Keeping Her kh-1 Read online

  Chapter Two

  “Well this is unexpected.” The voice tickled Clytie from a distance, but she was too busy being swallowed whole to pay attention.

  “You might be right Mac.”

  “I’m always right, can you be more specific?”

  “She likes him better. Maybe I’m losing my touch.”

  Mac laughed. “How many women handed you their phone numbers in the thirty minutes we’ve been at this fucked up excuse for a bar?”

  “Only three.”

  Mac laughed again. “Come on Romeo you grab Demon and I’ll grab her and we’ll pull until they let go.”

  “Why can’t I grab her?”

  Mac snorted, “Rank has its privileges.”

  “Fuck.” Ben said it without heat as he watched them devour each other. Nothing else existed for them. “You ever been kissed like that?” Ben’s head listed to the side as he watched.

  “No.” Mac’s voice was dead certain.

  “Me either.”

  A few people passed them in the hall on their way out, making a wide berth around the kissing couple. Clytie began to realize where she was and what she was doing, or rather whom. She pulled back from the kiss with an effort and dodged Demon when he would have claimed her mouth again. Instead, his lips found her throat, and sucked. Clyties eyes rolled back in her head, but she dropped her legs from around his waist in an effort to distance herself. He growled in warning, actually growled, like a dog standing over his bone.

  “Demon stop.” Her voice sounded so breathless and unsure to his ears, but he heard, and he was going to stop, absolutely he was,

  “Just one minute.” He said against the skin of her collarbone.

  “He doesn’t look like he means it.” Ben said, Deadpan.

  “Nope.” Mac agreed, she had turned her head to glare at them and Demon took the chance to skim his teeth from the back of her neck to the front, nuzzling down against her cleavage as he hefted her higher with the grip he had on her butt.

  Clytie gave a little squeak at the move. Her face flashed hot enough to fry eggs. She wasn’t sure if she was more embarrassed or turned on but this was not how she behaved in public with strange men. Or any man for that matter. Enough was enough. She placed a hand on either side of his face and tried to pull him away from her chest.

  “He certainly seems to be enjoying himself.” Mac said. “His own little happy place.”

  Ben grunted an affirmative, his eyes curiously bright.

  Clytie glared over Demons head. “You two are not helping.” If they had popcorn and recliners, it’d be a show.

  “Oh honey…” Ben said, his voice a smooth blend of sex, “You have no idea how I’d like to help. But I don’t think he wants to share.”

  She ignored that, concentrating instead on trying to pull Demons head up by his chin.

  “Demon stop.” This time her voice was sure.

  “m amift.” Whatever that meant. He didn’t stop, just pulled her up for better range. She let out a huff of breath and placed her elbow on his shoulder, resting her head on her hand as she tried to think around her revved libido. She narrowed her eyes at Ben.

  “Demon,” She made her voice high and frantic. “Ben’s touching my ass!”

  “What the fuck?” Demon roared, there was no other way to describe the sheer fury. His head snapped up with a vengeance, his wolf eyes tracking around until he caught Ben standing a good two feet away, hands down at his sides. She felt Demon squeezing the ass cheeks he still held possession of. He narrowed an accusing glare at Clytie, even as his so-called friends started laughing.

  “Back with us are we?” She asked, her words having a bite that had him reassessing the situation. He cleared his throat, setting her down on her feet, his hands moving from her plump ass to her hips. He fought to get his hands to release completely, he really did, they just didn’t want to cooperate. She crossed her arms belligerently as a departing restaurant couple squeezed by. Clyties glare hurried them along. It made Demon smile, such a little spitfire. Such a passionate bundle of… His hands tightened on her hips before he thought better of it.

  “Demon.” She said in warning. He barely stopped himself from pulling her back up against him. Her hands went to his wrists to unlock them from her hips. He allowed it, barely, feeling a bit like a kid with his favorite toy taken away. What was it about this woman? Sex had always been easy to take or leave, he took it when offered, and then he left. Simple easy, hard, and fast, that’s how he liked it. Never before had he had this overwhelming need for a woman. Never had the wolf been in such territorial agreement with the man. As dangerous as he was, with the training he had, losing control would be irresponsible. He needed to walk away. The thought sent the wolf into a kind of frenzy that only reaffirmed to the man that this woman was a danger to his control. He would apologize and leave her alone.

  He started to open his mouth when she glared at his laughing friends and pulled him closer to exit door, making sure they were out of hearing range. Course shape-shifters could hear pretty damn good. O.K. No problem. He could do this with an audience. Say good-bye and watch her sashay that fine ass away. If he didn’t throw up first.

  “Do you still want to have sex?” She asked the question in an almost whisper and he nearly swallowed his tongue.

  “What?” He couldn’t have heard that right.

  “Do you still want to have sex?” Her face had flipped back to bright red. She should be embarrassed, it was a stupid question. He growled and went to grab her again.

  She slapped his hands away. “Not here.” She hissed.

  Right. Not here. “Give me your keys.”

  “Why?” Again with the stupid questions.

  “Ben can follow in your car so we don’t have to leave it here.”

  “Why can’t I follow you in my car?”

  “Because,” He said his eyes a fierce heat marking her. “You’re riding with me.”

  “That’s ridiculous. I can fol…”

  “Enough talk.” He barked, grabbing her purse out of her hands he threw it at Ben who almost fumbled the unexpected pitch. Then he plucked her up and over his shoulder. Surprisingly she stayed quiet, whether in shock or paralysis, Demon didn’t care. Since he was certain he could get out little but “Me Demon, you Clytie,” he figured talk right now was overrated.

  He turned and pointed at his friends who appeared struck dumb by his moves. “You,” he pointed at Ben. “Follow in her car. Home.” He turned and headed for the exit. Neither Ben nor Mac seemed inclined to comment on his technique, for which he was grateful.

  “What car?” Ben called, forcing him to turn back around.

  Demon huffed out, patting Clyties’ butt where it folded over his shoulder. “Which car is yours sweetheart?”

  She had her hands over her face and she shook her head too overcome by her position to speak. The hand on her ass turned affectionate and headed for the crease of her legs. He had almost reached the promise land when she squeaked out a frantic: “White Toyota Corolla.” He patted her butt again and headed out.

  This time he didn’t stop until he placed her on the passenger seat of his black full-size GMC Sierra. He buckled her in, gave her a quick kiss, and closed the door, careful her feet and hands were out of the way. Ben and Mac had come in the Jeep, now they all took a vehicle. He glanced around the parking lot and saw Mac in his jeep ready to follow. Ben was having a hard time fitting into the little Toyota and Demon would have laughed at the sight if he didn’t have better things to do.

  “Quit fuckin’ around.” He bellowed across the parking lot, causing the few pedestrians to glance up, duck down, and scurry away. Ben flipped him the bird but finally got the seat back far enough to fold himself in. Demon caught the cursing from where he stood. He ignored it and got in the drivers seat. Clytie, watching the scene across the parking lot, shook her head and reached for her seat belt.

  “I think I should drive my own car. He doesn’t seem at all comfortable.”
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br />   Demon growled, effectively stopping her from undoing her seat belt. She eyed him with exasperation.

  “I don’t know what you’ve been taught but growling is not a form of communication.”

  “Works.”

  “You sound like a barbarian.”

  “You like it.” Clytie turned away. She couldn’t dispute the statement, sitting in his truck hoping she didn’t cream through her jeans before they got naked. He started the truck, her car, and a jeep ready to follow in a hunk convoy. The fact everyone knew she was going to go have sex with a man she had recently met was disconcerting. That she was going to have sex, finally, was a certainty. Lots and lots of sex was even probable. She turned to catch Demons profile. Lots and lots of really good sex even a possibility. Demon turned to look at her his eyes flashing, his voice a deep animal growl.

  “I am going to make you cum so hard and often you won’t be able to walk for a week.”

  Uh-oh. Clytie figured that was the opening she needed to maybe clear up a few things. Her throat closed and instead she watched as he navigated the traffic like a professional racecar driver. While he was intent on his driving, she stared at the road. She stewed over what she needed to say as they left the city behind and headed up into the trees.

  She cleared her throat as he maneuvered to a less traveled, two-lane road.

  He grabbed her hand and pulled it to his lips. “A few more minutes honey and we’ll hit our private drive.

  “We need to discuss something before we commence.” Commence? What are we writing a speech? Can I be any more pathetic?

  “What’s that baby?”

  “First, don’t call me baby, and second, I thought you should know I’ve never done this before.”

  He grunted, as he signaled another turn, barely glancing her way. “I know that sweetheart.”

  “You do?”

  “Yeah, it’s clear as your freckles you’re a good girl, don’t worry. I’ll still respect you in the morning.” He reached over and patted her knee as he navigated traffic. He wasn’t paying attention to Clytie so he didn’t notice her arms cross and her eyes narrow.

  “Big of you.”

  Demon grunted in agreement.

  “So you took one look at little freckled me and realized I’m a virgin?”

  “WHAT?!” He slammed on the brakes so hard her seat belt locked. She turned to glance behind her at the honks. Mac following behind in the jeep stopped so close she could read the cuss words on his lips. Luckily, everyone was able to avoid a rear collision.

  “Jeez Demon, be careful. You almost caused an accident.”

  “I almost caused an accident? I?” He glared at her with murder in his eyes. “You’re a virgin?!” His bellowing hurt the ears.

  “Yes.” She said scathingly. “I thought you could tell such things by my freckles.”

  He studied her as the few cars flew by around them. Yelling and obscene gestures were ignored until Mac walked up beside the passenger window and knocked. His Jeep sat on the shoulder of the road, out of traffic. Clytie rolled down her window, seeing Ben pull up behind Macs jeep and struggle out the small opening. Demon hit the automatic window for the passenger side for Mac.

  “What the fuck are you trying to do? Haul ass off this road.”

  Demon still glared at her so she threw up her hands. “Pull off before you get us killed.”

  He did, with a growl and no warning. If Mac hadn’t jumped back Demon would have ran over his feet.

  As soon as he hit the side of the road, he yanked the gear into park and turned off the engine turning partway in his seat to glare at her. Both Mac and Ben together now filled the passenger window beside her. She sank down, her fingers tapping an angry rhythm on her lap.

  “Now you want to explain why you almost caused an accident?” Mac asked his voice cold as ice.

  “She,” Demon said, punctuating his hot growl with a finger jabbing the air toward Clytie. “Is a virgin.”

  With the complete and utter silence, Clytie sank down even deeper in her seat, her eyes narrowing to little slits.

  “She can’t be.” Ben finally filled the silence.

  Demon stared at him incredulous. “Do you think I’d make something like that up?”

  Ben looked at Clytie a little desperately. “You’re not a virgin. Right honey? You were pulling Demons leg. Right?”

  “You can be sure.” Clytie stated voice so low and furious both of the Navy SEALS outside the truck took a careful step back. “There will be no pulling of legs, touching or sex of any kind.” She whipped off her seatbelt and reached for the door. She snapped it open and Ben and Mac had to jump back farther to keep from being pummeled. She jumped out and turned to glare at Demon. “You can all go to hell as far as I’m concerned.” Her eyes teared up right before she slammed the door in his face.

  “Fuck!” He was out the door and rounding the truck before she could wrestle her keys away from Ben.

  Demon picked her up from behind with an arm around her waist. She kicked out and caught Ben in the thigh. He cursed stumbling back, and Demon grabbed her legs and pulled her into his chest as if he was cradling a baby.

  “Children.” Mac said, clapping his hands to get their attention. When he was ignored he put two fingers to his lips and whistled, high and loud, everyone froze.

  “Good.” Mac said, “How about we wait and discuss this at home.”

  “Our drive. Home.” Clytie hit her forehead with the heel of her hand. “You all live together don’t you?”

  “We do.” Mac said.

  “Then why follow? Why even leave the bar when we did?” She swallowed. “You aren’t thinking of some kind of kinky foursome are you? Because if you are I have to tell you …”

  Demon growled and Ben laughed. It was Mac who relieved her mind.

  “Demon doesn’t share.” He said succinctly. Clytie couldn’t help noticing the careful way he phrased his answer.

  “Demon doesn’t share.” She repeated, gazing from Mac to Ben, “Demon doesn’t. But you two do?”

  Ben gave her a wicked grin and Mac raised an eyebrow.

  “Ooo-Kaay.” Wow. Clearly, they did share. Clytie waved a hand before her hot face. She cleared her throat and looked up at Demon who appeared none to happy with her at the moment.

  “So, if you weren’t thinking some kind of kinky foursome why is me being a Virgin such a big deal?” She gave him back glare for glare.

  It was Ben who finally had to answer. Demon seemed to be getting a little red in the neck. “Clytie, maybe you noticed how tall and wide Demon is?”

  Clytie looked over at Ben from high up in Demons arms. “Hard to miss.” She said with an edge of sarcasm.

  “Yeah well, he’s like that everywhere.” He finished awkwardly, his hands going up and down and his eyes bulging wide. Clytie waited for the punch line.

  Mac made an exasperated sound. “He’s got a big dick.” He stated flatly.

  Clytie opened her mouth, closed it again. She turned back to Demon careful to keep her eyes on his neck. She cleared her throat bracing herself by placing one arm around his neck and folding the other against his chest. She made little nervous twirls under his collar. “So you’re worried about me, being a virgin and all, maybe we won’t fit?” Her face flamed so bright her freckles disappeared, and she kept swirling her fingers on his neck beneath his collar.

  “We’ll fit.”

  At his sure words, she met his eyes, which had lost none of their heat.

  “Then why the big scene?”

  “Because.” Demon growled, pulling her up and bending his neck until they were nose to nose. “My balls have been turning blue since I met you and I can’t very well ram myself down your sweet cunt until I have you ready for me. You being a virgin it could take hours.”

  “Hours?” Her breath left her on the word.

  “Hours,” He kissed her once hard on the mouth, shifted her higher into his arms, and headed back for the truck. She wrapped both arms tight a
round his neck and sighed against his chest.

  This time he didn’t wait for Mac and Ben before he took off. Almost immediately, he pulled into a private drive, and about a mile later, he stopped before a private security gate and pressed in the code. Mac and Ben were right behind them.

  “Why did you wait for them at the restaurant if they already know the way?”

  “It’s safer,” he said flatly.

  “Safer?”

  His face expressionless, he considered how much to tell her. “We protect each other. Cover each other’s backs when we’re not at home. Hell, even when we are at home. We’re a package deal.” He looked at her, hoping she understood. “Except in bed, we’re usually together.” He didn’t feel the need to remind her Mac and Ben tended to be together in bed too.

  “Protection from what?”

  “We’ve made some enemies.”

  She seemed to absorb that. “But you’re the good guys, right?”

  His jaw clenched. “We were soldiers.” Among other things, and that was all he was going to say about that.

  “Were?”

  “Now we work security.”

  “Okay.” She turned away, no more questions forthcoming.

  Demon breathed out the tension invading him. Reaching out, he rubbed his hand down her neck. The smile she turned to him lit up her eyes and brought out her dimple. Mine. The word reverberated through his heart. This one, I’m keeping.

  He glanced up as the house came into view. Maybe keeping her had been his plan all along. As a rule, none of them brought woman home, preferring the anonymity of a quick hotel fuck. But here she was, and here she would stay.

  Clytie caught her breath when she saw the house. Large windows gleamed above a wraparound deck. In rustic, dark wood and a solid, gleaming wall of glass, the house appeared part of the forest surrounding it. Housing two stories with ceiling to spare, each section spread out across the forest floor, left and right.

  “There are three wings around an inner courtyard. Mac’s idea, he stole the design from a castle he saw in Britain. Each of us has a wing to ourselves, though there’s also a large kitchen and living room off the courtyard we share.” He parked the car. “We can give you a tour tomorrow if you like.”