Chapter Four

Kiley woke up alone in the big bed. Not something she was happy about. Maybe Austin had wanted to give her a taste of her own medicine or some shit like that? She frowned. She didn’t think he’d be that petty, but she did have trust issues. Austin had never played games, though. From the word go, he’d been brutally honest about what he wanted. And that was her. It was Kiley who kept going back and forth in her feelings. With a sigh, she climbed off the bed and quickly dressed. Before heading to find Austin, she peeked into Jesse’s room. The little girl wasn’t there.

Standing in the hall, she used her senses to pick up where the two people she wanted were. They were both in the kitchen. She smelled eggs, bacon, sausage, ham and coffee. Low voices were speaking, but she couldn’t make out what they were saying. Knowing she would find not only Jesse but Austin, too, she headed for the kitchen. Once at the door, there came a soft bark. Tyler didn’t have a dog.

She entered slowly. The kitchen was full. Gray stood at the stove, managing three large skillets. Jesse was on the floor with a man Kiley didn’t know while a brown puppy sat in her lap, licking her chin. Both Jesse and the man were laughing. Austin, Tyler, Colt and an older man sat at the kitchen table.

“Kiley!” Jesse exclaimed. “Look what Cain brought me!”

Kiley looked over at the puppy Jesse held up. It was cute. A small fur ball with huge paws and big floppy ears.

“She’s a Lab. I’m gonna call her Daisy,” Jesse told her.

Kiley knelt in front of the girl and her new puppy. Daisy wiggled around until Jesse released her. The puppy waddled over to Kiley and jumped up and down, trying to get onto her lap. Kiley picked the little thing up, surprised by her weight.

“Wow, what a big girl,” she said playfully.

Cain laughed. “That’s only the beginning. She should get to be about seventy pounds.”

Kiley’s mouth dropped open. “Seventy?”

The man nodded with a wide grin on his face. “Yeah.”

“Oh, my!” But the puppy was adorable and she saw why Jesse already loved her. Kiley cuddled it up to her face. “Hello, Daisy.”

“She’s my very own dog!” Jesse commented.

Kiley looked over at the table to see Tyler’s reaction to that bit of news. The Alpha’s attention was taken up by the stranger at the table, but Austin caught her eye and winked. She looked quickly away, embarrassed. She’d gone looking for him this morning when she really should have been thinking about how she’d handle the connection between them. Kiley was still thinking about what Tyler had said. But in reality, she didn’t even know if Austin would want her to go home with him. She couldn’t think about it, though, in a room full of people. Instead, she turned her attention once more to Jesse and the pup.

“This is a very good dog. It’s going to take lots of hard work to take care of her, but I know you can do it,” Kiley told her.

The little girl beamed.

Kiley was thrilled to see her happy. Peeking up from under her lashes, she looked at the other man on the floor. She smelled the man’s mate on him and relaxed a little. He wouldn’t be interested in her if he’d claimed someone as his own.

“I’m Tony’s brother, Cain,” he told her with a dip of his head when he saw her glancing in his direction.

“Kiley,” she responded. She was glad he didn’t try to take her hand or touch her.

“I know. Austin hasn’t been able to take his eyes off you since you walked in. My father asked him three times if he was okay,” Cain said laughing.

Kiley blushed. She felt Austin’s gaze on her. That didn’t exactly tell her how Cain had heard about her. “Uh.”

“I spoke to Tony last night and he said Austin was falling all over himself because of a beautiful woman,” Cain said.

She glanced at Austin, who had a faint flush on his cheeks. Hot shit, was he embarrassed?

“Shut up, Cain,” Austin mumbled.

Cain wasn’t the only one in the room who laughed.

She placed the puppy in Jesse’s arms and stood.

The older man looked up and smiled. “You must be Kiley. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Kiley blinked at him for several seconds. This man was the most powerful shifter who she’d ever been in front of, even more dominant than Austin and Tyler. She actually felt she should be bowing to him or something.

“Thank you, sir,” she replied respectfully.

“I’m Lamont, Tony’s father. The overgrown child on the floor also belongs to me.”

She liked this man already. Kiley wasn’t afraid of him, which shocked her. Since he had such a presence, she should have been cowering in the corner. “I, uh…I’m sorry Tony was hurt. I hope he gets better soon.” She didn’t know what else to say.

Lamont smiled and his face transformed, making him look twenty years younger. “He is already feeling much better. We’ll be taking him home tomorrow, where he can recuperate fully.”

Kiley was relieved to hear Tony’s recovery was going well. He seemed like a really good guy, even if she hadn’t had the time to know him better.

Tyler asked Lamont something, but Kiley was distracted by Austin teasing his fingers over her side. She peered down at him and had to stop herself from touching him in turn. He was so fucking handsome.

“You okay?” he whispered.

“Yeah.” She glanced over at Lamont and still there was no fear. “I think so.”

“Good.” He tugged her until she leaned against him.

Kiley allowed herself to rest against Austin, but the second she touched him, heat seemed to bloom between them. He smiled widely before tipping back his head. She knew what he wanted, but if she bent down and kissed him, then everyone in the room would see. She wouldn’t be able to hide her feelings for him from the others.

She glanced around the room to see who was paying attention, but he caught her chin in his hand.

“No,” he murmured. “Just look at me.”

“Okay,” she said quietly.

“It doesn’t have to mean more than the fact we find each other attractive,” he said.

“But it does mean more than that.” It was scary to admit, but Kiley had to take a chance. The people in the room were all from different Packs. Each person had a dominant side, but they were also working together. Lamont was the most powerful shifter in the room, but it was Tyler who was laying out a plan of attack. She had to let go of the pain of the past or she wasn’t going to have a future. Tyler was right. She might not be ready to pack up all her shit and follow Austin, but she wasn’t a coward. It was time to stop acting like one.

Austin stood, brushing her back. “If you’ll excuse us for a few minutes.”

No one said anything as Austin practically dragged her from the room. He pulled her behind him and up to his room.

Once inside, he slammed the door closed and pushed her against it. “Did you mean it?”

His eyes were burning with so much desire it practically made her body burn. She wanted to touch him, so she placed her palms against the soft cotton covering his chest.

“I know there is more going on this simple attraction,” she admitted. “If not, I wouldn’t have been thinking about you after our first time together.”

“You’ve been so hesitant,” he said.

“I know. I still am. But I can admit strong feelings have developed.”

“That’s all I needed to hear.”

He kissed her and Kiley wrapped her arms around his neck to hold him close. She was grateful he didn’t push her for more. Kiley didn’t know how much more she could give. She needed this to be enough for him.

“Need to taste you,” he said huskily. “All of you.”

Austin flattened his body against Kiley’s, nibbling his way down her neck. He was hard under his jeans and he rubbed against her softer body, adding just the right amount of friction. It felt wonderful. She trembled under him when he ran his hands up her hips and under her shirt.

She arched her back, pressing closer for him to cup her breasts. “Want you,” she said.

“Yes.” He yanked her shirt over her head and quickly unhooked her bra, letting the garment fall to the floor as he took one pert nipple into his mouth. He teased the tip with his tongue before sealing his lips over the little nub and sucking.

She bucked against him. “Austin!” she cried his name, clawing at him.

He didn’t answer, only continued to taste her. He ran his tongue down her stomach, then dropping to his knees and pulling at the cotton pants she wore. They slid down her legs, catching and taking her panties along with them.

When she was completely nude in front of him, he pushed her hips against the door and held her there while he lowered his mouth and swiped at her inner flesh with his tongue.

“Austin!” she called out again.

“Mine,” he stated hungrily and continued. He played with her, running his tongue up and down her folds and sucking on her clit until she lifted her hips, trying to get more. She spread her legs wider and he helped by placing one leg over his shoulder.

He took his time, drawing small, animalistic sounds from her. He added a finger alongside his tongue, opening her cunt and lavishing her sex.

“Please…more…more,” she panted.

He added a second digit, thrusting his fingers in faster, then covered her clit, nibbling softly.

She screamed when her orgasm ripped through her body. He held her head in place as she ground herself against his mouth. Kiley fell against the wall and Austin pulled her down, urging her to lie on her back. With the fingers of one hand still buried inside her pussy, he unsnapped the button of his jeans, releasing his already leaking, straining erection.

He’d only gotten his jeans over his hips and to his knees before he replaced his fingers with his cock. He plunged inside, holding her legs open wide to the invasion.

He rode her hard and Kiley loved it.

“Yes! Yes!” she urged.

He slammed inside her over and over, each thrust a little faster and harder. There was no rhythm, simply an intense mating between the two of them. Kiley dug her nails into his shoulders and lifted her hips to accept each stroke, chanting his name.

Kiley threw back her head and yelled, coming once again, tightening around him and wanting to pull him over the edge with her.

He snapped his hips forward, his neck straining, the veins sticking out. “Perfect, so perfect.”

Austin was the perfect one. The way he showed her kindness and comfort, never pushing her, and being so wonderful to all those around him. Anyone would be lucky to have him, but it was her who he was buried inside. Kiley ran her hands up his sweaty back and scratched down the middle.

Austin hissed then slammed his mouth down on hers, his cock still spearing her. She was almost out of breath when he released her lips and shouted before his cum filled her.

Kiley caressed every piece of available skin. The muscles in his shoulders flexed as he pulled out and collapsed on the floor beside her.

“Thank God this is thick carpet. I’m too damn old to be doing this on the floor,” he mumbled.

“No, you’re not.” She giggled while rolling to curve into him. He’d just proved his ability to rock her world in the best way.

Austin chuckled and the lighthearted sound made her grin wider. She couldn’t ever remember having so much fun in her life. A series of one-night stands then a friends-with-benefits arrangement with Gray had been all she’d ever experienced after she’d been set free.

She’d suspected for a while that Gray wanted more from her, but Kiley hadn’t felt that deep longing for him she’d thought only existed in movies. Now she knew differently. But instead of getting to lose herself and enjoy, she knew she needed to get up and do her job.

“I have to go downstairs,” she said. “We never made cookies yesterday and I need to spend some time with Jesse.”

“I know.” He ran his hand down her arm. “I don’t want to let you go.”

Kiley laughed. “Don’t you have meetings to attend to or something?”

“I do.” Austin climbed to his feet before reaching and lifting her up, too. “We have to finish up with Tony because he’s leaving today to heal at home.”

She bent and scooped up her clothes while Austin readjusted his jeans. “He really is going to be okay, right?”

“Yes,” Austin assured her. “We also need to decide what to do about the attacks.”

“I can’t believe this is all happening.” She busied herself with dressing and did not look at him. “I can understand why the Council wants to go public, but it scares me.”

Austin grasped her arm to pull her around to face him. “It should scare you—it terrifies me, but the pros do outweigh the cons. However, I don’t think it’s the right decision for everyone. Some need the shadows. The comfort of Pack without being in the spotlight. I’m glad the Packs have the choice whether or not they want to go public.”

She wanted to know but wasn’t sure how to ask what Austin would do.

“Tyler will be going public. He lost several members of his old Pack to hunters and that was one of the reasons he left the area. They’re safe here, but he still lives with the regret and pain of not being able to keep them safe. He needs to do this.”

Kiley nodded.

“But my Pack is different. We won’t be coming out. It’s not what we need.”

She sucked in a sharp breath.

“I’ve spoken to my advisors, inner circle and every single member of the Pack. It’s not what is right for us. Plus, I will be opening my home to those who leave their Packs because they don’t want to be in the open. There will be some shuffling of Pack members, but it will all work out.”

Kiley actually felt better than she had since hearing about the Council’s plan.

“We can talk more about this later, if you want,” Austin said.

“I think I’d like that,” she replied.

“Good.” He kissed her gently. “Let’s get our days started so we can come back here tonight.”

* * * *

Jesse threw the tennis ball, laughing to see the puppy, Daisy, scrambling after it. Kiley watched from her seat on the grass only a few feet away. Jesse threw the ball a dozen or so more times. Finally, she grew tired and ran over to fall into Kiley’s lap. Laughing, Kiley caught her. Daisy barreled in after the little girl.

She couldn’t resist tightening her arms around Jesse. The pup meant so much to her and Kiley had a feeling she wouldn’t have many more days like this. The uncomplicated life she’d been living was changing.

“I love my puppy!” Jesse exclaimed.

“She is a very good puppy,” Kiley agreed. “And I know you’ll take really good care of her.”

“I will!” Jesse promised.

Daisy nipped at the bottom of Jesse’s pants, let go, then did it again, barking the entire time. Jesse giggled and tried to catch her, but each time the dog backed away and barked again.

“Silly Daisy,” Jesse told her new pup.

She said it so seriously Kiley couldn’t contain her grin. Jesse was such a sweet girl. The love she had for her tiny pet was obvious. She would probably follow in her dad’s footsteps someday. Jesse would make a great leader.

“Do you think Daisy can swim?” Jesse asked a minute later when Daisy had finally settled down on the grass next to them.

“Well, some dogs like water. I think I heard Labs especially do,” Kiley told her. “Do you want to go in and put your swimsuit on? We could find out.”

“Really?” Jesse jumped up. “That would be so cool.”

Jesse hopped around on the spot, causing Daisy to bark and bounce around, too.

Kiley shook her head in amusement. “Okay, swimming it is.”

They headed toward the house, but several feet away, Daisy growled, stopping in place.

“Daisy?” Jesse asked and took a step toward the pup.

Kiley caught her hand. “Hold on, honey.” There had to be a reason the dog had started acting up. “I’ll get her.” When she stooped to pick up the puppy, Daisy took off too quickly for Kiley to reach for her.

“Daisy! Daisy!” Jesse called after her in a panic.

“It’s okay, sweetheart, she won’t go far.” Kiley tried to calm the screaming girl. Jesse threw herself around, trying to break loose from Kiley’s hold.

“But she doesn’t know her way home. What if she goes too far and gets lost?” Jesse asked, tears in her eyes.

Well, damn, she couldn’t let Daisy go astray. Kiley waved at one of the guards on the back porch. He walked over but kept his eyes focused and scanning the area. Todd was one of the younger guards and she knew he was related to Tyler in some way. It might have been by marriage—Kiley wasn’t one hundred percent sure. But she did know he wouldn’t let anything happen to Jesse. She still heard Daisy barking and she needed to catch the dog before she got too far.

When Todd reached them, she smiled. “Would you take Jesse up to her room? Daisy got away from us and I need to go after her.”

“Of course I can take Jesse, but what about you?” he asked in concern.

“I want to go with you,” Jesse said loudly.

“I will be right back, Jesse. I’m sure your daddy wouldn’t want you hiking through the woods right now. But you can see pretty far from your bedroom window. So why don’t you watch for me from there? That way you can keep an eye out and see when I bring Daisy to you again,” she suggested.

Jesse thought about it for several moments. “Fine.” She shrugged, finally agreeing.

Kiley bent down and kissed her cheek. “Thank you. You be good now.”

She was about to turn and head off when Todd spoke again, “Ms. Kiley, I really don’t think Alpha Tyler or Alpha Austin would like you going by yourself, either.”

Kiley looked up at him “I’m a big girl and this is what I’m here for. I won’t be wandering around putting myself in danger. I’m only going to get the dog.”

He didn’t look convinced, but Kiley smiled at him, then swung around and set off in the direction Daisy had run. It wasn’t difficult to follow the scent trail. The dog hadn’t been in this part of the territory before, so her scent was easy to pick up without having to distinguish old from new. She could also still hear Daisy, which was good because there’d be no way she’d be returning to the house without the dog. Kiley glanced over her shoulder and saw Jesse at her bedroom window, waving. She waved back then returned to her mission.

She kept going north, and after a while Daisy’s bark got closer. She wasn’t too far from the house when she cut off the path and found the puppy. Daisy danced around and Kiley growled at the little thing. “Stupid dog,” she mumbled, scooping the pet up.

That was when she saw them. Several sets of footprints next to four paw prints. Kiley bent down to get a better look, making sure she had a good hold of the small creature. The footprints were pretty fresh. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the area surrounding her. It didn’t seem likely that Tyler would have any guards out this far merely to watch the house. No, this was someone who wasn’t supposed to be there. The imprints were deep, which made her think whoever had made them had watched the house for a long time, too. She shivered at the unease traveling down her spine.

Standing and turning in a slow circle, Kiley held Daisy more tightly against her chest. She felt no danger around her, but even so a small part of her had begun to panic. While she could still see the house, there was no way she would be detected in the thick brush. There was the lingering scent of a shifter—not one she knew. And she had no idea when the stranger would return.

Kiley jumped when a rustle of leaves came from behind her. She darted a look around. She still didn’t see or sense anyone, but she had had enough.

Without looking over her shoulder, she took off toward the house. She cradled Daisy as best she could so the little dog wouldn’t be jostled around too much. The poor thing was whimpering.

She slipped, scraping her leg on a rock, but it didn’t slow her down. The panic remained, but it was also accompanied by an urgency to get to safety. The end of the path was coming up. She jumped over a fallen tree branch and stumbled a little when she landed poorly. It didn’t even hurt, with the adrenaline pumping through her body. Now Kiley just needed to reach the back door.

Austin watched Tyler accept a handshake from Lamont then Cain. Tyler had told Austin already that he would announce the Pack’s presence so there was no surprise for Austin. Tyler and Austin had spoken long and honestly about what they were going to do. They’d supported each other even though they were taking different paths. Tyler’s was the sixth Pack to agree. Things were moving along quickly and it wouldn’t be long until the Council actually went through with the action of bringing the shifters into the world for real.

Lamont turned to him and held his hand out. “Thank you, Austin. I appreciate everything you’re doing.”

Austin felt a little guilty at not being able to give Lamont the answer the older Alpha probably wanted. “I’m sorry, Alpha, but…”

Lamont squeezed his hand. “There is no need to apologize. I respect your decision. This move isn’t for everyone. We understand that. And your willingness to take members of Packs who don’t want to be public is wonderful. I hope we find more Alphas like you.”

Austin relaxed, just a little. “Thank you, Alpha.”

Lamont dipped his head. “You are an extremely good Alpha. I have no doubt your Pack will flourish in the next few years.”

Lamont released his hand and Austin couldn’t hide his grin. “I believe so.”

Cain, who was never one for formality, didn’t shake his hand. They’d been friends for too long, both once Betas of their Packs, until Austin had taken over his and become Alpha. Cain wrapped his big arms around Austin’s waist and lifted him off his feet in a strong bear hug.

“I like your girl,” Cain said quietly. “Make sure you take care of her.”

“She’s not my girl,” Austin said. “Yet.”

“She will be,” Cain told him.

Austin pounded on the other man’s back until he was released. He knew Cain had found true happiness with his mate, Emily. Austin hoped the same would be said about him soon. “I look forward to being as happy as you,” Austin told his friend.

Cain smirked and opened his mouth to respond, when Austin picked up panic and desperation. The feelings were so strong Austin struggled to catch his breath. The way the others in the room stiffened told Austin he wasn’t the only one who’d noticed the strong emotions.

“Kiley.” Austin whispered her name.

Without a thought for anyone else, Austin raced from the room. He caught Lamont saying something about a mate, but he was already in the hallway. He sped to the back door, his wolf telling him Kiley was that way. Austin scanned with all his senses for any sign of danger, but he couldn’t find any. Yet he sensed Kiley’s fear as strongly as though his heart beat in time with hers. He passed a couple of guards but didn’t slow down. He heard the others behind him and that made him feel a little calmer, but until he saw Kiley, nothing would be okay.

Austin yanked the sliding glass door to the side so hard it shook. Kiley sprinted across the yard with Jesse’s new puppy in her arms. He leapt off the deck and hit the grass moving. He ran at full speed, until she jumped into the air and he had to stop to catch her. He wrapped his arms around her, cushioning her fall to the ground. He hit the floor, but he cradled her and the dog she carried. His breath whooshed out of him as she panted, “Someone is watching the house.”

He didn’t hesitate but rolled her over onto her back and covered her body with his. The puppy she held wiggled around, but there was no way he’d let her up until he knew she was safe. Austin lifted his head and Gray, Colt and Cain all took off in the direction Kiley had come from. The air around them swirled and he knew they had shifted.

It didn’t take long for the howl from Colt, telling him it was safe for now.

When Austin was sure there was no immediate danger to Kiley, he finally took the time to look her over. Her cheeks were flushed from her run, but she was starting to calm down. However, she hadn’t released her hold on the dog, or him. He glimpsed a shadow and looked up to see Tyler watching him. Tyler held out a hand to help him up, but Austin shook his head. He couldn’t let go of Kiley yet. He rolled off Kiley but remained holding her as he got to his feet. He pulled Kiley up with him and held her elbow to check for injuries.

“You okay?” Tyler asked her.

She nodded but allowed Austin to keep the embrace. He was grateful—he needed to see for himself she was unharmed.

“I’m sorry,” she said, blushing, her voice cracking a little. “When I realized someone was watching the house…how close they were to Jesse, I panicked a little.”

“It’s okay, baby,” Austin tried to soothe. It was so apparent she cared deeply for the little girl.

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, Kiley,” Tyler added. “My daughter is the most precious thing in the world to me. I would have done the same.”

“I doubt that,” Kiley mumbled.

Austin ignored her comment. He would talk to her later about being so hard on herself. Right now, though, she needed to be taken care of. “You’re bleeding,” he told her lightly. He didn’t want to make a big deal about it, but the wolf smelled her blood and he was furious. “Let’s get you inside and cleaned up.”

She limped to the house.

“What the hell is wrong with your foot?” he demanded.

Kiley froze. When she glanced at him, she was frowning. “I must have twisted my ankle. It’s no big deal.”

Austin almost exploded. He growled low, managing to keep most of his anger in. Tyler stepped over and took Daisy out of Kiley’s arms. It was a good thing, too, because a second later Austin had Kiley scooped up and was stalking his way across the yard. He made sure his hold was firm but wouldn’t hurt. He would get her all patched up, then they were going to talk. The back door was still open, so he didn’t pause in entering the house. He didn’t realize he was still growling until Kiley put her hand over his heart.

“Your eyes are glowing,” she said, quietly.

He wasn’t surprised. His wolf was closer now than usual. He hadn’t been this upset in a very long time. He didn’t respond, instead carefully taking each step up the stairs. His room was the farthest down the hall. He carried her, stopping long enough to open the door then slam it behind them. Austin set her gently on the bed and turned to pace away from her. On his third pass, she tried to speak.

“Austin—”

He held up a hand, stopping her. He needed a few minutes. Luckily, she seemed to understand, since she remained silent. When he thought he had regained control, he stood in front of her, looking down.

She met his gaze for only a moment before looking away.

“Look at me,” he ground out between clenched teeth. When she did, he nodded his approval. “I will never hurt you. Or allow anyone else to. But I am an Alpha and smelling your blood is hard to handle.”

“It’s not something I’m used to. You know, someone caring if I get hurt.”

“Well, get used to it,” he responded. “Since you seem incapable of staying out of trouble.”

Kiley opened her mouth, snapped it closed, opened it again. No words came out. Austin almost laughed, it was so comical. He liked being able to surprise her.

Austin was going to really throw her with his next words. “From now on, I’m in charge of your body, since you seem to think it’s okay to abuse it.”

“My body?” she repeated slowly.

Austin nodded. “Yes, now take off your pants.”

“Take off my pants?” she echoed with a grin. “Well, why didn’t you ask sooner?”

Austin chuckled as she scrambled to her knees. She put her fingers on her jean button but paused.

“Now, are you sure you want just my pants off?” she teased.

Austin liked this part of their connection. When they were alone, Kiley seemed so much more relaxed and she flirted with him. The remaining anger drained from him. If she was in a playful mood, he would take advantage of it. In fact, he had a pretty good idea.

“You’re right. You might have other injuries. Go ahead and undress completely,” he agreed.

Kiley held in a laugh, but she was obviously struggling with it. Her bright eyes were shining and he hoped he’d be able to take away her fear from earlier. If he could give her a little bit of peace, to let her know that others, cared about her, then he would be happy.

His hard cock strained against the zipper of his jeans, but he ignored his own need. This was about her. She did what he’d asked until she lay in front of him bare. Austin scratched his chin, faking deep thought.

“Turn around so I can check for more injuries.”

Kiley sighed but did as he requested, making out she’d only given in for his benefit. She jumped when he ran his hands over her lower back and down. Then she trembled.

“Okay, come on,” he said and helped her turn to face him again.

She took the hand he offered. Austin helped her from the bed, quickly leading her into the attached bathroom. He lifted her and set her on the vanity. He walked over to the large standing shower and turned on the water.

“Uh, Austin,” she called to him.

Austin didn’t respond, instead testing the temperature then returning to her. “Now, let’s see,” he said and took her ankle gently in his hands.

“It’s already better,” she told him.

He believed her, since shifters healed very quickly. “My body, remember?” he told her with mock sternness. “I’ll tell you when it’s better.”

Kiley rolled her eyes but did let Austin run his hands over her ankle before he picked up a washcloth and got it wet. He cleaned her foot, her knee, all the scrapes she’d picked up. He enjoyed caring for her.

“There now, all better,” he said, placing a kiss on her once-hurt ankle. “I never want to see blood on your precious skin again.”

She nodded.

Austin released her foot then drew her close to his chest. They kissed, slowly and deeply.

“Now let me wash this body of mine,” he murmured, pulling her off the counter toward the hot water.

He pushed her gently in and began taking off his clothes. Austin stepped inside to join her and she reached out, grabbing his shoulders. Kiley kissed him this time and he responded hungrily, devouring her mouth, his mind clouding.

“I need to feel you. I need you inside me,” she begged.

“Yes, love…yes.”

Austin lifted her and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He placed her back against the cool tile of the shower before he lined his cock up at her entrance.

Kiley sighed as he filled her, causing the feeling of completion and contentment to rush through him. Austin moved slowly, stretching her until he was buried deep. He growled and pulled out slightly to thrust again. He fucked her hard against the shower wall, making Kiley grip the tiles for support. Her nails pierced his flesh and the sting felt right. As though she was marking him.

The sound of flesh slapping flesh and their moans filled the room. Kiley met each one of his strokes. She was strong and powerful on her own, but when they came together, it felt as if they were burning from the inside out. She clamped down on his cock almost painfully. He grunted and she threw back her head and howled, reaching completion.

“We’re not done,” Austin told her through gritted teeth and plunged in and out again, each time faster and harder.

“That’s it,” she encouraged. “Take me…do what you want with me. Make me yours…”

That was the best thing Austin had ever heard. But when she tilted her head to the side to show her submission to him, he was in Heaven. At that moment, they were in perfect sync.

“Fuck!” he cried out, slamming into her hard before coming. His vision darkened and he had to slap his hand against the hard tile to hold himself and Kiley up.

“That was incredible,” she panted, hot against his neck.

“Damn,” Austin mumbled. “My legs are numb.”

“My entire body is tingling,” she said.

Austin peered down at her and they both laughed. He grasped her hip tightly then carefully withdrew from her. After he’d pulled from her body, Austin made sure Kiley was steady on her feet before he grabbed the bar of soap.

“Let’s get cleaned up and downstairs,” Austin said. “One of these days, I’m going to cuddle with you after we make love.”

“Yeah,” Kiley said. “I sure the hell hope so.”