Chapter Nine

Nikki wasn’t surprised when one of the papers she’d worked for in the past called her early in the morning just days after the announcement about shifters had come. Every news channel in the nation was following the events that were unfolding.

Just as everyone had worried, there were groups of humans who had banded together in order to protect themselves from the ‘unholy creatures’. That was what her kind was being called—unholy. As though God or whatever deity they use would want the capture and murder of innocent people.

“Craig, I’m sure that man is very busy. He just came out to the entire world as a shifter,” Nikki said to the editor-in-chief she’d worked with several other times. She didn’t understand how Craig thought she’d be able to get an interview with Tony. And on top of that, Craig actually wanted her to photograph him in his ‘other’ form.

“Come on, Nikki!” Craig demanded. “You’ve always been able to get people to talk to you. It’s the reason we call on you for the tough assignments.”

Nikki had decided what to do about her own shifter status. Eventually where she lived would be revealed and her secret would be out. But writing an article would be one-sided. She couldn’t be objective. “I don’t think I’m the right person for this job.”

“I know you probably don’t want to be around one of those…creatures, but we need this. I’ll even send one of the guys to act as your security if you’re worried about your safety. We don’t know how these animals will react, after all.”

Oh, shit, Craig’s one of the asshole humans. It took all Nikki’s control not to snarl into the phone. “I don’t need protection,” she managed.

“Still, I would feel better if you took one of the other guys. I want to a full series showing how dangerous these things really are. Can you believe some people just want to live next to these monsters? It’s our duty to show the world the truth.”

Nikki mentally counted to ten. If she allowed the words that wanted to escape her mouth out, she’d never work for that paper again. Too bad they’d always paid her well. It wasn’t as though she needed the money. Living at home and having her savings account meant she could stay comfortable for years, but Nikki liked her profession. Craig wasn’t the nicest guy in the world, but he’d always treated her fairly. “I’m sorry, but—”

“Don’t say no!” Craig cut her off.

She glanced up when the door opened allowing Brandon to stroll in with RJ at his heels. They’d gone on a run in their wolf forms to patrol the boundary of town before she’d woken up.

“Hey, you’re awake,” RJ sauntered close enough to give her a kiss. He paused in the middle of leaning down. “What’s wrong?”

Nikki shook her head.

“Are you listening to me?” Craig yelled into the phone.

She sighed, more so when RJ narrowed his eyes at her cell. “Yes, Craig, I heard every word you said. I’m sorry, I don’t need time to think about it. I can’t take this assignment.” She ended the call. He could argue with her or she said something she’d regret.

“Who was that?” RJ demanded.

“One of the editors I’ve worked with,” she said. Nikki dropped her head into her hands. In the last several years, she’d never turned down a job if she wasn’t already on assignment. It didn’t feel right to allow someone else to do what Craig wanted, but Nikki just couldn’t do what he’d asked.

“What did he say?” Brandon asked. He wasn’t growling, but she still picked up the anger in his tone.

Nikki stood and refilled her coffee as she relayed the conversation to Brandon and RJ. By the time she had finished, RJ was fuming.

“It’s not a bad idea,” Brandon commented.

“What?” RJ snapped.

“Excuse me?” Nikki spat.

Brandon waved his hand. “Not what your boss wanted, but doing a series about what it’s like being a shifter.”

“You want her to expose herself?” RJ shouted. “Hell, no!”

“She doesn’t have to write about herself,” Brandon stated. “Dylan could talk to the Council to see if they know someone who wouldn’t mind being the subject of the article. That way, Nikki could work with them and whatever shifter volunteers.”

“That isn’t actually what this asshole asked for,” RJ pointed out.

“I’m still in the room,” Nikki announced before the two men decided every detail about her life.

“Sorry.” RJ ducked his head.

Brandon crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s a good idea.”

It was. Nikki could agree with that, but did she really want to take on something this big? Shit, of course she did. She’d spent her entire life searching for a story that would make her career. And if it benefited the shifters, who would it hurt? “I’ll think about it.”

Brandon grinned. “I’m going to give Dylan a heads-up about this guy, though. If he can call the Council to warn them, maybe they’ll be able to keep Tony from doing any interviews that might put us in a bad light.”

She nodded. Her brother left the room so she turned her attention to RJ. He sat brooding at the table. “What?”

“I don’t like it.”

“Like Brandon said, I don’t have to be writing about myself.”

“But if you’re seen siding with shifters, you could be out in danger.”

“Have you forgotten that I am a shifter?” she asked. Really, the protectiveness was hot, but she could take care of herself as well. “Eventually someone is going to figure out I live with a Pack.”

He grunted.

“Plus it could really help,” she said. “Right now, we only have the one big announcement. If people are going to be writing about us anyway, we should at least make sure that they get their facts right.”

“I’m waiting for you to start spouting off constitutional rights and all that.”

Nikki laughed. RJ knew her too well already. “Well…”

He held up a hand. “I know.” With a heavy sigh, RJ leaned back in his chair. “There’s already been a riot in Chicago, illegal hunting has risen around the country and people have gotten hurt. I can’t stop myself from worrying about you.”

“I don’t want you to,” she told him. “I like the fact that you care about me so much. This is something that I want—no, need—to do.”

“Fine, but I want to know every detail and if you leave our territory, you take someone with you,” he demanded.

“I have no problem keeping you informed, but I’m a big girl. I don’t need a travel buddy.”

“You don’t know what you need yet. That’s why it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you get into trouble, you’ll have someone you know there to watch your back,” RJ argued.

“Who?” Nikki asked. “You and Brandon have to be here to help Dylan and make sure our Pack is safe. Justin and Ben have jobs.”

“I’ll ask Mike.” RJ brightened as he spoke. “He’s been looking for something to do and this is perfect. He is a highly decorated military man and he won’t let anyone hurt you.”

As much as she wanted to argue with RJ, he was making sense. “We’ll see.” Shit, she might not be committing to anything at the moment, but they both knew she would.

“It’ll all get worked out,” Brandon stated, walking in. “Dylan and Mike are on their way.”

“I didn’t say yes,” she pointed out.

Brandon snorted. “I know how your mind works, little sister. You’ve probably already outlined the first story.”

The first two, but I won’t be admitting it. “You need to butt out, Brandon. Just because I moved back here doesn’t mean that you get to run my life. I’m a grown woman.”

He surprised her by sitting in the chair beside hers and taking her hand. “I’m not trying to manage your life.”

Nikki raised an eyebrow.

“No, really. You’ve been gone a while and I’m so fucking glad you’ve come home. I guess I’m just worried you won’t find enough excitement to keep you here,” Brandon said.

“Gee, thanks,” RJ muttered.

“Nothing against you, man,” Brandon said to RJ. “But it’s one of the things that keeps me up at night.”

“I told you that you didn’t have to worry. I want to be here,” she assured her brother. Nikki had never regretted her decision to leave, but she hated that Brandon saw it as a negative.

“It’s my issue and I’m trying to get over it,” Brandon said. “It helps that you seem happier now than I’ve ever seen you.”

She glanced at RJ. That statement had the definite ring of truth.

“I don’t just mean lover boy here,” Brandon said. “You’ve reconnected with your friends, you’ve become a role model to the teenagers and we have family night again. I don’t want to lose you.”

“You’re not going to,” she promised. Sure, she didn’t know what the future held, but Nikki wouldn’t repeat the mistakes she’d made in the past. She could have gone to school and started working and still come to visit. There was no reason for her to have cut herself off from her family.

“I’m going to hold you to that,” Brandon said hugging her.

She returned the embrace, holding him as tight as she could. When they pulled away, RJ had risen from the table and started making a pot of coffee.

“I’m going to shower before the guys get here,” Brandon said. “I have to get to the station.”

“Sure.” She got to her feet.

She walked up behind RJ and wrapped her arms around his waist to rest her forehead between his shoulder blades. “Thanks.”

“I’m glad you have him and Justin,” RJ said, his voice quiet. “I missed so much with my brothers and I regret that.”

It seemed as though they both had some things to make up for with their families. “I see how Ben looks at you. You’re his hero.”

RJ just shrugged.

“It’s true,” she said. “And Dylan trusts you. That says a lot.”

“I’m glad we came here.” He turned and tugged her close to his chest.

Nikki loved the way they fit together. “Me, too.”

When he kissed her, Nikki had to hand it to him. RJ never did anything by halves. Whatever act he was involved in, he gave his all. One kiss turned into two then three, until she was panting against his mouth.

Aroused and flushed, she stepped back. “That’s not nice. Your brother is going to be here soon.”

“His brother has arrived and is just waiting for the two of you to stop playing kissy face.”

RJ groaned as Dylan strolled in from the living room.

“It’s a good thing Justin let me in.” Dylan made his way to the coffee pot. “I haven’t had my coffee yet.”

“Yes, Alpha,” RJ responded. “I was just making it, Your Majesty.”

“Watch it or I’ll put you on midnight duty for the next month and you’ll have no time for sucking face.”

“That’s just mean.” RJ pouted.

“I’ll show you mean,” Dylan said, pouncing on RJ.

RJ yelled; slipping from Dylan’s grasp and pulling Nikki in front of him.

“Hey!” She threw up her arms.

“Save me!” RJ begged. “The mean Alpha is out to get me.”

Dylan growled; trying to take a swipe at RJ around Nikki. RJ jumped away, shoving Nikki at his brother at the same time.

“Seriously, RJ?” she asked, laughing.

“Yeah, seriously, RJ?” Dylan mocked. “Hiding behind your girlfriend?”

“I’m not hiding,” RJ defended. “I just can’t kick your ass anymore because now you’re my Alpha!”

“Like you could ever,” Dylan taunted.

“You’re all a bunch of children,” Brandon declared, returning from his shower.

Nikki completely lost it when both RJ and Dylan turned to her older brother and stuck out their tongues. It was so not becoming of two alpha males. Brandon just shook his head, bitching while Nikki leaned against the counter laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes.

That of course gave Dylan the chance to jump on RJ and wrestle him to the floor.

They were still rolling around when Mike and Justin joined them. The way that Mike simply stepped over the two men told her this wasn’t the first time he’d walked in on the brothers rough-housing.

Nor was he very worried about it.

Nikki wanted to learn more about his friends and the unit they’d made up. She knew better than to do it from research now, though. It would take time, but she wanted the stories to come from RJ, Mike and the others. A lot could get lost in reports and Nikki wanted to hear RJ’s voice as he told her about his adventures.

It took about ten minutes, but RJ at last conceded to his brother and Dylan jumped to his feet to saunter to the table. Nikki stepped over to RJ and held out her hand. He grinned up at her with a wicked curve to his lips. That look did all kinds of things to make her stomach flutter.

If she wasn’t careful, she would end up rolling around on the kitchen floor with him as well. Which wouldn’t be good, since both their brothers were sitting at the table, watching.

“Are you finished?” she asked him.

“For now,” RJ said, letting her help him to his feet. Not allowing her to get away from him, RJ had her against his hard body. “Although I wouldn’t mind letting you take me down like that.”

That sounded good to her. “Maybe later?”

“What are your plans this weekend?”

Nikki glanced from the guys gathered at the table then back at him. “Umm…”

“I want to take you somewhere.”

“I don’t know if I will have time.”

“Think about it,” RJ said. “Me, you, my bike, the mountains.”

Yeah, Nikki wanted that. She hadn’t ever been on a bike and she trusted RJ to keep her safe. Plus, if they were going to have a real chance at a relationship, they needed some time alone. Too many brothers, Pack members, and danger around every corner. Don’t the two of us deserve a little time and space together?

“Just a few days,” RJ pressed.

“I want to say yes,” she admitted.

“So say yes.”

What do I have to lose? While Dylan and the Council worked out the details of her plan, she could escape with RJ for some alone time. “Yes.”

“If you two are done, I want to hear about this idea you have, Nikki,” Dylan said. “From what Brandon told me about it, I’m one hundred percent in. I think the Council will be, too.”

She shook her head but sat down so she could discuss her ideas with her Alpha and family. RJ stood behind her with his hand on the back of her chair. She liked how he always seemed to stay close to her, as if he was protecting her from the world, but still allowed her to speak her mind. “I think a series of photos showing that a shifter is both human and more is ideal.”

“Photos?” Dylan asked.

“That’s how I tell my stories. I might take a hundred pictures, but one will be perfect. It will show everything we need to without words. I’ll write an article to go with it, but it’s the photo that will draw people in. If we can just show the humans our humanity, I think it’ll make a difference.”

“I’ve seen her work,” RJ said. “It is powerful.”

“It is,” Brandon agreed.

Pride filled her and Nikki had to look away from the others to regain her composure. It wasn’t often that she’d felt such sincerity when it came to her passion. She knew Brandon cared about her, but to hear the words meant so very much.

“How will you get it published?” Dylan questioned.

“I’ll shop around for the right place,” Nikki informed him. “I’ve done it in the past.”

“So what do you need?” Dylan asked. “How can I help?”

“We need the right shifter,” Nikki said. “Someone who the humans will be able to relate to. They need to see us as something more than a threat, to know we’re not just animals.”

“The Council should help with that,” Dylan said. “They know of every shifter in the world.”

“Why can’t one of us do it?” Brandon asked.

“I’d prefer it not be someone I have a connection with,” Nikki stated. “It’ll be better using a stranger. That way no one can say I gave a biased report. It’ll be iffy enough when people learn I’m a shifter.”

“Is this going to hurt your career?” Justin asked.

Nikki shrugged. “If my conversation this morning with one of the editors is any indicator, it could possibly.”

“Damn.” Justin shook his head.

Nikki wasn’t upset any longer, though. Craig was an ass, but his opinion didn’t matter in the end. She was finished trying to please people for the sake of her career. It was the people in the room, her friends in the Pack and the man she was falling in love with who held any real meaning. “It’s okay. I might have to distance myself from a few people, but I’m gaining so much more.”

RJ rested his hand on her shoulder. “There might even be more people willing to talk to you. Not all of the publicity has been negative.”

“That’s true,” she agreed. “I’ve worked for papers and sites all over the world. It appears that the east side of the country has been a little more willing to accept us than the west.”

“Then that’s where we need to concentrate the most,” Dylan said. “It helps that the Council compound is in California. They’ll know that area well.”

“I wonder if you’ll get to go there?” Justin said. “Wouldn’t that be awesome?”

“I don’t know of anyone not involved with the Council who has seen their property.”

“I met a couple of guys who work directly for them,” RJ stated. “They’re still part of their own Packs, but they work part-time for the Council. They were both pretty cool guys.”

“Maybe the Council can send one of them,” Nikki suggested.

RJ shrugged. “I suppose we could ask, if that’s what you’re looking for.”

Nikki pressed her lips together. “It’s really not. Here’s what I was thinking.”

* * * *

The rumble and vibration of the motorcycle under her was both foreign and exciting at the same time. They’d had to move up the trip before the weekend since the Council’s selection for the shifter she’d be interviewing was due by the week. The Council wanted Nikki to go ahead and get started.

Now that the Council was involved, Nikki’s excitement over the project had grown into nerves. It wasn’t as though the entire shifter population depended on her article, but Nikki was still feeling the pressure.

When RJ had shown up with his saddlebags packed and told her to climb on the back of his bike, she’d not hesitated. For a couple of hours, she could forget all about her plans and the upcoming weeks and just be free.

Several times, RJ turned his head to check on her, but Nikki was enjoying the two-hour drive into the mountains. She had her arms around RJ’s slim waist, feeling each muscle strain. She couldn’t wait until they arrived at the camping spot to get him naked and inside her.

The change from gravel to dirt had her tightening her hold on him.

For a first ride on the back of RJ’s motorcycle, she hadn’t done too bad. The cool night air felt great against her skin and, inside, her wolf was howling to get out. It seemed the animal part of her enjoyed the speed and adventure.

After another twenty minutes of winding roads, RJ pulled in to a secluded spot before he shut off the bike. She waited until he motioned her off then climbed from the motorcycle.

Luckily RJ was quick enough to catch her when her wobbly legs failed to hold her.

“Easy,” he murmured against her cheek. “You have to take it slow.”

“Wow, I wasn’t expecting that,” she admitted. Even her butt was sort of numb.

RJ chuckled. She had a feeling that he knew exactly what she was going through.

“You could have warned me,” she accused.

“But then I wouldn’t have been able to sweep in and rescue you.”

“Really?” Nikki said with a snort. “Sweep?”

RJ swung her up and into his arms in one easy movement. “See, sweep.”

Okay, so that was quite impressive. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him forward. “My hero,” she murmured then kissed him.

He responded quickly and with passion. Their tongues dueled while she held him close. It hadn’t been that long since they’d made love and she still needed him with a desperation that unnerved her.

“Hold that thought,” he requested, breaking away. “We have to set up the tent before it gets too dark.”

“But I like the dark,” she replied, waggling her eyebrows at him.

“We have all night,” he promised her. “We’ll set up camp, go for a run in our wolf forms, come back and eat then I’ll love on you all night long.”

“That sounds good,” she responded. “But I have a counter-offer.”

“What’s that?”

“We make love now, then set up the tent, go for that run, make love again, eat then you spend the rest of the night fucking my brains out,” she said.

The increase in his heartbeat and obvious reaction belied his shake of his head. Oh, he wanted her. Nikki pushed her breasts against him.

“You little minx,” he accused.

Nikki merely smiled in return.

Instead of laying her out, RJ set her on her feet and slapped her ass.

“Hey!” she complained.

“Help me unpack,” he ordered. “Then we’ll maybe alter my plan a bit.”

“Fine.” She stomped to the bike, but it was all for show. RJ had a pretty good idea. While she’d seen him in his wolf form, they hadn’t had the time to shift and run together. Actually, she hadn’t transformed with anyone other than her brothers. The few times she’d managed on her own had been so different. A wolf, shifter or natural, was meant to be surrounded by Pack.

They unloaded the bike and RJ went about setting up the tent while Nikki checked out the area around them. She’d expected some sort of camp ground, but RJ had to have found the most unused spot in the area.

“Have you ever been here?” she asked him.

“Actually, Brandon told me about it.”

“My brother?”

“I guess he used to come up here a lot when you and Justin were gone for the night,” RJ said.

“Alone?” She didn’t even want to think about the women her brother could have brought up here.

“I got the distinct impression that he was not alone.”

“Eww!” She wanted to smack him.

“You asked,” he responded, laughing.

“I didn’t really want an answer, though.”

“Why not?” RJ asked. “He’s a man and, even though he was raising you and Justin, he had needs.”

“Stop!” she ordered. “I do not need to think about my brother having sex.”

RJ rose from where he’d finished setting up the tent then strolled over to her. “Oh, come on! He’d had to have brought women around.”

“Sure he did,” she admitted. “But it’s not like they had sex in the kitchen during dinner. I don’t want to talk about this. It’s like discussing my dad’s sex life.”

He shook his head but dropped the subject. “So how about that run?”

“I’d like that. You’re impressive as a wolf.”

RJ pulled his shirt over his head. “This is the best part. Get naked.”

“I see,” she teased. “You just want me to strip for you.”

“Of course I do.” He winked. “Although I prefer to remove your clothes myself, but I think I’ll have to refrain this time or we’ll run out of light.”

Eager, Nikki started to undress. She barely beat RJ but used the few minutes to admire him as he finished. The muscles in his arms, the wideness of his shoulders, and his erect cock. Damn, she really wanted to play with RJ. Well, in both human and furry forms they could have fun, but she didn’t know which she wanted more.

“Stopping eying me like that,” he stated, obviously amused.

“Are you sure you can shift like that?” She nodded to his hard-on.

“Yes,” he replied with a grin. “First one who transforms gets to pick what we get to do after.”

Nikki dropped down and closed her eyes, ignoring his warm chuckle. He might like torturing her, but if she changed first, she’d get her revenge. Picturing her wolf form, she concentrated on becoming her animal. The shift was natural and painless. One moment, she was kneeling as a human, then her body began to change. Fur sprouted first, then came contortions as her bones and body realigned.

Unlike depictions in Hollywood movies, becoming her wolf was so fast that it didn’t hurt, which she was grateful for.

Once the change was complete, she shook herself hard, ruffling her fur. She glanced over to RJ, who sat watching her. Damn it, he’d beaten her.

Nikki dropped her chest to the ground and wagged her tail. He might have been able to shift faster than her, but that didn’t mean she’d concede without a struggle. RJ rose before stalking toward her. As soon as he got close enough, she pounced on him.

Even though he moved fast, she still managed to nip at his hind leg then took off running.

She heard him close at her heels as she led him out of the camping spot and into the dense forest. The canopies above blocked out the remaining light and the temperature was much cooler. Good thing I come with a fur coat.

Changing direction when she caught the faint whiff of water, Nikki was only just able to avoid RJ knocking into her.

He growled, but she didn’t even slow down.

This is fun.

It was always better to have company than to be alone enjoying nature. She’d forgotten that, over the years that she’d been away, and this was something else that RJ had given back to her.

The small creek came into view at the same time RJ leaped and sent her rolling. Nikki tucked in her chin and just went with the motion. Once she came to a stop, leaves and dirt covering her, she looked up at RJ. He stood over her, grinning. She beat her tail against the tree next to her, the thump…thump…thump echoing around them.

RJ leaned down and nosed her, but she batted his muzzle. She was just fine and hadn’t been hurt.

In fact, she could even go for another chase.

Nikki stood. Instead of getting ready to take off once again, RJ nudged her toward the water. She padded along beside him until they both dipped their heads to drink.

The cold liquid was soothing as she drank. After getting her fill, she lifted her head to see that RJ had stepped away. Nikki began to turn but he lunged, knocking her into the creek.

She gave a loud howl of complaint. Okay, all good and fun, but the water was cold and she was going to get him back. RJ was on the bank, hopping around. Oh, he thinks he’s funny.

Turning, Nikki began to use her tail to splash water at him.

Once he was soaked, she gazed at him, pleased. Yep, not so smug now, is he?

Nikki started toward dry land. RJ took several steps back before he ran at her and jumped right on top.

They both went under.

Using her back paws, she pushed away from him and up to the surface. What the hell? They weren’t felines and wolves didn’t like water.

Instead of rushing out like she’d expected, RJ began to jump around, splashing her with water.

He’s like a big kid.

Well, if RJ could let loose, so could she. Nikki pounced on him and they wrestled until she was panting with exhaustion. It couldn’t have been more than fifteen minutes, but after the long run she was wiped out.

She pawed his face and whined.

RJ stopped trying to dunk her and nudged her toward the bank.

Nikki did one long shake to remove the excess water from her coat before plopping down. RJ lowered himself to curl around her. With night falling quickly, she closed her eyes as RJ’s warmth seeped into her.

With his cuddling behind her, it didn’t take long for Nikki to warm up and want to move on with the rest of their plans. She flipped over to face RJ and started to clean his muzzle. He nosed her neck, breathing in her scent while getting slowly to his feet. RJ began his transformation to human and she followed suit.

Once she was naked, lying on the bank of the creek, she shook her head. “Sometimes I forget you’re supposed to be this big bad military guy.”

With his hands on his hips, he grinned. “If there is one thing I learned by traveling around the world for someone else’s wars, it’s that you have to find your fun where you can.”

“And that’s pushing me into ice-cold water?”

“It wasn’t that cold,” he responded.

“I don’t know.” Nikki folded her hands behind her head. “I think you should come over her and warm me up.”

RJ’s reaction was immediate. His pupils dilated as he sauntered closer. He was already half hard and just the sight of his shaft had her mouth watering. “You see something you like?” he teased. RJ gripped his cock and stroked.

“You know I do.”

“But we’re supposed to go back to camp and eat,” he said.

“I think it’s my turn to decide on the activities.”

“You didn’t win the shifting contest.”

Okay, he had her there. “Well, if you don’t want me, I guess I’ll have to take care of myself.” She ran her palms down herself, cupping her breasts. Nikki arched as she pushed the soft mounds into her fingers.

RJ moaned and stroked himself faster. “Pluck your nipples.”

She complied, feeling the tingle all over her body.

“Yeah,” he praised. “Slide one land lower.”

She’d never felt so dirty and sexy at the same time. Having him tell her how to touch herself was arousing. Nikki used her right hand to trail down her stomach to her wet, slick pussy. She was ready for him. Wanted RJ inside her. Although she could handle a little more playing.

“Tease your clit,” he ordered.

The small little nub was already swollen as she circled and pressed down on it. Nikki couldn’t hold in her groan of pleasure.

“So hot,” he murmured.

“RJ…”

“Keep going,” he told her. “Finger yourself.”

Damn, she might climax just from his words. Already her breaths were coming out in pants, her breasts felt fuller and the itch of need was crawling all over her skin. Instead of complaining, Nikki ran one finger through her folds until she could drive it inside.

“Damn, baby,” RJ moaned. He sped up his jacking.

“Don’t blow,” she said. “I want your cock inside me.”

“Yes,” he hissed. RJ dropped to his knees next to her.

“You want in me?” she asked, adding a second finger. A quiver shook her body.

“God, yes,” he whispered.

Nikki lifted her hips to push in deeper. Damn, the way RJ was watching her work herself just added to the erotic scene. She was powerful and desired.

“Let me,” RJ begged, stopping the movement of her hand.

She spread her legs and nodded. “Please.”

RJ clasped her hand, lifting it to his mouth and cleaning the juices from her fingers before holding it over her head.

“My turn,” he said as he positioned himself between her legs.

“Hurry,” she demanded. If he didn’t move, Nikki was going to scream.

“I’d planned a romantic evening in front of a fire to show you show much I care about you. But you have me so worked up there’s no way I can be gentle.”

“I don’t want gentle. Not now. You can be romantic later. I promise.”

RJ scooted up until the tip of his shaft rested against her folds. He pressed in slowly. Nikki was entranced by the look on his face as he watched his cock pierce her. The feeling of fullness grew until he was buried balls-deep.

“Wrap your legs around my waist,” he ordered.

She did so, pushing her shoulders into the ground and making her body bow. “Take me.”

RJ withdrew; his grip on her waist almost painful as he filled her.

Perfect, just like the other times they’d been together. He set a brutal pace and she loved it. Yes, it was going to be quick and messy, but she craved what only he could give her. The only person who knew that she wasn’t fragile and could handle the roughness.

RJ plunged deep, hard and fast. She was ready, her orgasm hit and she shouted. Even as he continued thrusting, Nikki let her sated body relax. Sweat dripped off RJ’s forehead and landed on her cheek. When he came, heat flooded her pussy. She would carry his scent with her for a long while.