Hearths of Fire (37 page)
Lifting up on her knees, she threw back her head in pleasure as his tip came back
to her entrance. Sinking slowly back down, she was amazed by how fast her body had
recovered and wanted another release. It wasn’t long before she quickened the pace
and when he started to pinch her nipples, she finally looked down to see his green
eyes darken in the beginning of his own release—which she knew he wouldn’t allow himself
to have without her.
“Come for me.”
As he said the words, Charlotte would have said she needed just a few more moments.
But he released her left breast and brought his hand down to where they were connected.
Using his thumb, he did that circular motion on her that she loved so much and instantly
set off her orgasm, sending her spiraling out of control.
“Neal!” Charlotte’s release exploded and it wasn’t long afterward that she felt the
base of his shaft widening. She called his name once more when he released his seed
into her, the warmth indicating he’d finally let go. It only fueled her orgasm more
and by the time they were both down from the high he’d put them on, she found herself
snuggled in his arms. She knew he would eventually move and get up to grab a cloth
to clean her, but she wanted to savor what he’d given her. “We aren’t naming her Florence.”
Neal’s chest vibrated from his laugh and he tightened his arms around her. She placed
her lips against his neck, hoping that she could make him laugh well into his nineties.
It was a doable goal. She could picture their house on the beach, them sitting on
white wooden rocking chairs as they watched their children and grandchildren build
sandcastles and play in the surf. Now that would be a home filled with love.
‡
T
he doorbell rang
again and again, followed by the sound of laughter from numerous little ghosts and
goblins. Charlotte smiled as she grabbed the candy dish and waited for Neal to open
the door. This was their last night in Hearth and although they could have left for
San Diego by now, he thought it was important for Charlotte and Mandy to experience
one last hometown Halloween and realize it for the fun-loving holiday it was intended
to be and not the sinister night of a ritual that had been planned to end Mandy’s
life.
“Trick or treat!” The words were shouted in unison by boys and girls who arrived at
the door in abundant small groups, their ages ranging from three to ten years old.
Some were dressed as cowboys, princesses, and zombies while the youngest of several
groups had taken their masks off, making it hard to tell what they were supposed to
be. Their only focus seemed to be the candy in the bowl that Charlotte was holding.
“Tweet!”
Charlotte laughed and leaned down to the little boy who was first in line on this
little group. His chubby hand reached in for a chocolate bar and came out with three.
The smart little bugger ran off laughing, leaving the others behind as he made a beeline
for the next house. Neal spotted Mandy walking up the road with Becky and some other
friends who were hosting a going away party.
“She looks happy,” Charlotte said, stepping out onto the porch as they waited for
Mandy to walk down the sidewalk. “I was worried she would change her mind and want
to stay.”
“I think she’s ready for a new chapter in her life as well,” Neal replied, wrapping
his arm around her to ward off the cold. “She mentioned a really good nursing school
that she was going to apply to in San Diego. A change in scenery will do her some
good.”
“She mentioned that when she returned to the high school to clear out her locker a
few of the other seniors treated her differently.” Charlotte gripped the bowl a little
tighter and Neal could relate to the anger she must be feeling. He was just as protective
of Mandy and if he’d been there with her, those dickheads wouldn’t have looked at
her twice. “You’re right. This move will be good for her.”
“Is Pam stopping over tonight?” Neal asked, knowing that would get Charlotte’s mind
off of the troubles that they would leave behind first thing in the morning. “I’m
glad she agreed to take over as manager of the shop.”
“It just didn’t feel right to give it up outright.” Charlotte had taken Neal’s advice
and kept the majority stake in the bookstore. It should remain in their family should
they ever decide to retire here. He still rented out his property and they would do
the same with Charlotte’s, keeping ties in their hometown. “And yes, she’s stopping
by to say goodbye.”
“Okay, lovebirds.” Mandy had made it to the steps of the porch and was looking up
at them, a friend on either side. Becky pulling up the rear with a handful of makeup
and what looked like wigs. Neal didn’t even want to know what they were dressing up
for to wear to this party. “We came to get ready here because Becky’s younger brother
wouldn’t leave us alone.”
“Those pesky brothers,” Charlotte tsked with her tongue, causing the other girls to
laugh. “Of course you can get ready here.”
“Just make sure you’re home by midnight, kiddo,” Neal said, raising an eyebrow so
that Mandy knew he was serious. He wasn’t sure how Charlotte handled the dating and
late night parties that must have occurred, but he didn’t want his ass sitting on
the porch worrying when Mandy was coming home. If this was a taste of what he’d feel
like with his own children he was in for a world of hurt. “I mean it.”
“Neal, you can trust me.” Mandy walked up the steps and then used her tiptoes so that
she could kiss him on the cheek. “Cinderella has to be home at the stroke of midnight
anyway.”
The other girls laughed and followed Mandy into the house, Becky right behind them.
She was smiling and seemed to be having fun, but Neal could sense that she was still
adapting after having been rescued. It wasn’t an easy adjustment and her parents had
assured him that they were getting Becky the counseling she needed.
“She won’t have any shoes to lose,” Neal warned, looking down at Charlotte who was
biting her lip to keep from smiling. This was the way their life should have been
and yet might not have been had they gone through with the wedding. Things happened
for a reason and fate had decided that now was the time for them to experience these
things together. Life was too precious to take for granted, as his job told him on
a daily basis. He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers, tasting the chocolate
she’d snuck from the bowl earlier. He could hear the happy voices coming down the
walkway and knew they were about to get another group of pirates. He finally pulled
away, whispering words that only she heard. “We’re finally home.”
The End
First and foremost, I love life. I love that I’m a wife, mother, daughter, sister…and
a writer.
I am one of the lucky women in this world who gets to do what makes them happy. As
long as I have a cup of coffee (maybe two or three) and my laptop, the stories evolve
themselves and I try to do them justice. I draw my inspiration from a retired Marine
Master Sergeant that swept me off of my feet and has drawn me into a world that fulfills
all of my deepest and darkest desires. Erotic romance, military men, intrigue, with
a little bit of kinky chili pepper (his recipe), fill my head and there is nothing
more satisfying than making the hero and heroine fulfill their destinies.
Thank you for having joined me on their journeys…
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Kennedy Layne
Captured Innocence
(CSA Case Files 1)
When former Marine, Connor Ortega, was ordered into the offices of Crest Security
Agency on a Saturday morning, he didn’t expect the latest case to hit so close to
home. A submissive has been murdered in a particularly vicious manner and to bring
her killer to justice, he must go undercover. Not hard to do considering he’s already
part of the BDSM lifestyle.
Lauren Bailey, a local vendor of bejeweled erotic implements, lives vicariously through
her clients due to her fear of bondage. When Connor’s dominant side can’t resist trying
to ease her anxieties, she accepts his proposal and agrees to his one stipulation…keep
things casual.
When the killer sets his sights on Lauren, Connor is forced to rethink their relationship.
He has the training it takes to catch a murderer, but does he have the courage to
escape his inner demons and capture Lauren’s heart?
Buy
Captured Innocence
at
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Sinful Resurrection
(CSA Case Files 2)
Sins of the past have been resurrected, predetermining their path to love. Can they
overcome the treacherous obstacles set before them?
Jax Christensen likes his life just the way it is. He has his work, his club, and
the occasional naked submissive to take his mind off everything else. He doesn’t talk
about the past, as there is no point in reminiscing about things that cannot be altered.
His chest has an empty hole where his heart used to be, but he’s grown accustomed
to the constant pain. It’s become the only thing that reminds Jax that he’s alive.
Emily Weiss has never forgotten the one and only man she’s ever loved. She’s hidden
for two long years in an attempt to protect Jax and herself, desperate to try and
stay one step ahead of those who want her dead. She has information that could destroy
the United Nations. Unfortunately, they want to eliminate her first. Emily’s exhausted
and wants more than anything to feel safe once more. That was how she felt in Jax’s
strong arms and she longs to be there again.
When Jax sees that Emily has risen from the grave, his heart and soul are full of
anger and regret. He’ll never forgive her lies and deception. He will, however, keep
her safe. He hates her for what she’s done, but he doesn’t want her death on his conscience.
He’ll protect her and then walk away.
Secrets are revealed and the danger is more sinister and deadly than anyone could
have guessed. Jax and Emily are forced on the run and the passion they once felt for
one another burns even hotter and brighter the second time around. Jax doesn’t know
how he’ll walk away this time or if he even wants to. Emily is determined to expose
a high-level official within the United Nations and walk away unscathed. She wants
a second chance with her first love—even if it kills her.
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Sinful Resurrection
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