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  He swept his hands over her randomly. Each time she was certain she could guess where he’d touch next, Russell skipped elsewhere. Hands that rubbed up and over her thighs, so close to heaven she thought she’d die, moved to her shoulders, his tongue down her spine. As he reached her coccyx, he dipped lower and lower as if seeking her clit. Another delicious frustration when he ducked under her hands and found something equally hard to lick while he kneaded gloved hands into her butt cheeks.

  Her skin heated to a slow burn, lifting to goose bumps when he licked and then blew over it. Again and again. The loss of his body heat told her he’d stepped away. She followed his soft tread, heard the whisper of one of the drawers to their treasure chest open. Valerie didn’t try to guess what toy he’d retrieve. Hearing became impossible with her heart pounding in her ears. A soft buzz pierced the din. She homed her attention on its proximity. Her breath caught at the kiss of lube against her anus, then again at the gentle invasion of the plug that followed.

  “I’m going to release you.” Russell uncuffed her ankles. “Don’t move or turn around until I tell you to do so.” He stood, pressed tight against her body as before and released her arms. He caught each one, rubbing them to help absorb any residual tingling. “I will not tolerate disobedience. Understood?”

  “Yes,” she gasped out.

  He stepped away. Cool air replaced his body warmth, then she heard the soft sigh of her mattress. “Come to me. Nice and slow.”

  Valerie turned. Russell lay in the middle of her bed, hands gloved and one stroking his erection, beckoning her, promising relief. She needed it more than she could bear. The plug in her ass only put her closer to the edge. Step by step she drew closer until she stood at the foot of the bed, awaiting further instruction.

  “Fuck me.” He gripped his erection. A drop of pre-cum oozed to the tip.

  She crawled onto the bed and him, rubbing her breasts up his legs until her lips reached his cock. One suckle drew the pre-cum into her mouth. More replaced it. She left it untouched, then dragged the valley between her breasts over the moisture.

  Russell groaned, cupped her ass and pulled her all the way up. Lips met hers. Tongues clashed. Cock stabbed deep inside. He swallowed her gasp, kissing her with as much intensity as he plunged into her pussy. He smacked her ass, both hands, both cheeks. God…the leather, the feel, the…

  Valerie jerked her head up on a hard groan. She alternately bowed her back and lifted her ass for more. Russell methodically delivered.

  “That’s it, sweetheart,” he growled. “Fuck me. Make us come.”

  Everything harder and faster. The way he spanked, the way she fucked him. And god…the way they both came…and the groans that echoed around the room.

  She sagged in a heap upon him. Russell’s response was a cross between a grunt and groan. He removed the gloves and cradled her in his hot hands. Holding her close, he rolled her onto the bed beside him. He caught the sheet with his toes and pulled it up until he could reach it, then drew it to their shoulders. The last thing Valerie felt before she drifted to sleep was his kiss to her forehead.

  Chapter Seven

  Russell rolled out of bed to the smell of fresh coffee, baked goodies and that staff of life…bacon. His stomach rumbled and his mouth watered. Nothing beat Valerie’s cooking, not even his own. Morning wood had other ideas and declared its agenda priority one. A quick stop in the bathroom had him smiling. His toothbrush was back in its rightful place next to hers. Towels and washcloths held court on the bar designated as his. Russell was going to do his damnedest to see it stayed that way.

  Relieved of morning obstacles, he walked toward the kitchen, his erection leading the way. He froze inside the door. Not at the sight of Valerie standing at the counter in a skimpy, short nightgown, but because baked goods covered nearly every flat surface. Not good, not good at all, especially for his waistline. One thing he learned early on—his woman baked like a fiend when she was stressed. He prayed he wasn’t the cause.

  “How long have you been up?”

  She looked over his shoulder at the sound of his voice. Her gaze dropped to his erection. “I love the way you say good morning. Is that for me?”

  Russell grinned. “All depends.” He waved his hand toward the treats. “Is this for me?”

  She scrunched up her face and shook her head. “Sorry, no. Fundraiser for the new Children’s Discovery Museum. I nearly forgot.”

  That was a relief. Sort of. “But I smell bacon.”

  Valerie laughed. “Bacon-cheddar scones.” She pointed a spoon covered in chocolate batter toward a platter.

  “You mean…there’s no bacon?”

  Her smile widened. “Would it help to tell you that I’m not wearing any panties?”

  Hell yeah. He shrugged. “A little.”

  She eyed his erection. “I’m thinking a lot.” She stabbed the spoon into the bowl with one hand and slowly lifted her nightgown with the other.

  “Tease.”

  “Look who’s talking. You come striding in here waving that big boy and don’t deliver.”

  “Wow, you’ve got a mouth on you this morning.” He slowly walked her way.

  “And I know how to use it.” Valerie met him halfway, fingers curling around his cock. “Want me to demonstrate?”

  He cupped her ass and hauled her up tight. “What I want is you bent over the nearest something and me bunny humping you. But alas…” Russell jerked his head toward the crowded counter and table.

  “Alas?” Laughter burst out of her. “If only I could be assured of something more than a bunny hump, I might be inclined to move one or two items.”

  “Hmm…I might be able to do that. Anything on the timer? I do hate to be rushed.”

  “So I’ve noticed.” Valerie looped her leg over his hip. “But the oven’s not the only hot thing in this room right now. I’m close to burning up.”

  She wasn’t the only one. “Then why isn’t the table cleared?”

  Valerie bumped against his cock. “With your hands on my ass it’s difficult to think about anything else.”

  “I do like having my hands on your ass.” Oh boy did he. “Perhaps a change of venue would be our best option. Hang on.”

  He gave her no other warning before he hoisted her other leg to his waist and headed for the living room. The storage hassock would do. Hands braced on her back, he lowered her to it and sank his cock inside her pussy in the same move. Tight muscles engulfing his dick brought Russell to his knees, literally. Seeing her all laid out before him, nightgown to her waist, nipples poking up high and proud beneath the material, her pussy glistening around his dick, didn’t help matters. He gripped her hips, silently begging her to keep still while he fought for control. Valerie didn’t budge, but those sweet inner muscles of hers rippled over his erection.

  “Damn, you’re gonna make me come,” he gasped.

  “I’m not trying to,” she whispered.

  He glanced down to see her eyes closed, lower lip caught between her teeth, nipples thrust against the flimsy nightgown. “That’s what makes you so damn hot, sweetheart. You don’t have to try.”

  “Oh Russ…” She brushed her fingers over his abs. The muscles flexed under her touch. Fire licked his balls.

  He snagged pillows from the sofa—one for his knees, one for under her hips—then eased into the haven of her arms. He wedged his thumb against her clit, cupped her head with his other hand and sealed his mouth over her open lips as he slowly ground into her. Valerie lashed her tongue around his, locked her heels against his thighs and rolled with him. She swallowed his groans and echoed each with one of her own, softer though, more subtle. A sound that seeped into his pores and undermined his efforts to keep from coming.

  He pushed her hand between them, then fought like hell not to think about how hot she looked and felt masturbating while he fucked her. Or of how great her tongue would feel over his cock.

  Russell jerked away on a gasp. Sweat trickled down his back.
He fought for breath with as much luck as he did control. Valerie watched him through lazy eyes. Her fingers still worked her clit. She spread her legs wider, giving him a better view. He counted to ten five times over in the space of a few seconds, then shoved her nightgown up to palm her breasts.

  “Now, sweetheart,” she cried out. “I’m coming now.”

  He pushed inside her tight pussy. Muscles sucked him in and locked him in place. He stayed deep and still, reveling in the feel of her orgasm rippling over him, demanding he join her. And that was too much to fight. Russell dug his fingers into her ass and managed a few hard stabs before fire spewed from balls to dick, turning him inside out and leaving him spent and ragged. Short caresses brought him back to the real world—her arms, her smile, her heart pounding in time with his.

  Russell kissed her and brushed tendrils of hair away from her temples. “There’s nothing more I’d like to do right now than lure you back to bed, but somehow I suspect I’d earn more points by helping you out in the kitchen.”

  “Good-looking, hot in bed and smart too. Makes me feel guilty for leading you astray with no panties when there’s a breakfast casserole in the oven waiting for you. Filled with all your favorite heart-attack-waiting-to-happen foods.”

  “Not too guilty, I’m sure. You set the trap well to lure me in then have your way with me.” He kissed her nose, her chin, each breast and her belly as he stood. “Since I’m fairly certain my nuts aren’t the kind you want in your treats, I’ll get dressed and be right back.”

  “You’ve got at least two changes of clothes in the drawer and a couple of things in the closet,” she called to his back. “And bring me back a pair of panties. And my phone.”

  Russell waved her off. “Quit stalling so you can ogle my fine ass as I walk away, and get my breakfast on the table.”

  Valerie’s giggle followed him the rest of the way. Odd how comforting it was to find his things right where he’d left them. She’d never given up on them, despite everything. If he’d known he wouldn’t have been such as ass all this time. Well, it didn’t matter. He knew now and didn’t intend to forget it. If only the anxiety, fear, anger and frustration that ate at him during their separation were so easily forgotten. Telling himself it was work didn’t help. Deep down Russell knew he’d let work and personal intersect.

  Jeans and a comfy golf shirt made him feel human again. He ran a comb through his hair, found their phones and returned to the kitchen. Valerie had cleared enough space for their meal and little more. A cup of hot coffee sat at his seat. The casserole waited on the stove.

  “Toast should be up in a bit.” She spread the contents of her bowl into a pan.

  “You’ve got enough to feed an army.” Russell scrolled through his messages. Nothing that couldn’t wait. The voice mail from Dave was most likely to bitch at him about Valerie. Russell wasn’t in the mood. “You the only one baking?”

  “It looks like a lot because it’s all spread out to cool.” She shoved the pan into the oven. “Don’t worry. These brownies are for you.”

  He smiled, slid his phone onto the table and enjoyed the first blessed taste of coffee. “And these are for you.” He pulled her panties from his pocket, holding them out on the tip of his finger.

  Valerie flashed him a grin and snagged them. “So…are we going to talk about the elephant in the room?” Her back to him, she dressed.

  “I get the feeling you’re not referring to my manhood.”

  “You know I’m not.” Her phone was next. Like him, she powered up and checked her messages. Her frown deepened with each second.

  “Problems?”

  “A what-the-fuck text from Phil.”

  Phil Wrightman, her boss. Little doubt to what he was referring.

  “And various others including several from Bev.” Her phone ended up on the table next to his. She grabbed their plates to serve them up. “I’ll let you handle the toast. Insurance company is sending an adjuster out to the body shop this morning. They’ve authorized a rental car for the interim. So if you’ll drop me off at the rental company—”

  “I’ll be officially dismissed?” That’s how she was making it sound. Russell recognized walls going up between them. Instead of trying to knock them down, his gut instinct was to throw up a few of his own. It was harder to fight than premature ejaculation.

  Back to him, she filled their plates. But her shoulders were slumped, defeated. A feeling he was best friends with. Russell focused on retrieving their toast, smearing on the correct portion of margarine, setting out the jar of raspberry preserves. The silence killed him, but he couldn’t trust any words that might come from his mouth right now. Apparently, neither could Valerie. But once he bit into his heart attack casserole, that little reminder of domesticity banished any desire to stay quiet.

  “Man this is good.” He forked in another mouthful.

  “Thank you,” she mumbled.

  I think we should move in together. Wrong time, his conscience added. “Phil’s what the fuck could mean anything. ‘What the fuck is going on with Estavarez?’ ‘What the fuck is Casey Sullivan doing sniffing around?’ ‘What the fuck, why didn’t you call me?’”

  Her sigh said otherwise. “He wants me in his office immediately.”

  “Well we’re eating so he’ll have to wait.”

  That got a snicker out of her. “Who do you suppose got to him first? Dave, the cops, or the reporters? Let’s face it. One of us is going to be out of a job.”

  “Probably me,” he said around a chunk of toast. “You won. I lost. Although I did remind Dave that we had shit for a case. Look…” He washed down his food with a gulp of coffee. “We tell them the truth and recuse ourselves from facing off in court for future cases.”

  Valerie wrapped her hand around her mug and leaned back. “If we start begging off cases for personal reasons, how long before we resent each other?”

  She was right about that. It’s what had gotten them in this predicament in the first place.

  “Call him.” He grabbed his fork. “We’re getting upset before we even know what he wants. Call him. I’ll even leave the room so you can talk in private.”

  “No.” She grabbed her phone as she stood. “I’ll leave.”

  His food lodged in his throat when he heard the bedroom door close. All the coffee in the world wouldn’t make it go down. He returned to his messages, scrolling down until he found Dave’s voice mail. He punched it up, then wished he hadn’t.

  * * * * *

  Valerie leaned against her bedroom door, inhaling Russell’s scent. It filled the room, covered her body and made her ache in so many ways, both good and bad. The path that seemed so clear before was nothing more than a rutted, muddy trail leading nowhere. Misery was a pain she didn’t relish and, frankly, she’d been damn miserable. Not only because of their separation, but because she was stuck in a job she hated. Being a lawyer had seemed so grand from the other side of the road. Reality was a harsh master.

  The public defender’s office had been the only game in town. Lawyers were a dime a dozen in California. She’d been lucky to find a job. Even one she hated more each day. Yes, everyone was entitled to a fair trial and defense. Yes, she’d made a vow. Pie in the sky, as far as she was concerned. Valerie detested her clientele. Few were as innocent as they claimed. She could see it in their faces, their body language, their words. While there was the rare exception, she’d never experienced it before Estavarez. She hated playing the game. Hated the fallout too. Now this.

  She stared at the infernal device clutched in her hand. No one was going to ruin this for her. If that meant quitting her job… Well, no loss there. She’d figure something else out. One thing she knew for sure was that she refused to settle anymore, refused to live without Russell being a part of her life. Okay, that was two things. If she stood here much longer staring at the phone, she could probably come up with a dozen more.

  Valerie dialed Phil as she paced. Too late she realized it was only eight.
That wouldn’t sit well. Oh well. Too late now. Defenses up, she waited for him to pick up.

  “This isn’t my office,” he said without preliminaries.

  She bit back a sarcastic comment. “I just got your message. I have an obligation this morning and won’t be able to be there right away. Isn’t this something we can handle on the phone?”

  “You don’t respect me enough to tell me face-to-face how you stabbed me in the back?” he spat.

  How in the world was her relationship with Russell injurious to him? She’d won the damn case.

  “When had you planned to tell me? The day you packed up and walked out the door?”

  Confusion reigned supreme. This wasn’t about Russell at all. “Phil, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “I saw you with Cambridge last night. I assume he’s their front man sent to lure you to them.”

  “Again…clueless.”

  “Don’t play fucking games with me, Valerie. My inside sources tell me the DA’s looking to add you to their team.”

  Whoa. “What?”

  “Deacon just about confirmed it to me last night when he was looking for you at the party.”

  “Odd that he didn’t say anything to me at the police station hours later.” He’d been barely civil. “Which was most likely why he was looking for me in the first place. Or didn’t any of your many sources tell you Estavarez was picked up last night?”

  “I got the word. Nice move scaring them with Casey Sullivan.” Praise? Oh he was desperate. Too bad he hadn’t opened the conversation kissing her ass.

  “You’re not the only one who has connections, Phil.”

  “Yeah, well… So what the hell happened?” At least his tone had changed from obnoxious to inquisitive. She almost told him to ask his sources. Instead she opted to play nice and gave him a rundown of events as she knew them related to Estavarez.

  “And at no point was there any hint of a job offer from Russell Cambridge or Dave Deacon,” she added. “Do you really think so little of me? That I would back-door you that way?”