Tumult (TSS Series Book 1) Read online

  “I wanted to surprise you and not give you a chance to tell me not to come.”

  Running her hand over his face, she bit her lip. “I missed you, Carrick.”

  “Thank God, woman.”

  “How long are you staying?”

  “Until Monday morning.”

  “I have to be in court on Friday.”

  “I know and that’s why I came. I figured you wouldn’t drive up to see your family and I didn’t want you to be alone. I have reservations at the Beekman for dinner tomorrow night, so we’ve got our turkey dinner covered.”

  Pulling him down, she kissed him in a way that told him his surprise was a welcome one. The moment their mouths met, he felt a peace he’d never experienced before.

  All he had to do was figure out a way to hold onto it.

  ***

  Carrick dropped his bag next to the front door and took the grocery bags into the kitchen as Audrey closed the front door. The trip to Zabars for groceries had been non-negotiable and he hoped there wasn’t going to be anything else that was going to stop him from spending the next twelve hours naked with Audrey.

  When she walked into the kitchen and gave him a smile, he decided twelve might not be enough. “Do we have to unpack the groceries now?”

  “Yes because once I get my hands on you, it’s going to take a while and I don’t want spoiled food.”

  Crowding her a little, he wrapped his hands around her waist and held her tightly. “I like the sound of that.”

  Audrey’s laughter filled the small kitchen as she tried to wiggle free. “Nope, can’t let you go until you give me a kiss.”

  She turned around in his arms, pressed her hands against his chest, and shook her head. “Sorry, you’re going to have to wait because if I start, I may not want to stop.”

  “God damn, woman, you’re torturing me.”

  “Let me go then, so I can get this done.”

  He stepped back and put his hands up. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I like a man who can follow orders.”

  “Yeah, I can tell.” He moved over to the small table that faced the windows and grabbed a chair. “I liked seeing you in court this afternoon. It was awesome to see you wipe the floor with that arrogant ass.”

  “All in a day’s work,” she replied as she put stuff away in the cupboards. “He’s not half as talented as he thinks he is, so honestly, it’s not that hard. His arrogance gets in the way and he’s never all that well prepared.”

  “I caught him staring at your ass a lot, so let’s add that to his list of sins.”

  “Whatever,” she replied as she folded a bag. “Not worth thinking about.”

  “Would you like something to drink?”

  “Are you done in here?”

  Looking around, she nodded. “I’m done.”

  Standing, he scooped her up and strode into the bedroom. “Thank God.”

  Depositing her on her feet, he ran his hands over her shoulders and noticed her pulse beating. “Are you nervous?”

  “A little.”

  “Why?”

  Shrugging, she ran her hand over his arm. “You coming here makes me wonder how serious you’re taking this thing between us.”

  He put his hand under her chin and tilted her face up. “I’m pretty serious and I consider you mine. I know it’s crazy, considering we haven’t spent much time with each other, but it feels right in my gut. Considering it’s never steered me wrong, I’m listening.”

  “But…”

  “In my mind, it’s not a question of whether we’re going to be together, but how.”

  “The how is a hell of an obstacle, Carrick, and I’ve got to tell you this thing between us scares the hell out of me.”

  “Why?”

  “Because if I let you in and become attached, I may not survive if it doesn’t work out. You have the potential to destroy me and I’ve always found it a good idea to avoid things like that.”

  Smiling, he pulled her tighter. “Same.”

  “And you want to try it anyway?”

  “Absolutely. I’m not going to miss out on the best thing in my life just because it can destroy me. If I were a man like that, I never would’ve become a SEAL. I like things that go boom and skating on the edge is my favorite place to be. So even though you’re the scariest thing I’ve ever taken on, I wouldn’t miss the chance for the world.”

  Letting out a snort, she rested her head against his chest. “I guess that’s what I get for getting myself involved with a warrior.”

  “Guess it is.”

  “So, we’ll try?”

  “Oh, we’re going to do a lot more than try, we’re going to succeed.” Feeling her pull away, he wondered if she didn’t like his answer. Watching her carefully, he saw her begin to slowly peel off the layers of clothes she was wearing.

  The jacket was the first thing she shed, with her heels coming off next. Feeling his heart speed up in anticipation, he watched her push the skirt down her hips and noticed she was wearing thigh-high stockings. The corner of his mouth lifted in happiness as the picture he’d dreamed of over and over again was coming to life.

  “I realize we have a lot of stuff to figure out, but I want you to know that I consider myself the luckiest son of a bitch in the world to call you mine.”

  Lifting an eyebrow as she started to unbutton her blouse made him wonder if she was going to torture him or let him have his way. He knew his statement of ownership was nothing less than outrageous, but he couldn’t help himself. “I protect what’s mine.”

  “There is a lot of mine, mine, mine being repeated and I can’t decide if I’m going to let it irritate me enough to not have my way with you or not.”

  Throwing his head back, he let out a laugh. “I might keep up with it just to see the fire in your eyes. Your body is mine, Audrey, and so are your orgasms.” Stepping closer, he pushed her shirt open and sucked in a breath. “I missed you, babe.”

  “I missed you too.”

  Dropping his hand, he pushed aside the scrap of lace that covered her and glided his thumb across her clit, adding just enough pressure and friction to let her know he was the only man who could satisfy her. Her eyes darkened with desire and she rolled her hips and he felt a sense of satisfaction that was unparalleled. “Feel good?”

  “Yes,” she moaned.

  He skimmed his lips up to her ear, his breath hot and damp against her skin. “You’re mine, heart and soul.” Not caring how possessive or barbaric he sounded, he then took her mouth in a soul-deep, tongue-tangling kiss that proved how much he adored her. He pushed two fingers inside her and caressed her bud, hoping that the pleasure he could give her would prove that he was the only man for her.

  Feeling her desire coat his fingers, he gave her what she needed and watched her splinter apart. He swallowed her moan and her thighs shook as her internal muscles clenched tight around his fingers as she climaxed. When he’d extracted every bit of her orgasm, he felt her sag against his body. “That’s just the beginning of showing you who you belong to.”

  Her eyes slowly opened and she let out a laugh. “You think this barbarian thing is going to work?”

  “Don’t really care,” he responded darkly. “It’s the way it is.” Picking her up, he set her on the bed and gave her a cocky grin. He was done hiding, and she was going to see the aggressive alpha that he was. Might as well show her what she was in for, so she could start getting used to the idea.

  He was going to brand and claim her body and, when he was done, she would be utterly satisfied and marked by him. Stripping his sweater off, he then removed his boots and socks and stood before her with his hands on his hips. “We’re going to come up with an answer that makes us both happy.”

  Leaning back on her elbows, she gave him a shrug. “Long distance isn’t easy.”

  Seeing her concern, he bent down in front of her and ran his hand along the side of her body and felt her tremble. “Nothing in life is.”

  Knowing that
he was halfway to victory, he felt himself relax. The way she looked at him told him she cared, and all he had to do was show her what was possible. “Now, I want you to lie back, so I can admire what’s mine.” Seeing her eyes widen, he knew she was shocked by his claims.

  “I’m not…”

  Pressing his finger to her mouth, he shook his head. “Don’t lie.” Pushing her legs apart, he then slid his palms up her thighs and pulled her panties off. “You’re absolute perfection.” He inhaled the scent of her desire and his nostrils flared. “This is mine.”

  “Okay,” she breathed as he pressed his mouth against her mound.

  His tongue parted her folds, hot and assertive, as he feasted on her like she was a succulent peach. Hearing her moans of pleasure spurred him on as he focused on making her come. He devoured and pillaged her as his tongue hit all her secret spots, her entire body arched, and she shuddered as he sent her straight into ecstasy.

  “Too much,” she moaned.

  Seeing her ride the intense waves of her orgasm made his cock pulse painfully. Before she had a chance to recover, he flipped her over. Getting rid of his pants almost instantly, the massive length of his cock sprang free while Audrey lay panting on the bed.

  Lifting her hips, he dragged the head of his cock along her drenched folds and released a breath. He positioned himself at her opening and said, “Mine,” as he pressed forward. Soothing his hand down the slope of her spine, he sucked a breath in so he wouldn’t go off immediately and felt her push against him.

  Pulling out slowly, he then pushed back in and buried himself to the hilt. He groaned low and deep as he felt the absolute perfection of their joining. Her body was tight and gripping him as his balls ached. He was engorged and did everything he could not to rut into her like a wild beast.

  This wasn’t about him; this was about them and he leaned over her and nuzzled her neck. “I will do anything to make you happy, Audrey.”

  “I know, Carrick.”

  Holding her by her waist, he lowered their joined bodies to the mattress, stretched her arms above her head, and entwined their fingers. Pinning her completely beneath the weight and strength of his body, he asked, “Are you ready?”

  She turned her head to the side and nodded.

  Rocking his hips, he thrust gently the first time and then harder with each stroke after that. Each flex of his hips took him deeper and deeper, and when she pushed back into him and then rolled her hips in a grinding motion, he shattered, losing the last of his control.

  Audrey chanted his name like a prayer and he powered more firmly into her, increasing his speed and force, and as soon as he heard her cries of pleasure, he gave himself over to his own searing orgasm. Throwing his head back, he howled like a primal mating wolf as he emptied himself inside her.

  Satisfaction filled his body.

  “Mine,” he grunted as he felt her collapse beneath him. Covering her with his body, he held her and decided this was going to be his favorite holiday on record.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Thursday, November 23rd

  Audrey sat next to Carrick on a blue velvet couch in the corner of the Beekman Hotel and asked herself again how she could manage to move in. They had just enjoyed a beautiful Thanksgiving meal and were now enjoying a drink in the lobby as they people watched. “Dinner was delicious. Thank you for spoiling me and giving me a lovely day.”

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  “How long have you had the nightmares?”

  Moving away from him, she folded her hands and wished he hadn’t brought it up. “Hard to say.”

  “That means you’ve been having them since you got home and you’re hoping they go away on their own.”

  “I’m sure they’ll disappear before too long.”

  “You were in the middle of a firefight and that’s not something people get over easily. Ignoring it won’t help, so I want you to find someone to talk to. Clearly, it isn’t me since you haven’t brought it up, but know you have to deal with it.”

  “I’ve had them every night since I’ve gotten home and most nights I can’t get back to sleep. Last night was the first night I fell back to sleep.”

  “Because I held you and kept reminding you that it was over and you were safe.”

  Sighing, she unfolded her hands. “Probably.”

  “You can talk to me about it, Audrey, whenever you’re ready. I’ve got a lot of experience with processing experiences and I’d be happy to help you in any way I can.”

  “Thank you and I’ll think about what you’ve said.”

  “Please do.”

  “I’m happy you decided we should spend Thanksgiving together.”

  “Are you kidding me, babe? There’s no place I’d rather be. If I hadn’t come, I’d probably be stuck at my folk’s house while my mother paraded a bunch of eligible women in front of me.”

  Cringing, she sunk deeper into the sofa. “That sounds like torture.”

  He tipped his head and then raised an eyebrow. “I consider my mother’s machinations to get me married off worse than anything I ever experienced as a SEAL.”

  “Is it the women she’s got on offer or is it the idea of settling down that makes it so awful?”

  Lifting his glass of scotch, he took a drag and shrugged. “If you would’ve asked me a couple of months ago, I would’ve said both, but now I’m not so sure.”

  As she looked up at the atrium, she recalled his comments about his friends who were married and figured he wasn’t much interested in the institution. It wasn’t for everyone and fewer people seemed to be doing it just because it seemed to be the next step in life.

  “What about you?” Carrick asked as he traced her hand with his finger.

  “Are you asking if I see myself getting married someday?”

  “Yes. Are a husband and kids in your future?”

  “Well…kids definitely are, but I’m not sure about the husband part.” Seeing him frown made her wonder what part of her answer was distasteful. Maybe he was old fashioned and thought you couldn’t have one without the other. She certainly didn’t think that and knew that if there wasn’t a love story in her future, it didn’t mean she couldn’t have a family. Resting her head against the cushion, she wondered how the conversation had veered down the marriage and kids path.

  “Any particular reason you’re not sure about the whole husband thing or do you have some objection to the idea of marriage in general?”

  “Leading question, Carrick.”

  “Maybe, but you can answer it anyway.”

  Turning her head, she gazed at him and saw something vulnerable in his eyes. “I don’t know if I want a husband because they seem like a lot of work. Most of the women I know who are married are not only employed outside the home but also carry all the responsibility of taking care of the home too. That’s not appealing to me. Why would I want to marry someone and have more work?”

  “That’s not always how it works out.”

  Sitting up, she slid her eyes over and laughed. “How many of your friends share the household chores and responsibilities?”

  “I’m not sure, but if I had to guess, I’d say at least half.”

  Snorting, Audrey slapped her leg. “I doubt half your friends even know where the vacuum is located in their house.”

  “So, you want to marry a man who knows how to vacuum?”

  “Damn right or at least be really good at cleaning bathrooms. I know it sounds like a small thing, but I’ve seen bright reasonable women lose their minds when they’ve been doing the heavy lifting in their marriages while their husband only manages to go to work and put gas in the car. What sounds silly can be the thing that causes you to need bail money down the road.”

  “Damn, woman, remind me not to piss you off. How you went from not helping out to committing a crime is a little scary.”

  “I think it’s best to know what you want up front, so you don’t end up on the wrong side
of the law.”

  “I guess so.”

  “Why are we talking about this anyway?”

  “We’re getting to know one another and finding out if we’re compatible.”

  Lifting her drink, she looked into the glass and swirled the liquid around. “Then you’re serious about trying to have something together?”

  “Did you not hear me claim you as mine about a hundred times over the last twenty-four hours?”