Redeem My Heart (37 page)

“For now, I just want to love you,” Fallon said softly, finally saying something Ryland could relate to. Why she continued to stay with him, he wasn’t sure. He couldn’t offer her anything that she didn’t already have. She didn’t need his money—well, whatever Crest had left him from their previous encounter. He was fairly sure Crest hadn’t gotten as much of a percentage as he’d originally thought. Fallon didn’t need the company of a man who was used to his solitude. And she certainly didn’t need a relationship with a man who had no idea what he was going to do with the rest of his life. “All of you, Ryland. That includes Travis, your scars, your imperfections, and the man you’re going to become.”

“Why?” Ryland asked, knowing it wasn’t the first time. He reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear, wanting to see her face as she explained to him the unexplainable. “Why?”

“Why does the earth revolve around the sun?” Fallon asked, leaning over him and gently touching her lips to his. “Why does the sun set in the west? Why do the moon and stars exist? I love you. There is nothing more basic and fundamental than that. You do need to remember the old adage—behind every good man there is an even better woman.”

Fallon fell silent as she continued to love him and Ryland was inept to stop her. He didn’t want to even if he could. He’d already proclaimed he was selfish and that wasn’t likely to change. Her hair fell around them as she deepened their kiss, continuing this reacquainted quest.

Ryland brushed his thumbs across her nipples, relishing in the small cry that escaped her lips. He caught it and then nipped her lip, prompting her to sit up and reach over to the nightstand. His cock was hard and ready for when she tore open the foil and rolled on the latex with her warm fingers. He’d allow her this time she obviously wanted, but it wouldn’t be long until she was once again tied to their bed.

“Take all of me,” Ryland urged Fallon as she lifted his cock and settled his tip at her entrance. She deliberately took her time when all he wanted to do was grip her hips and hold her still while he slammed into her. Her folds parted and his cock slid into her ever so slowly until he was buried inside of her the way he’d been longing to. He had to force himself to relax so as not to cause himself more pain, which only added to his pleasure. “This is child’s play, darling. Did you forget how to fuck?”

Fallon laughed seductively and rather impishly, immediately catching what he’d meant. She’d done the same to him back at Crest’s cabin and he’d certainly gotten his the night after. The question remained—would she still keep treating him like he would break or would she handle him like the man he was? He received his answer when she used her knees to leverage herself.

“Much better,” Ryland praised, wrapping his hands around her waist and aiding in her quest. He was able to thrust inside of her over and over, taking his fill the way he’d wanted to for weeks. “Lean forward.”

Fallon rested her hands on either side of his head and he took the opportunity to kiss her. He never stopped driving his cock into her, keeping both of them on the edge. He knew of another way to add to their pleasure as well and proceeded to fill her head with images he would see come true.

“The next time we make love, my dear, you’ll have a butt plug filling your pink, curved bottom from those spankings you seem to love so much,” Ryland whispered in Fallon’s ear before nibbling on her neck. “I’m thinking of purchasing a spreader bar to keep you open while I test out the other vibrators we never got to try—say the Hitachi, for example? The possibilities are endless.”

Fallon’s breathing hitched and her pussy tightened around his cock, giving him more ideas than they had hours in the days. He brought a hand up underneath her breast and cupped the ample flesh, stroking his thumb over her nipple until she was crying out his name—Travis. He didn’t mind, for a part of him now was Travis Bowers. The better part? Well, now…

“Orgasm control might be something we dabble in as well,” Ryland said with a wicked grin, tangling his free hand in her hair and pulling her back enough so that he could watch her attain relief. Her sparkling eyes always lit up like those blue flames inside of a fire that he found so fascinating. “I’ll allow you to come now, but next time…you might just have to wait.”

Fallon fell over the edge and as her fingers curled into the sheets underneath him, Ryland joined her over the precipice. He’d never get enough of this intimacy with her, but he wasn’t worried he’d lose it either. She’d proven her love of him time and time again, and she’d stayed by his side through the good and the bad. It was his turn to spend the rest of his days showing her his devotion.

“I do love you, my little savior.”

Epilogue

C
rest reached for his new favorite Hanro Sorrento robe, but not before kissing Jessie thoroughly and leaving them both wanting more. They’d spent the entire day together, the first one in a very long time and he wasn’t pleased it was being interrupted when he’d left strict instructions not to bother him unless the White House was burning to the ground. At the rate their investigations were going, it wouldn’t have surprised him if that were just the news they were about to receive.

“I made another purchase from Lauren the other day,” Crest said, pulling the belt tight around his waist as he gazed lovingly upon his future wife who was still covered in bubbles. She sank lower into the water with a smile. “I expect you to be dressed appropriately when I get back.”

Jessie’s laughter followed him through the bedroom and out into the living room. Crest still held his phone in his hand, the message from Townes was not unexpected. He could certainly have picked a better time, but sometimes things like this were unavoidable. The superintendent had already permitted Townes into the building and Crest wasn’t surprised by the rather loud knock on the door.

“Townes, come on in.” Crest moved back, making room for the latest addition to CSA. Unfortunately, Townes was also about to turn in his resignation. “Drink?”

“No, thank you.” Townes was dressed in a pair of jeans, a black T-shirt, and a black leather jacket that was more his style than the slacks and sweaters he’d sported while in D.C. The man had a knack for blending in despite his rugged appearance. “I apologize for interrupting your day off, but this couldn’t wait.”

Crest walked through the open space of his apartment and crossed into the kitchen. The heated wooden floor kept the temperature comfortable as he walked to the refrigerator, pulling out two bottles of Lauquen mineral water. Jessie would need it later this evening.

“The check is on the counter, along with a contract my lawyer drew up regarding my stipulations,” Crest said, closing the refrigerator door. “They’re rather simple really. I’ll be a silent partner, my percentage of income will go to your foundation, and we’ll continue to share our contacts when needed.”

“I’d ask how you know, but I can figure that one out all on my own,” Townes replied, resting a hand down on the counter but not yet touching the white envelope. He appeared remorseful, which was something Crest would need to address. “I did try, Crest.”

“I knew within the first week of your employment that you weren’t cut out to work for anyone other than yourself.” Crest rested the bottles of water on the counter as well, wanting to safeguard the relationship they’d cultivated. “It wasn’t much of a surprise when a colleague of mine called and stated you’d put in for your licenses. Although Orlando? Really?”

“Year round riding weather,” Townes replied with a crooked smile. It quickly faded when he glanced down at the envelope. “You don’t have to—”

“I do,” Crest replied, not needing to go into specifics. He did touch on the subject that they’d both avoided though. “I owe you, Townes. You could have told me to go fuck myself when I requested your help protecting Jessie from Ryland during those days when I’d thought I’d lose my fucking mind. You made accommodations without hesitation, knowing damn well who he was. It’s a debt that I fully intend to pay and this is just the start of it.”

Townes remained silent and thoughtful, then slowly nodded in acceptance. He slid the envelope off of the counter and subsequently slipped it inside his leather jacket. There was one more thing Crest had been withholding that had nothing to do with Ryland and everything to do with Townes’ past. Crest had been waiting for a right time to present itself. It appeared the hourglass had run out of sand.

“I know where she is.”

Townes met Crest’s steady gaze but didn’t bite. His friend wasn’t ready to unbury his past. That was okay. Crest understood how difficult it was to face one’s own demons. Townes would eventually seek out the answers and know where to go when the time was right.

“So,” Crest said as he followed Townes to the door. He still held the two bottles of water in his hands, appreciating that Jessie was most likely dressed in the new garter belt and stockings he’d purchased, along with the emerald decorated nipple clamps he’d had made. He had better not keep her waiting. “What did you name your security firm?”

“I think I’ll keep that bit of information to myself for the time being,” Townes said with a smirk. He opened the door and looked back over his shoulder. “It’s not often I know something you don’t, Crest.”

“All I have to do is make one call,” Crest countered, stepping onto the threshold as Townes punched the button for the elevator.

“You could,” Townes said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out the keys to his F-150 truck he’d have no use for in Florida. He rotated the key ring once around his finger in victory. “But since I haven’t told anyone, you’d be searching blind. I guess you’ll have to wait just like everyone else.”

Townes stepped into the elevator and the doors slid quietly closed behind him. Crest smirked and then stepped back inside of his penthouse, closing the door behind him so he could spend the rest of the night with his future wife. His friend was about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime and Crest wished him nothing but the best—Fair Winds and Following Seas.

~ THE END ~

Did you know that the Red Starr series continues with Untold Devotion? Follow along with Gunny’s story here:
http://amzn.to/1kzq4QK

Searching for the truth…

Kane “Gunny” Taylor has spent over a year searching for answers in his sister’s death. That time has culminated in the form of a land, air, and sea rescue operation conducted to save the lives of abducted schoolchildren in her honor. He thought he would find peace in this mission, but what he found was so much more.

Unlocking secrets…

Jade Amherst knows only too well the meaning of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. She’s been held captive for over seventeen months and she’s counted every day, hour, and minute that passed. The rescue mission seemed surreal, the reason behind it so poignant, and the man who led the operation all too real—only she couldn’t move forward without putting her past behind her.

Untold devotion…

Gunny finally returns home after being gone for far too long, another successful mission behind him, and a potential future with a beautiful woman who was so much more. He should have known better than to think things would be easy. Jade’s past comes back with a vengeance and another hostage situation ensues. Will they be as fortunate a second time around?

Essential Beginnings (Surviving Ashes, Book One)

Hidden Ashes (Surviving Ashes, Book Two)

Captured Innocence (CSA Case Files 1)

Sinful Resurrection (CSA Case Files 2)

Renewed Faith (CSA Case Files 3)

Campaign of Desire (CSA Case Files 4)

Internal Temptation (CSA Case Files 5)

Radiant Surrender (CSA Case Files 6)

Redeem My Heart (CSA Case Files 7)

Starr’s Awakening (Red Starr, The Prequel)

Hearths of Fire (Red Starr, Book One)

Targets Entangled (Red Starr, Book Two)