Nash: A Rough Romance Read online

  “Yeah,” he said, studying me as if I was some kind of specimen. “You know, Mitch, while I heard the details of what you two went through and why, my guess is there’s more to tell. You just need to realize that he will have no hesitation protecting you. Or dying for you if necessary. I hope you’re ready to handle the responsibility that comes along with that knowledge.”

  What in the hell was I supposed to say to that? I realized I was trembling all over, the chill more significant than before. “I didn’t ask for his help.”

  He had the glass near his lips, a wry smile on his face. “I think you did the minute you found refuge in his woodshed. If you’re as smart as I think you are, you’re going to be honest with him no matter the cost. Reaper has been through one hell of an ordeal, but he has friends he can count on including me. He doesn’t deserve any more lies or bullshit. In fact, I won’t allow that kind of shit to happen to him. Do you understand my meaning?”

  While the words weren’t necessarily a threat, I could tell he would back them up with whatever actions were necessary.

  “I don’t plan on hurting Reaper. I just want my life back.”

  Scorpion nodded several times, his lavender eyes shimmering from the fire. “Life has a funny way of taking twists and turns. After all, they don’t call this God’s country if it wasn’t for a reason.” He allowed the words to linger as he stared at me. The man was sizing me up as well as continuing his warning.

  “You fought together?” I wasn’t entirely certain why I asked.

  “Yup. We did. Then the six of us were separated, sent to different units. Funny how we all ended up working out of the same base in Afghanistan, all six of us deciding to extend our service by becoming independent contractors. Still grueling work, often dangerous, but at least we were together.”

  “Six of you.”

  Scorpion offered another grin. “Yeah. Reaper can tell you the story if he wants to. Six wet behind the ears kids from Missoula, Montana who thought they could tackle the world.” His eyes clouded over. “Not sure we did that, but I feel like we made a difference. Maybe Reaper doesn’t think so.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  He rubbed his jaw, turning his attention toward the fire. He had the same look in his eyes that I’d seen more than once in Reaper. Whatever they’d all experienced had changed them.

  “Well, I should find those clothes for Reaper I mentioned. Make yourself at home. It’s not much, but trust me, there ain’t a single asshole who’ll be able to get you from in here. Reaper and I will make sure of it. I think Caroline left a few items in the guest bedroom closet. Feel free to check.”

  Safe.

  I knew better than to think anywhere would be safe, but for some crazy reason, I believed him just like I did Reaper.

  After he’d walked away, I took another sip of my drink before easing the glass onto the table. I had to admit, getting out of the damp clothes might make my body feel better at least. I walked in front of the fire, noticing a single picture on the mantel. The girl nestled in Scorpion’s arms was about my size, her lavish blonde hair and dazzling blue-green eyes highlighting such amazing happiness.

  I’d always wanted to find that kind of sheer joy in being in the arms of a man I loved. That had never been in my cards. I smirked as I walked by, trying not to be a jealous monster. The hallway was dark, adding to the remaining fear still furrowing in my system. I was jittery, goosebumps kicking up on my arms.

  I refused to look at the bathroom door as I passed, unable to process the stirring emotions and deep-seated desire that refused to let go of me. Maybe I was nothing but a silly girl who had no right to seek help. Or maybe all the fantasies I’d allowed myself to enjoy over the years played into me losing my freaking mind. Whatever the case, I couldn’t allow these decent strangers to put their life on the line for me.

  As if I had any other choice.

  The overhead light was almost welcoming, even though the garish bulb did little but add to the gray shadows in the corners of the room. Noticing the single lamp by the bed, I flipped it on, preferring the warm glow. As I sat down on the bed, I realized I’d never felt so small or inconsequential in my life. Only the district attorney had any idea where I was and if I had to guess, he wouldn’t attempt to make the several hundred mile trip until he believed I was no longer in danger.

  A nervous laugh threatened to bubble to the surface. I jerked off my boots, trying to remember the last time when I’d felt such despair.

  A groan left my mouth just as the light from the bathroom drew my attention. Reaper had left the door open a crack. Out of habit or was the open door an invitation? I had no place interrupting his privacy, but I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame, unable to stop my curiosity or my longing.

  I padded into the hallway, biting back a moan as I thought about what I was considering. When I pushed the door open with a single finger, I wasn’t certain what I’d find. The sight of the brawny man attempting to shave off his long beard wasn’t what I’d expected. I couldn’t stop the slight giggle before it left my mouth.

  Very slowly, he turned his head, giving me the kind of look that sent another round of shivers into my extremities. “No laughing.”

  I couldn’t believe that he was chopping away at his beard with what appeared to be a knife.

  “What are you doing?” I asked as I leaned against the doorway. The vision was almost normal, as if this was an everyday activity.

  “What does it look like?” He chopped at the mass of hair, grumbling like an old man.

  I dared to move closer, opening the medicine cabinet and finding a pair of scissors. I also noticed he’d placed his weapon on the back of the toilet. The gesture was enough to remind me that we weren’t on some kind of vacation. This wasn’t some romantic getaway. We were both in danger. I’d placed him in dire straits, forcing him to leave his belongings. Who the hell knew what Dante’s men would do at this point. Burn the cabin down? Anger and fear nearly crushed down on my chest. What would happen to Reaper? I’d never felt so responsible or guilty in my life.

  “Why don’t you let me give it a try?” I asked after breaking myself out of the haze of terror.

  Our reflection in the mirror caught me off guard. He was so damn rugged, the personification of a mountain man on steroids, but I wanted to believe he had a tender side buried somewhere beneath the gruff exterior.

  “You think you know what you’re doing?” he barked, although his eyes held a slight twinkle. He snaked his hand around mine, holding the stainless steel pair several inches away. For a few seconds, it was like he couldn’t trust me.

  “You might be surprised. I had a brother. Remember?” After nodding, he allowed me to take the scissors into my hand, still grumbling as I gently turned him to face me. “You’re sure you want to do this?”

  He studied me for a few seconds before answering, “You can’t hide forever or pretend you’re something you’re not.”

  His words were more cathartic than he knew. As I began to cut away the longest portions, I tried not to react to the fact he’d removed his shirt or that his barrel chest and perfectly carved abs made me want to lick his stomach.

  Concentrate. Just concentrate.

  I also didn’t realize I was humming at first. When I caught myself, I recognized how utterly inappropriate it was on so many levels. Sucking in my breath, I could tell I’d pursed my lips.

  “Don’t stop. That was beautiful,” he said in a tone of voice I hadn’t heard before.

  “I’m sorry. I guess I’m just nervous.”

  He cocked his head, forcing me to give him a hard glare.

  “Stop moving. This is a dangerous implement.”

  “I don’t think you have an aggressive bone in your body. Anyway, I like the sound of your voice.”

  A warm flush crept up from my neck, the heat continuing to rise until my cheeks burned. I started the song over, nervous as a kitty-cat. While the danger we continued to face was a viable reason, my
skittishness was all about the larger than life man standing in front of me.

  So close.

  Inches away.

  His scent was one I would never forget, the look in his eyes forever burning into my soul. He refused to stop studying me as I finished cutting. There was so much electricity surging between us that I had difficulty breathing. He was far too good-looking, although I was eager to see him without a beard.

  When I was finished, he rubbed his hand across his jaw before looking into the mirror. Then he opened the medicine cabinet, pulling out a razor and shaving cream.

  I suddenly felt awkward and backed away.

  “Stay,” he said in a commanding voice. “You’re going to do this.”

  “Me?”

  “You said you knew what you were doing.” He gave me a sideways glance in the mirror as he shook the can, spewing a handful of foam then lathering the heaping mound over his face.

  I was so wet, my panties soaked from the desire racing through me. After dragging my tongue across my parched lips, I approached once again, my hand trembling as I grabbed the razor. When he snapped his hand around mine, I let out a slight yelp.

  “Careful, little brat. You don’t want to cut me, now do you?”

  I pushed us both directly under the light shining down from over the chipped mirror, giving him a hateful glare before slowly easing the razor down the side of his face. The sound as the steel blade cut through his coarse beard hair was incredibly sensual, forcing my nipples to ache. I turned on the water, rinsing the remnants away then started again. While my hand continued to tremble, I did everything I could to keep from nicking his face. His gorgeous face.

  Rugged.

  Handsome.

  I was in some kind of la-la land, pretending this was a fantasy when it was nothing but a nightmare. I could no longer look him in the eyes or even dare catch a glimpse of his chiseled cheekbones. My actions became methodical, moving carefully from one side to the other. When I placed my finger under his chin, he issued a single growl.

  “Stop being a baby,” I hissed.

  “Hmmm… I haven’t forgotten the promise I made to you before the shit show began.”

  “Promise?” I asked as I gently pulled the razor down one side.

  “One hard spanking.”

  I shot him a look, my hand firmly pressed against the razor. “You might want to rethink that.”

  “Nope. I keep my promises, little brat.”

  Everything about the man was unnerving and within seconds, I’d nicked him near his jugular. “Shit.”

  He groaned as if the cut was deep, closing his eyes like a small child would do.

  “Don’t be a baby.”

  I wasn’t prepared for him to wrap his hand around my wrist, dragging me against the heat of his body. When he captured my mouth, immediately thrusting his tongue inside, I melted against him, feeling every hard muscle.

  Then I came to my senses, shoving my hand against his chest and breaking the embrace. “Not so fast, cowboy. I’m not finished yet.”

  “And I make the rules.” He snickered before letting me go, amusement dancing in his eyes. When he wiped a string of foaming lather from my face, he placed a dollop on my nose.

  I wasn’t used to his playful side, had no way of knowing what to do with it. Perhaps he sensed my confusion, seconds later grabbing a towel and wiping my nose. A slight tension shifted between us making it difficult to breathe.

  When I was finished and took a step away, I wasn’t prepared for the way he looked or how the simple yet provocative act made me feel. It had been more intimate than our incredible sexual encounter, forcing a heady round of embarrassment to rush in. I had to look away. I had no ability to handle the way I felt either physically or emotionally.

  He’d saved my life.

  He’d stripped me of a layer of inhibitions.

  He’d challenged me on several levels.

  “I’m sorry, I interfered.” After dropping the razor into the sink, I turned away, pressing the back of my hand over my mouth. I was entirely too uncomfortable. The second I backed away, he wrapped his massive hand around my wrist, dragging me forward. His eyes were nothing more than pools of lust, his upper lip curling in the sexiest way possible.

  “You’re not going anywhere, little brat. You now belong to me.”

  Chapter 8

  Mitch

  Dominating.

  Infuriating.

  Those were the two words to describe the rugged, gorgeous pain in the ass man who held me tightly. If only by instinct, I fought his control, struggling to get out of his hands. “You’re a brute.”

  Reaper shifted his hand behind my head, his fingers tangling in my disheveled hair. “I never said otherwise, sunshine. But I might be the only man who can save your life.”

  He held me as if his command meant everything to him before drawing my head inch by inch closer. I took several gasping breaths as I pushed my hands against him, every synapse tingling from his touch. When he brought my lips only centimeters away from his, I couldn’t believe how parched my throat seemed to be.

  “Why is this happening?” The question slipping past my cognitive abilities was ridiculous, but as I stared into his eyes, it seemed as if the entire world around us faded away. There was nothing but the hulking man standing in front of me as well as the desire escalating through every tiny portion of my body.

  “The reason doesn’t matter,” he growled. “But I am taking you every single way I want.” While I’d tasted him before, savoring the suppleness of his lips and the tangy taste that infiltrated my mouth and throat, I was instantly intoxicated by his intensity, a man who’d been driven into barbaric hungers. He refused to be denied, dragging me onto my toes as he thrust his tongue inside.

  I dug my fingers into his chest, shuddering from the touch alone. Every muscle was on fire, my body shaking violently. What the hell made this man so desirable, shunting my ability to deny his domineering actions? Nothing made any sense. It was as if my life had been shoved into some kind of bubble, pushing every boundary I’d thought I had a firm hand on.

  While my mind refused to fall into his control, a place that I doubted I could return from, my body screamed otherwise. I was unable to resist him on any level. The kiss was a powerful reminder, my heart fluttering even more than the butterflies erupting in my stomach. I found myself clinging to him in an entirely different way, savoring his brawn and carved muscles. I’d never experienced such an explosive kiss, the passion roaring through us.

  Within seconds, I was dragged into a surreal reality, my body sagging against him.

  When he broke the kiss, he nipped my bottom lip, his eyes flitting toward the open door. “Shut it. I don’t want to be disturbed. What I’m going to do to you shouldn’t be on display. Yet.”

  His demanding words thrilled the hell out of me, which made absolutely no sense. I’d never been one to enjoy any kind of a pressured dance from a commanding man. Yet this man… I couldn’t put a label on his abilities to make me swoon.

  I did as I was told, slamming and even locking the door. As I inched closer, I allowed my gaze to fall very slowly to his boots, longing to see him entirely without clothes.

  “Undress,” he commanded as he leaned against the bathroom counter, the same sly and sexy smile on his face as I’d seen just before he’d flipped me over, spanking me in the snow.

  I should ignore him, walking away as if he didn’t matter. But I couldn’t.

  In fact, only a slim part of me wanted to.

  I inched closer, dragging my tongue across my lips before yanking my shirt over my head, shuddering as a wave of cold air hit my skin. Swallowing, I couldn’t eradicate the lump in my throat or the tremor in my heart, the rapid beating becoming a huge hammer. I shifted my hands toward my jeans, fumbling to try to unfasten them.

  Reaper didn’t move an inch, except for his eyes. They seemed to glow in the harsh lighting as they danced across my breasts, slowly sliding toward my hands. The way
his chest heaved was telling.

  My nipples were hard, aching from the air in the room, my pussy leaking into my panties. Just like they had before.

  I bit my lower lip to keep from moaning as I wrangled with my jeans, shoving them past my hips awkwardly.

  “I’m waiting,” he said in a husky voice, driving another wave of desire dancing down the length of my legs.

  “Didn’t you ever hear that good things come to those who wait?” The words seemed to slip past my lips. I laughed nervously, barely able to dart a glance in his direction. Finally, I closed my eyes as I shifted my jeans down past my calves, fighting to get the dense material away from me. After tossing the unwanted hindrance away, I folded my arms over my breasts.

  As if he hadn’t already seen all of me.

  “Don’t ever cover yourself. You’re far too beautiful,” he whispered, the tone enough to create another pool between my legs.

  Very slowly I eased my hands to my sides, taking gasping breaths.

  He took a step closer, laughing softly. The sound was dark and dangerous, only adding to the excitement building in every part of me. When he turned toward the shower, yanking the cheap curtain away and turning on the water, I drifted toward the bathroom closet door, leaning against it and watching him intently.

  Then he shifted back in my direction, his eyes firmly locked on mine as he unfastened his belt, oh-so slowly tugging the thick strap out of his belt loops. He took his time fingering the leather, moving the tip of his index finger back and forth.

  A reminder of what was to come.

  A telling of what was on his mind.

  Desperate hunger.

  I had difficulty swallowing as he finished undressing, folding his jeans and placing them over the sink. I didn’t see the man as organized or caring about his wardrobe. He was far too savage in nature, his demeanor caustic and refusing to accept anything but what he commanded. My mind was in a blur as he shifted both hands down his chest, rubbing vigorously until he reached his cock.

  My mouth watered all over again as he wrapped his hand around his shaft, stroking in such vigorous actions that I couldn’t imagine he wasn’t in pain.