck. “I don’t see any. In fact, I don’t see much of anything.”

  “I heard the shower and,” he shrugged, “I’m only human.” Considering her scowl, it wasn’t one of his better moves. There was only one way to fix this. He stepped inside the tub. “Sure there’s nothing you see that might appeal to you? Something I can do to make up for scaring you into using shampoo to defend yourself?”

  “You’d scream like a little girl when that gets in your eyes. It stings.” She set the bottle on the corner.

  “I consider myself forewarned. Tell you what…” He looped his arm around her waist and pulled her against him. “I’ll let you have your way with me.”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “Let me?”

  “Be gentle.” He slapped the bar of soap into her hand, dropped his hands and closed his eyes, offering himself up in sacrifice.

  “How noble.” She scuffed the bar. “We’ll see how long you can hold that stance.”

  Not long, it turned out. With the first touch of her lathered palms, he had to return the favor. He followed her lead, touching where she touched until her slick fingers found his balls.

  Russell groaned and braced himself against the wall. She cupped, tugged, kneaded and separated his balls until his legs shook from the effort to stay upright. Then she pressed him against the wall and stroked his cock while the hand between his legs continued to work magic. As promised, he let her have him, let her yank the cum right out of him. Once it spurted onto her belly, he dropped to his knees, spread her pussy lips and did the same for her.

  She dropped her fingers to his head, gently petting him. “Now my coffee’s all cold.”

  He nipped her inner thigh, smiling when she yelped. “That’s what a microwave’s for.” Standing, he twisted off the shower while she retrieved the towels.

  In fifteen minutes, he was headed for his place once more, this time with high spirits and a big smile. His cooled coffee and scone tasted like a feast. Hell, he even whistled when he strode up his walkway to the door soon after that. All that faded when he walked inside. Devastation lay before him.

  Russell backed away as he dialed 9-1-1. “This is Assistant District Attorney Russell Cambridge.” He wasn’t afraid to play that card. “I’ve had a break in.” An understatement at best. It looked as if a tornado had blasted through his house. “I don’t know if the intruder is inside. I’ve just returned home and am heading back for my vehicle.”

  “Stay there, sir. A unit’s on the way.”

  He disconnected, then hovered his thumb over the keyboard, trying to decide if he should call Valerie. There was no sense worrying her, though he could use the comfort and security of hearing her voice. Yeah, he was freaked out, pissed and feeling violated.

  After what felt like an eternity, a patrol car pulled to a stop in front of his house. His neighbors would be poking their noses out soon. Russell exited to meet the officers. Introductions were made.

  “Did you see anyone in there? Notice anything stolen?” Bertram asked.

  “I backed out the second I saw the damage.”

  “Good move. Wait here while we clear the place.” He motioned his younger partner to follow.

  Theft too? Why hadn’t Russell thought of that? Only memories were irreplaceable. The rest insurance would cover. His thoughts drifted to the one thing inside that wouldn’t be so easy to replace. He’d searched long and hard for it and knew perfection when he’d finally scored. It’d crush him if that were gone.

  He laughed at himself. A worse scenario would be finding his stash of special toys scattered across the house. It’d take some maneuvering to explain that, but nothing worked like the truth. He could put up with the gossip it would generate.

  Russell glanced at his watch. It seemed the officers were overly long inside. As the thought left his head, Bertram and his man walked out. Neither looked happy.

  The hairs on the back of his neck lifted. “Find something?”

  “You might say that. I’ve been instructed to invite you down to the station to answer a few questions.” Bertram stopped before him while his partner hung back. Their hands were on their weapons.

  Dread joined the hair prickles. “Regarding?”

  Bertram seemed to weigh his response before saying, “There are some interesting articles inside.”

  Okay, so they had found his stash. Not surprising considering how the place had been ransacked. Someone had been looking for something—money, drugs, valuables. Russell felt sick inside. That meant the ring he’d worked so hard to find was gone.

  “I can explain that.”

  Bertram’s eyebrow lifted. “Can you, sir? You can explain a trail of blood leading to your bedroom and the blood-drenched whip at the end of it?”

  His jaw dropped open of its own volition.

  Their radios burst out. “Take suspect into custody.”

  Him. They were talking about him. A suspect in what? The attack on Bev? Had she relented and reported the incident to the police? Someone was setting him up for something. Russell took a step back as Bertram advanced, handcuffs at the ready.

  “Is that necessary? I’ll come along without fuss. A little consideration here for my office, please.”

  “Like the consideration you gave Ricardo Estavarez? Not that the bastard didn’t deserve it.” Still, Bertram pocketed the cuffs.

  “I don’t understand. I knew he was missing.” Bloodied whip must mean he’d been attacked, but Russell wouldn’t put words in their mouths.

  “I’ll bet you did.” Bertram smirked. “Bet you also knew he was dead.”

  Fuck. And someone had placed the murder weapon in his home. “I’d like to call my attorne
y.”

  “Sure thing. At the station.” The cuffs came out again. “Front or back. Doesn’t matter to me.”

  Russell glowered at the man and offered his wrists.

  Chapter Eleven

  Hearing Estavarez had been found dangling from a mesquite tree whipped to death was bad enough, but learning Russell had been arrested for his murder? Insane and unacceptable bullshit. Russell’s call came on the heels of her dealing with Mrs. Estavarez’s uncontrollable grief. Valerie had felt helpless enough with that, now this.

  No, not helpless. Pissed. This she could handle. Russell had the perfect alibi—her. His lover and now his attorney. She smoothed her hair into a slick twist, selected her no-nonsense navy-blue skirt with white silk blouse, stabbed her feet into don’t-fuck-with-me heels and tore out of the house. Her stomach churned more with every mile she put behind her. The scone and coffee hadn’t settled well with all the turmoil.

  She tapped the Bluetooth in her ear to call Casey. Still no answer. At least someone knew how to turn off their phone on a Sunday. Lesson learned. She left another voice mail and ordered herself to be patient, when she was anything but. If she’d gone with Russell to his house, he wouldn’t be behind bars now. What the hell could they have on him that would make them jump to a ridiculous conclusion of murder? Irrelevant. She’d have him free in no time.

  Already reporters had gathered in front of the police station. Nothing was sacred anymore. Information got out there the instant it happened. The news hungry swooped in to feast. They’d been having a banquet the last couple of days. It was only going to get worse. With Russell’s freedom would come public word of their relationship. It wasn’t going to be pretty. That was fine. She and Russell could handle whatever came their way.

  She parked close to the door so reporters would have no trouble seeing her. Briefcase in hand, she braced herself to walk the gantlet and suddenly found Phil Wrightman at her side. He’d appeared out of nowhere. She’d been too wrapped up in her thoughts to see him and hiding her surprise took more effort than she could muster. Neither spoke. They walked in tandem, ignoring questions flung their way. Once in the false sanctuary of the station, he cupped her elbow and steered her toward the interview rooms in the back.