Closer To You (Suits in Pursuit) (4 page)

Axel’s father, who had been reading, pee
red over the top of the book in his freckled hands, and with a nod, he regarded his son. Axel was a carbon copy of his father, who had thirty or so years on his son and was more refined with a full head of salt-and-pepper-colored hair that gave him a distinguished air.

His eyes shifted to her and then back to him. He studied the pair for a moment before speaking.

“I don’t know how you managed to snare such a beautiful woman son.” He stood to greet them as they made their way toward
him.

He placed the book on the edge of a side table.
“Hi, Kerrigan, I’m John.” Axel’s father wrapped her in his arms, patted her on the back, and then studied her from arms length.

“I hope my son is treating you well.”
Now she knew where Axel’s smile came from.

She smiled back
. “Yes sir, he’s a perfect gentleman.” Her earlier worries were wasted.

CHAPTER
FOUR

Kerrigan
sat on the oversized leather sofa, and Axel followed, sitting next to her and extended his arm around her shoulders, snuggling her close. Elizabeth and John returned to the smaller love seat.

“Kerrigan, you must know this is the first time
that Axel has ever introduced us to a girlfriend,” Elizabeth beamed.

She
peeked up at Axel with curious hazel eyes and smiled brightly. He loved the way her face lit up and how her smile reached her eyes. He raised his brow, and then nuzzled his cheek against her temple.

Giving Kerrigan’s shoulder a squeeze, Axel turned his head toward his mother’s tender smile.
“I told you that she’s extremely special to me. I wouldn’t waste time introducing her to you if she weren’t.”

“Sounds
as if we’ll be seeing a lot more of you dear,” John said, giving her a wink.

“How did the two of you meet?”
Elizabeth asked.

“
Mom, Kerrigan came to work for A. C. Advertising little over a year ago. Besides being a stunning beauty, she has a brilliant marketing mind. I was crazy about her the moment she stepped foot into my office.” With a slight nod of his head, he gave his father a knowing look, eyebrows raised.

“That’s right.
” John tapped his index finger against his chin. “Didn’t you call me the day you met her? I remember now. Axel was enamored with you instantly. He called me to say that he had met the most incredible woman.” John lowered his hand to his lap and fixed his eyes on Kerrigan.

Kerrigan stared at Axel, mouth agape
. He had never disclosed that information to her before.

“Kerrigan, did you feel th
e same instant attraction to Axel?” Elizabeth asked.

“I don’t think she did.”
He answered for her, wanting to spare her from his parent’s inquisition.

“Let
Kerrigan answer for herself,” his father piped in.

“Yes, I felt an
immediate attraction to him, but I never thought seriously about Axel. I didn’t think he would be interested in me,” she replied timidly.

Axel raised his brow. Her news surprised him. “Hmm. I think you know just how interested I am
now,” he whispered into her ear.

She blushed, and swiped her hand at him playfully.
“I pursued her until she gave in. You know how relentless I can be when I set my sights on something I want.” Axel flashed a deliberately wicked smile at Kerrigan.

Lifting his arm from around her, he rested his forearms on his thighs and leaned forward, addressing his parents with narrowed eyes glaring.
“That’s enough with the interrogation. How are things at home? Dad, are you working on any interesting cases?”

He hoped the diversion tactic would work.

Ryker had been in and out of the cabin, taking their luggage to the room, which should have only taken him two trips. He still had not joined them in the family room. His parents talked about the latest gossip in his their hometown. Dad told them about a couple of his more intriguing cases. Mom shared stories about her squabbles with some of the women from their neighborhood association’s event committee. He sat and pretended to listen, but what he wanted was to be alone with her.

After a half an hour of conversation
, he rose and held his hand out to Kerrigan to help her up from the sofa. “Mom, dad, if you’ll excuse us, we’re going upstairs to unpack, rest and freshen up for the evening. We’ll be back down later.”

As they made their way out of the room,
his father spoke out.

“Son, can I see you for a brief moment in private?”

He
nodded at her, signaling for Kerrigan to go upstairs without him. “We’re the last door on the right,” he called out to her. “I’ll be right up.”

“Okay.” She
smiled at both men and darted up the stairs, heading toward the room.

He
walked over to his dad, who stood in front of the large window peering at the lake. Mom had retreated to the kitchen. Father and son were alone.

“
Son, she’s beautiful, but I want you to be careful. Are you using protection? I’m not saying I think anything ill of Kerrigan, but I hear horrendous stories every day, and I encounter much of the litigation. Remember to be careful about sex. You don’t know her entire history.”

He jerked his head back, nostrils flaring.

Adjusting his stance, he planted his feet wide apart, and shoved his hands into the pockets of his khaki cargo pants. “Dad, I appreciate your concern, but I’m thirty-three years old. I don’t have to worry about much. Her history, as you put it, started with me.” He glared coldly at his father and then glanced out the window at the serene lake.

John’s mouth opened forming a circle,
“Oh?” His eyes swelled, bewildered. “Has she only been with you? Are you sure?” The tone of his voice reached new heights.

Axel’s lips flattened as he withdrew his hands from his pants pockets.
“Yes, I’m quite positive she was a virgin when we met. I’m curious.” He paced from the bottom of the staircase and glanced up, and then back to where John stood at the window. “Why are you being negative? Does your concern have anything to do with her race?” He folded his arms across his chest defensively, his body tense and temperature beginning to rise.

John stepped forward and reached his thin hand out to Axel’s chest.
“I’m not being negative, and of course my concern has nothing to do with her race.” Axel stepped back, yanking his left shoulder away from John’s reach. “Son, she’s the first woman you’ve ever brought home. I suppose I’ve always wanted to have this conversation with both you and Ryker, but there was never a reason. Neither of you seemed to be serious enough about a woman to bring her home.” He stepped forward toward Axel. “I see the way you two look at each other. You’re a wealthy young man. A cunning woman can do things to trap you or take your money if you’re not careful. You know what I mean. Think of what happened with Sara.”

Axel’s jaw clenched shut.
“Sara is precisely the reason I haven’t been able to have a healthy relationship.” His temper building, his tone escalated. “I was traumatized by that ordeal. I intentionally dated women I knew I could never get serious about, but Kerrigan has changed all that.” He bared his teeth at his father, an acid grin. “She’s financially secure, all on her own merit. She’s not after my money and I can’t think of anything she could do to trap me, so why don’t you elaborate?” His temperature soared.

Leathery fingers curled over Axel’s shoulder.
“Son, I’m talking about pregnancy. I’m an attorney. I have a different perspective based on the things I’ve seen and experienced over the years.”

He backed away from John’s anchoring hand again.
“What I share with Kerrigan is much more than superficial. I want more with her than a casual affair. If I were to get her pregnant, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.” Axel cracked his knuckles, and his heart pounded in his chest.

John’s tone softened.
“Son, just be careful.”

He gritted his teeth,
“Not that my relationship is any of your business, but I’ve been the one in pursuit.” He couldn’t believe his father’s gall. “She’s the only woman I’ve ever met who hasn’t offered herself up on a platter to me or tried to dig into my pockets. She’s been hesitant and apprehensive, afraid I will hurt her. She’s a genuinely good person with a beautiful heart. I’m in love with her so you’d better get used to the idea.” If he didn’t end the conversation soon, he would say or do something he’d later regret. “Now if you’ll excuse me …” He whipped around and headed toward the staircase.

“Axel, I’m glad you’re
happy.” John yelled after him, drawing Axel’s attention as he turned to face him. “You’ve become a good judge of character, and I know you’re an adult, but I wouldn’t be a good father if I didn’t express my concern. Maybe one day you’ll know what being a parent is like.”

Their conversation ended
, and Axel bounded up the stairs, taking two at a time, his pulse racing as he fumed.

CHAPTER FIVE

Axel entered the
room. Unusually tired that afternoon, though understandable given the events of the day, Kerrigan slept. She was always radiant, even in slumber and her beauty a calming force. He eased onto the bed next to her, studying her delicate caramel-colored features and admiring her beauty, relishing the curve of her full soft lips that he longed to kiss. He wanted to have some intimate time with her, but the events of the afternoon had been a bit much for him too. He lay down and curled himself around her. She nestled her body into his, their fit snug like a glove on a hand. They slept soundly for hours.

When
Kerrigan awoke, the time was four fifteen in the afternoon.

Axel greeted her with his handsome face.
“Hey sleepy head, why don’t we go join the family downstairs? I’m sure Ryker must be going out of his mind alone with those two.”

She
squirmed, still feeling a little tired. “Okay. Let me freshen up first.”

He flashed a devilish
grin at her. “I’ll join you.”

They entered the bathroom
together. She walked ahead of him while he playfully tugged at her shirt until he had wrapped his arms around her waist. Not elaborately decorated like the ones in his house, she noted that the bathroom was still large and impressive. The style was rustic, like the rest of the cabin, earth tones and wood-covered finishings. They stood in front of the mirror looking at their reflection. She rested her head back against his smooth chest and closed her eyes. She felt safe in those arms, the irony that nothing in the world could hurt her except him.

He
slipped his hands into the sides of her pants and slid the tight jeans down slowly until they pooled around her ankles onto the floor. He reached around her, unbuttoned her eyelet shirt and let the garment fall to the ground. There she stood in a pink lace bra and matching panties. He strode to the Jacuzzi and filled the tub with piping hot water. His attention turned to her again, and he made his way back to where she stood. Lifting his shirt over his head, he tossed the material aside. She salivated at the sight of his sexy chiseled body. He unzipped his pants, his erection pressing against the fabric of his boxer briefs. Stepping out of the pants, he kicked them aside.

With his bare hands,
he ripped her lacy panties to shreds and hoisted her onto the edge of countertop, and spread her legs wide and he stood between them. The musky smell of his masculinity invaded her senses and moistening, she readied for his sensuous touch. He unfastened her bra, freeing her perky breasts. His sheathed rod pressed firmly against the delicate folds of her moist opening. He pulled down his boxer briefs and his cock plummeted out. Without hesitation, he gripped his shaft and guided himself into her, entering her slowly as she adjusted to his size. She gasped at the intensity of him filling her. She clutched his shoulders as he pumped into her hard. Her back arched as the intensity of their lovemaking heightened. Her breasts bounced freely up and down with each of his powerful thrusts.

He
pounded into her so hard that she couldn’t help the scream that escaped her lips. A hand flew up to cover her month.

“Let go baby. Scream for me, as loud
ly as you want. No one can hear you, only me.”

She hoped h
e was right. The loud sound of the Jacuzzi’s jets roaring and insulated walls would drown out her cries. He pummeled her hard now, her body convulsing in sheer pleasure as every nerve ending fired in response to his thrusts.

“Axel. Axel.” She cried loudly.

“That’s it baby. I love the way you moan my name.”

They exploded together, she around his hard shaft and he deep inside her.

“You feel so good, Kerrigan.”

She
leaned forward and placed her head onto his sculpted chest. His arms wrapped tightly around her and his warm naked body pressed against hers made her head spin.

Hi
s swollen erection was still inside her. Without caution, strong arms lifted her off the counter and he stepped into the middle of the bathroom.

“Can you handle round two?” he asked, sweat pouring down his face.

Her arms wrapped tightly around his thick neck, and her legs spanned his waist. “Yes,” her soft whisper tickled his ear.

He gripped her thighs firmly, raised her up and impaled her with his
hard shaft. Repeating the motion
,
he penetrated her fully.

“Ah. Ah. Oh, god.”
The delicious moan escaped her lips until the pleasure built to the apex once more, rendering her silent.

“Fuck,” he g
roaned loudly, sliding her up and down on his slick cock.

T
rembling all over, she found her release again. Limbs limp like wet spaghetti, she clung to him for strength. Thrusting into her with full force, a loud cry, emerged from her depths, another instantaneous release. “Ah. Axel. Axel.”

His load spilled
into her for a second time before he gently placed her back onto the countertop.

He
leaned in, capturing her soft full lips with his and kissed her slowly. “Kerrigan, you have no idea what you do to me. I can’t get enough of you,” he panted.

Her hands still trembled
, but she maintained a tight grip on his shoulders. “Me too,” she replied breathlessly.

“Come on. Let’s
bathe and head downstairs or I’m afraid they’ll never see us again,” he teased.

Helping her
down from the cool countertop and he led her by the hand to the tub filled with steaming water. Kerrigan stepped in first and seated herself. Axel entered and sat behind her. She could feel his cock rising, pressing against her behind.

“I told you that I couldn’t get enough of you
,” he whispered.

“You’ll have to
save it for later. Weren’t we supposed to be downstairs thirty minutes ago?”

“I don’t care. I
want time alone with you. Turn around, face me and ride baby.”

She eagerly complied, guiding
herself gingerly onto his shaft. His fingers sank into her thighs, his grip bringing her down onto his cock.

“Kerrigan, I want to savor you. Don’t move, be still.”

Deep inside her, Axel gently rocked her back and forth. The water surged around them, crashing into the tub’s sides, nearly overflowing and splashing to the floor, their swaying movement the cause. He ground deeply inside her, almost in slow motion.

She
shuddered all over. Gasping, “Ah. Ah,” she released soft cries into his ear.

Tenderly, h
e held her close to him, face-to-face, searing blue eyes ablaze and sensual, searched hers. He whispered in her ear. “You’re mine, always. Say it for me Kerrigan.”

His thickness slipped in and out of her, warm and sinewy, pressing, reaching the depths of her desire. Her eyes rolled back and she moaned a breathy response.
“I … I’m yours … always.”

In this position, her orgasm had been prolonged
, moments fading into minutes. She had never felt anything like this before. Tears leaked, trickled down her cheeks and splashed onto his shoulder, down his chest. He searched her eyes again. Her tears were an emotional release, a sensation he experienced with equal weight. He crushed her lips with his, capturing her sweet sobs. He held her tightly and continued the slow rocking motion until the full intensity of the wave of pleasure had passed. When their lovemaking had ended, she shuddered uncontrollably, every part of her weak.

He
had worked her over good. Neither of them had experienced an intimacy so extraordinary. It was pure emotion and unbridled ecstasy. She barely could stand, and she was more tired than before their earlier nap. He helped her bathe and ordered her to lie down. Kneeling, he planted a soft kiss sweetly on her forehead.

“Mmm,” she whimpered softly at his touch.

His eyes met hers, tender and tired. “I love you, Kerrigan. You belong to me, always,” he whispered as she closed her lids and drifted to sleep.

R
enewed and invigorated, Axel bounded out of the room and headed down to the family room. His parents weren’t there, but when he entered, he was greeted by a round of applause from Ryker who was stretched out across the sofa. “Way to go big bro. You gave it to her good, didn’t you? You were up there for hours.”

“Can you at least pretend to be
somewhat civilized? We napped. She’s still asleep, and I didn’t want to wake her,” he moved to the chair next to the sofa and fell into it.

“Right
,” Ryker said, his tone cynical. “A woman as hot as Kerrigan is lying in your bed, and you expect me to believe you didn’t fuck her senseless.”

“You
’re an immature ass. It’s no wonder you’re single. What I do with my woman, in my bedroom, in my cabin is none of your business.” He placed his feet up on the ottoman, getting comfortable.

Ryker sat upright and faced Axel.
“It is my business when everyone in the cabin can hear you two.”

“What! You heard us?”
He gripped the front end of the chair’s arm, digging his nails into its leather, and leaning forward.

“Yep, and so did mom and dad. They couldn’t take it anymore. They went out to dinner.”

Axel grimaced. “I didn’t think anyone would hear us. I had the Jacuzzi jets on. Don’t say anything to her. She’ll be mortified.”

Ryker grabbed a fishing magazine from the table next to the
sofa and pulled it up, covering his devious smile. “I’m just messing with you. No one heard a thing, but I knew you weren’t just napping up there.”

“
You’re so juvenile. Grow up!” The tension in Axel’s face loosened.

Ryker flipped the pages of the magazine haphazardly.
“So what’s it like with her? She’s one impressive piece of tail.” His eyes peered over the magazine into Axel’s glare.

Axel lowered his bare feet from the leather ottoman, placed his forearms on his knees and leaned in.
“Ryker, I’m going to say this one more time.” He spoke with clipped words beneath gritted teeth like a master ventriloquist. “Kerrigan is my woman. She’s not a piece of tail. If you talk about her in a disrespectful or disparaging way again, I’ll pulverize your face and kick you out on your ass.” Jeering at him, the pitch of his voice deepened, words meant to sound harsh and firm.

“
So, you’re serious about her? My apologies, I didn’t mean to offend.”

“I am serious about her. I’m in love with her.”

Ryker lifted his eyes up from the magazine and eyed him speculatively. “Wow. Really?” His brows arched and mouth fell open. “I never thought I’d see the day. The mighty and powerful Axel Christensen succumbs to a woman, to little Kerrigan Mulls no less,” he said.

Running his fingers along the chairs slick arm, Axel
leaned back into the chair. “She’s the one.”

Ryker tossed the magazine onto the wooden side table, his eyebrows shooting up in shock.
“The one, huh? Does she know?”

“She knows how I feel about her—that I love her. I haven’t said anything more
than that, yet.” Axel stared out the window watching the sun sink into the lake as it began to set. The sunset paralleled his life—the ending of one day and the anticipation of the next, filled with new mysteries, to be uncovered.