Takeoff Read online

  Parks shook his head as he followed Hendrix to the door. “I’m gobsmacked. Gonna go home and Google these witch hunters. Who knew?”

  Raeann was mentally exhausted after the two officers left. It was draining imagining dealing with these Venatori fuckers yet again. Why couldn’t she have a normal existence like a regular person? The thought of moving yet again made her head hurt.

  She rubbed her temples, thinking back to all those times when she was a child and she’d wake up in the morning to find her mom packing boxes so they could move yet again. That drained feeling. Exhaustion. Eventually, Raeann had stopped unpacking. Why bother?

  Moving to the Dallas area and then into this condo, she’d hoped to be able to stay in one place for a while. She’s even tempted fate and unpacked every box. Bile rose in her throat at the thought of finding another apartment and going through the process. Probably in another city.

  She was furious too. Angry with the fucking witch hunters who made her life so miserable. And jealous of people who actually owned a home and lived in it for twenty years. Raeann would never own anything. That would be too risky. She’d be forced to rent for her entire life.

  By the time Raeann had poured a glass of wine and plopped down onto the couch, her phone was ringing. When she saw that it was Deacon, she answered it, but there was no way to make her voice sound upbeat. “Hey.”

  “That doesn’t sound good. What’s up?”

  “I came home to find one of those stars painted on my front door in red. Been dealing with the cops ever since.”

  “Shit. I’m sorry. I’m glad you called the cops. I’m just leaving work. Can I come by?”

  She knew she should tell him no. Tell him she was too tired. Tell him she wanted to be alone. Tell him anything. But she couldn’t bring herself to do that. She wanted his arms around her. “I’d like that.”

  “Be there in twenty.”

  She didn’t move except to sip the wine until he arrived, at which point she hauled herself off the couch to open the door.

  When he stepped inside, closed the door, and pulled her into his arms, she finally breathed. Why did this man have the power to calm her? It was like he sucked all the bad shit out of the air and stuffed it into a jar and sealed it off just by entering her condo.

  He finally tipped her head back. “You’re still in your uniform.”

  She glanced down. It hadn’t even occurred to her. “Yeah. Didn’t think about it. I should go change.” She was even wearing her pumps. Changing clothes hadn’t been a priority.

  “Come on.” Deacon took her by the hand and led her to the stairs. He angled her in front of him and followed closely behind her on the way up.

  Her brain tried to process the implications of him entering her bedroom, but at the moment she didn’t care about that either. As soon as they stepped inside, he began removing her clothes, starting with the buttons on her blouse. After sliding the silky material down her arms, he unzipped her skirt. She kicked off her pumps.

  She was panting by the time she was down to her panties and bra. She needed him in so many ways. Damn the consequences.

  He held her gaze for a while, his brow furrowed, his hands rubbing up and down her biceps. Suddenly, he closed the distance, claiming her lips with a powerful kiss that scrambled her brain.

  She was vaguely aware that he was backing her up until her thighs hit the edge of the mattress. He slid a hand up her back and eased her onto the bed. He never broke the kiss as he moved with her, coming over her, cocooning her with his body.

  He lodged one thigh between her legs and cupped a breast. His thumb and pointer moved over the lacy material until they found her nipple and pinched, making her moan into his mouth.

  The sound broke the silence and fueled him. With frantic movements, he reached under her, unclasped her bra, and yanked it free.

  She gasped when his lips left hers only to trail down to her breast and draw a nipple into his mouth. She arched into him, her hands going to his shoulders. “Jesus… Deacon…” A sense of desperation consumed her. All she knew was this intense need to be with him, to feel what only he could make her feel. To take away the stress and frustration and replace it with amazing sex.

  His hand slid to her hip and he managed to tug her panties down with his fingers. When he smoothed his palm up her thigh and cupped her pussy, she cried out. He drove her to the edge so easily and so quickly.

  He was still fully clothed. She grabbed at his shirt. He was dressed for the office. Navy button-down, black slacks. He wasn’t wearing a tie, but she suspected he had been earlier. “Please… Deacon, take your clothes off.”

  He released her nipple with a pop and shoved to standing.

  She gasped for breath as she rose onto her elbows and watched him strip. There was no fanfare. The man made quick work of disposing of his clothes. When he was almost done, she had the sense to roll to her side and grab a condom from her nightstand, grateful that she’d bought the damn things on Friday. She’d done so for her own protection. She never had sex without condoms, and she wouldn’t rely on anyone to provide them. So, she’d filled her drawer and purse before going to his home Saturday night.

  She sat up as he stalked toward her, ripping into the foil packet. As soon as he was close enough, she rolled the condom down his shaft. She considered sucking him first, but desperation to have him inside her won out.

  As she scooted back to make room for him on the bed, he came over her. He didn’t lower his body to blanket her though, instead, he remained on all-fours, staring down at her, not touching her.

  She shuddered at the intensity of his gaze as it roamed up and down her body. He finally lifted one hand to trail his fingers over her breast, grazing her nipple, making her flinch.

  “Deacon…” This sudden change of pace was maddening. She wanted to scream. She wanted to grab him and haul him down, but she doubted he would be affected by her efforts. He was far stronger than her and much larger.

  Her nipple stiffened, making her whimper as his hand trailed to the other breast. “You’re so gorgeous, baby. Especially when you’re aroused like this. Squirming. Needy. Almost begging.”

  Another sound escaped her lips. It was only a nonsense noise but it was filled with desperation.

  His fingers continued dancing over her skin, bringing goosebumps as they made their way over her belly until they reached her clit.

  She flinched when he tapped the sensitive bundle of nerves, arching into his touch, lifting her hips off the bed to get more.

  Deacon slid back so that he was on his knees between her legs, one hand on her hip, holding her down, one on her pussy, stroking.

  Her vision swam as he thrust a finger into her and thumbed her clit. She cried out when he added a second finger while he stroked her swollen nub. She reached the edge of driving need so fast that she couldn’t stop it. Her breath hitched as her legs started shaking. Then her orgasm consumed her, pulsing around and against his fingers.

  Before she was finished, his hand disappeared. He leaned over her and thrust into her so fast, he took her breath away.

  She reached for him, her hands sliding around to grip his ass as he pulled almost out and thrust back in deeper. The motion dragged out her orgasm and shot her into a second one. Every thrust of his cock felt like heaven, every nerve ending in her channel alive and tingling.

  Nothing had ever felt better, not even the first night they’d had sex. They knew each other’s bodies better this time. They’d established a comfort level. He played her so well that she wished this never had to end.

  He drove into her with rapid strokes, breathing heavily. She was finally able to watch his expression as her orgasm subsided, leaving her with the intense pleasure of just enjoying the deep contact. The intimacy of their connection.

  She ran her hands up and down his butt and back while his lips parted and his head tipped back. When he came, she enjoyed every moment of contortion in his expression, the sounds he made, the tightness across h
is forehead, the way his jaw clenched.

  She would never forget this moment. A snapshot in her mind’s eye. Perfection.

  When he stopped jerking from the pulses of his release, she encouraged him to drape over her with her hands on his back. He was heavy and panting against her neck. A warm Deacon blanket. So nice.

  “I’m crushing you,” he finally murmured.

  “No. Don’t move yet.” She gripped his shoulder blades. “Please.” She didn’t care that it was hard to breathe. She wanted to feel him like this, surrounding her inside and out.

  Maybe she was crazy for inviting these memories into her life. Maybe this would prove to be a horrible idea, but she refused to let regret seep in. She would use this time with him as fodder for her imagination years down the road when she was alone with her fingers and her vibrator.

  She had no idea where she might move in the coming weeks or months, but she doubted she would ever see him again, and she would always have these precious memories.

  Chapter 13

  “You’re crying,” Deacon whispered as he returned to Raeann’s bed and snuggled against her back. He’d left her only long enough to dispose of the condom and wash his hands. The sun had dipped below the horizon while they’d made love, so he’d left the bathroom light on. He hadn’t wanted to cut off his view of her.

  She shook her head. “I’m not.”

  He wiped a silent tear from her cheek with his thumb and kissed her temple. “Talk to me, baby.”

  “Nothing to say. That was so perfect. Thank you.”

  “Do you always cry when you’re happy?” he teased.

  She shrugged.

  He knew perfectly well what she was thinking because he was thinking the same thing. They fit so well together, and the more they proved that, the harder it was to accept reality. Their time together was limited.

  She spun around in his arms so that she was facing him—not eye to eye, but chest to chest. She flattened her cheek against his pecs and snuggled close.

  He ran his hand through her thick soft hair, loving the feel of it as it fell through his fingers. Over and over. Soothing both of them.

  “Thanks for coming over,” she murmured.

  “Any time, baby.” He nearly choked on those words. What on earth was he going to do when this was over? He’d never meet another woman like her again. And what did it matter? Even after he set up house and became a parent to his brother’s kids, he still wouldn’t seek out a woman anytime in the new future. It would be asking way too much of anyone and he was going to have his hands full.

  Hell, he wouldn’t have time to meet someone. The kids deserved his undivided attention for a while. Their lives were about to be upended yet again. They needed stability. Maybe someday down the road, when life was less chaotic, he could start dating again, but he would be a package deal.

  He tried to picture Raeann in his life, in his home, and knew he’d be asking way too much of her to even suggest such a thing. Most importantly, her work hours were unpredictable. She worked nights and weekends. She’d never be able to get enough sleep in a house with two extremely young kids.

  As far as Deacon was concerned, his niece and nephew were the sweetest kids on earth—but he was biased. They could still be noisy at any hour of the day or night. Kids screamed. Kids cried. They got cranky and had tantrums.

  Deacon swallowed back his emotions. His situation was not even close to being compatible with Raeann’s lifestyle.

  As he pressed his nose into her hair and inhaled her scent, her stomach growled.

  He smiled, shaking off his self-pity. “I should feed you.”

  “Not yet. I’m comfortable.” She burrowed deeper against him, as if that were possible.

  He stroked a hand up and down the smooth skin of her back. “How about I order a pizza and bring it up here? You can stay naked,” he teased.

  She lifted her face to meet his gaze, setting her chin on his chest. “Seems like I’m always naked and you’re clothed.”

  He chuckled. “I’m naked now. Plus, I’m okay with that. You’re incredibly sexy. I like to look at you.”

  “You’re pretty damn sexy too, you know.”

  He smiled at her and leaned forward to kiss her forehead. “Good, you can stare at my ass while I walk away to find my pants.”

  She giggled as he slid from the bed, but he glanced over his shoulder to find her staring at him, so he intentionally gave her a show, taking his time as he shrugged into his pants.

  He found his phone. “I’ll order the pizza and we can eat it in bed.”

  She flopped onto her back with a sigh, not bothering to cover herself. He loved that she wasn’t overly modest, and he couldn’t resist padding over to stare down at her.

  “Or…” He set his fingers on her thigh and trailed them up her body until she shivered. “I could just stand here and look at you.”

  She grabbed his hand and kissed his palm. “Nope. I’ll put something on and come downstairs. If I stay in bed, I’ll end up falling asleep too early and messing up my schedule.”

  “Shame,” he joked as she rose. “I like naked Raeann.”

  “Clothes can always be removed again.” She shot him a grin and headed for the bathroom.

  Deacon jogged down the stairs as he ordered the pizza. He found some sodas in her kitchen and was pouring them over ice when she joined him. He handed her a glass.

  “Thank you. I’m thirsty.”

  “Pizza will be here in thirty.”

  “Thank you for that too.” She leaned into him and wrapped an arm around his waist.

  He liked that she’d only put on a tank top and yoga pants. He could see all her curves. Her amazing breasts were hugged by the tight pink tank top, her nipples hard points that tempted him to strip her naked again. He’d wait until after they ate. He was insatiable with her.

  He eased his hand up her hip and waist until he cupped her breast from the side and flicked his thumb over her erect nipple. She squirmed to get out of his grip. He held her tighter. “Don’t go near the door when the pizza gets here, you imp. I’d rather no one else see your sexy curves.”

  She grinned. “So bossy.”

  “Told you I don’t share.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I’m fully covered.”

  He lifted a brow. “You look fucking amazing. Don’t go near the door.”

  She giggled as she squirmed free of his clutches and took another long drink.

  He watched as she made her way to the couch and dropped down into the corner, curling her legs up under her. “I feel bad that you rushed over here. I know you have a busy week.”

  He dropped down next to her and set a hand on her knee. “Are you serious? I wasn’t sure how I was going to live until Friday without seeing you. This is a treat.” The possession in his voice was unwarranted, but he couldn’t stop it. He felt like he was living in two worlds. In one, they were the most amazing couple, and they moved in together, got married, and lived happily ever after. In the other, she dug her heels in about not wanting to get too close to anyone and he moved on to become a father to two small kids who needed him. Those worlds just didn’t seem to collide well at all.

  He found her hand and held it as he stared at her. Was there any way? He tried to imagine combining their lives. Her job was unpredictable and demanding. She was consumed with worrying about her mental health.

  On top of that, there was no way he would ask any woman to take on two kids that weren’t hers right now. The timing was terrible. He wouldn’t have a spare moment to devote to another human as soon as his niece and nephew moved in with him. Plus, he’d still need to help his mom and make sure his dad was getting the best care.

  There was no scenario Deacon could imagine in which he and Raeann rode into the sunset together. He knew the thought of living with other people would send Raeann into an even deeper panic. If she was worried about succumbing to her mother’s illness in front of him, what would she say to living with two kids? She’d pa
nic and run.

  Before he could stop himself, he blurted out what was on his mind, testing the waters. “Do you want kids?”

  Her eyes went wide as she shook her head. “No. God, no. I’m the end of the line with regard to whatever genes I have.” She swallowed. “Add that to your list of reasons why no man would want to date me. You’d be a great dad. You will be. I’m sure.” She looked away.

  He squeezed her hand. “I can understand not wanting to have your own biological kids, but you could adopt you know.”

  She sighed, her shoulders falling. “No. I wouldn’t take that risk either. What if I got sick and they had to take care of me like I did with my mother? Do you know what that does to a kid, Deacon?” She met his gaze. “It’s horrifying. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

  He nodded slowly. He understood. He did. He hated how lonely that made her, but he understood. Plus, it solidified his own feelings. It wouldn’t matter what he said or did or how much they might enjoy each other’s company. The moment she found out he would be moving two kids into his life, she would bow out. He was incredibly selfish to keep it to himself, and with every passing day, he was growing more and more selfish.

  A knock at the door shook him from his pity party, and he grabbed the throw blanket off the back of the couch and tossed it over her before padding toward the door.

  When he opened it, he gasped, his gaze going right past the man with the pizzas to the yard in front of them.

  “What the fuck?” Raeann asked from behind him.

  “Yeah, there’s a fire in your yard,” the pizza man muttered unnecessarily.

  Deacon turned to find Raeann had at least wrapped the blanket around her shoulders as she approached.

  “Call 911.” He handed her his phone, then jogged past the stunned pizza guy to determine how serious the fire was. It appeared contained. It was growing, but no nearby trees seemed to be in danger of igniting yet.

  Two neighboring condo owners came outside. One of them ran to the side of the building and returned moments later dragging a hose. “Jesus,” he shouted. “What the fuck is that?”