Seeking Justice (15 page)

Well, damn.

I press my legs tightly together, close my eyes and whimper softly.

His deep chuckle is full of satisfaction.

“I… I don’t want you to hurt me.” I manage to gasp.

After several moments when he doesn’t say anything, I open my eyes to meet his gaze. His expression is unreadable.

“Well Caitlyn, I reckon you’re just going to have to see things my way then.”

I exhale sharply, and with my next breath, he’s lifting me up and tossing me back onto the bed.

“Arms above your head,” he orders, and I quickly comply. “Keep them there.”

His gaze is intent, his eyes burning with blue fire as he grips my ankles and pulls me toward the spot he wants me. He runs his hands over the tops of my thighs down to my knees and then lifts one leg to place on his shoulder, smoothing his hand over the calf.

My breathing is affected, coming, in short, sharp gasps. I’m finding it hard to catch a deep breath.

He slides my leg off his shoulder and places it back on the bed. Leaning over he places his hands flat on the mattress on either side of me, looking down into my face. He’s close enough his medallion lands on my chest, right between my breasts. It feels hot.

“We are going to establish a few rules, you and me.” My heart thuds against my chest. “But later, because right now,”—his voice is rough with arousal—“I’m going to show you I have ways to punish you, other than with pain.”

Oh. Shit.

I swallow convulsively, and then he’s on the bed, moving down between my legs, his medallion sliding down my body with his movement. Spreading my legs apart with his hands and shoulders, he lies between them, and I’m immediately embarrassed and apprehensive all in one.

“Please, Liam.” I close my eyes, unnerved that I’m already begging.

His deep laugh causes my body to arch slightly.

He rubs his nose against my thigh, moving up as he inhales deeply, his scruff brushing against my sensitive skin, causing me to jerk. His hand comes down on my leg to hold it in place, and he bites the inside of my thigh up high where the skin is soft. I cry out.

“I love how you respond to me, darlin’.”

I moan softly. I love what he does to me.

He comes up to his knees between my legs and uses his hands behind my knees to bend and raise my legs up and apart, spreading me open wide.

“No!” I squirm, scooting back across the bed, trying to pull my legs back together. This has to be one of the most exposed and vulnerable positions a woman can be in.

“Stop, or I’ll tie you down.”

My breathing stops along with the movements of my body. I rapidly shake my head.

“Then do as I say, and lie still.” He pushes my legs open wider to lie between them again, and I squeeze my eyes shut.

When he drags his stubbled jaw roughly against my thigh, I jerk and cry out. I warily look down the length of my body at him, but he seems unconcerned, staring between my legs.

Oh!
My stomach muscles clench painfully.

He blows his hot breath right on my sex, and I mewl softly, clutching at the sheets under my hands.

“Did your boyfriend ever touch you here?” Liam asks his voice low and erotic.

“Um…” His question throws me for a moment.

He cups me with his large hand. I arch, pressing against that hand.

“Not like that,” I answer breathlessly.

“Did he ever inhale your delicious scent, right here?” He taps a finger against my sex.

“No,” I gasp.

Liam buries his nose between my legs. I clench my teeth to stop myself from coming up off the bed, but I’m unable to stop my whimper.

Holy hell!

“Please, Liam.” My plea is long and plaintive.

“Did he ever taste your sweet essence?” Again he taps his finger against me.

I cry out even before he brings his mouth to me. I jerk when his tongue rasps over my sensitized clit, licking down to my entrance to enter me with a quick jab of his tongue before giving me a long lick back to my clit.

His hands keep my legs spread in place as I writhe and buck beneath his assault.

“You taste sweet as nectar, darlin’,” he drawls lazily.

Oh, hell… his voice.
His sexy voice alone could send me over the edge.

“Did he ever suck on this pretty pink nub, darlin’?” He flicks his finger against the bundle of nerves.

A tremor runs through my body, and my head thrashes back and forth on the bed. Placing his mouth over my clit, he sucks gently, pulling and lengthening it before sucking forcibly.

My legs stiffen, and my back arches up off the bed as I feel the internal tightening of my muscles. The intense pleasure causes the pounding of my heart to send my blood roaring through my veins. As he continues to suck, ruthless in his onslaught, I feel the familiar quiver low in my core.

And then he releases me. “Not yet, sugar.”

“What?” I manage to gasp. “Please, Liam,” I beg. Why is he stopping? I fist my hands until my nails dig into my palms. Rubbing my leg against his shoulder, I try to turn my body to gain a little advantage so I can press against him, anything to ease this unbearable ache that he’s created.

He lifts up to his knees, and I shift my legs down. I want to cry out for him to continue.

“No. I don’t think you are contrite enough, sugar.”

What?

He begins at my ankles, taking his time, he slowly moves up my body, sucking and nipping, torturing me with his mouth until he’s lying firmly on top of me again. His fingers twist tightly in my hair, and he takes my mouth in a searing kiss, his hold tightening as his kiss becomes more intense. When he releases my mouth, my senses are reeling. I’m gasping, my chest rising with each labored breath. He smiles down at me before latching onto my nipple, biting and pulling at the sensitive peak with his teeth.

“Ahhh!” I reach for him, but his hands grab mine keeping them held above my head.

“Did you forget I said I would tie you down?” His voice is gruff and his expression hard as he looks down at me.

“If it will make you hurry up and fuck me, then do it!” I snap.

His eyes crinkle at the corners and he laughs. “Sorry, darlin’—but I say when.”

Ughhh!
I’m not going to survive this. I see that now. Maybe I should plead for physical punishment as this is pure torture.

He threads his fingers back through my hair, gripping tightly, pulling my head to the side and bringing his mouth to my neck, biting the delicate skin. I cry out, but I’m determined, not to beg him again.

I hope I don’t.

He continues to torment me, his fingers twisting and plucking at my nipples as his body holds me down against the mattress. The burn starts low in my belly, working its way up until I’m shaking uncontrollably.

When he releases my nipples, holding perfectly still as he watches me, I know I can’t take it anymore, I feel as if I’m about to explode.

“Please, Liam!” I writhe beneath him and try to move my legs apart hoping that will entice him to end my torment. But he’s got my body secured to the mattress with his, so I can’t move them.

“I like you this way, sweetheart, tightly strung.” He leans in and places his mouth against my ear. “I control your pleasure—only me,” he murmurs.

I whimper softly.

He pushes my legs apart with his, his hand coming down to the top of my thigh. He slides his fingers between my legs, over my wetness, moving slowly over my clit, around and over, bringing me closer.

When he slides one long finger into me, he growls deeply, and every muscle in my body tightens and quivers as I arch against him. I cry out my pleasure, and his mouth covers mine in another searing kiss. His tongue mimics his finger, plunging deeply into my mouth as his hand presses against my sex, his finger probing farther into me. My moan sounds tortured when he slips a second finger in, and I gasp against his mouth as he stretches my swollen tissues. When he presses and relentlessly rubs his fingers against a spot deep within me, I think I’ll pass out from the intense pleasure. It’s so good—so good that the pleasurable sensation overwhelms me.

“Please Liam,” I cry, not recognizing my own voice.

He shifts suddenly rising to his knees to cover himself with the condom. Bracing his upper body on his forearms, he moves my legs widely apart until he’s lying with his erection pressed against my entrance. The medallion of his necklace lies hot and heavy against my breast.

“Are you ready for me, darlin’?” he asks, his voice strained.

“Oh, yes!” My voice quivers, and I nod as I tentatively move my hands down to his shoulders while his eyes stare into mine. I need to touch him.

He thrusts into me then, thick and hard, filling me beyond what’s comfortable.

I cry out as a rough growl erupts from between his clenched teeth. I gasp and struggle for breath as he withdraws and once again plunges deeply into me. Pleasure pain.

“You’re so hot and slick,” he growls. “Tight.” He pulls almost all the way out, then thrusts, much deeper. My cry sounds guttural this time, and I move my hands to his chest, pushing, instinctively trying to avoid the pressure and pain. It’s too much.

“No.” He grasps my wrists and pulls them above my head again, holding them against the mattress. “You will take all of me.” His voice is raspy.

I whimper, not sure that I can. He’s too big, and with that thought, he plunges hard and deep, sheathing himself to the hilt.

“Ahhhh!” My back arches off the bed. The pain is sharp. My first time never hurt like this.

He rests his forehead against mine, holding his body still above me. It gives me a chance to grow accustomed to his size.

“Fuck, Caitlyn!” His voice sounds raw. All I can do is whimper in answer.

Liam slowly withdraws only to push back deeply into me. He continues the pattern, a slow withdraw, a forceful plunge, over and over. I grip his upper arms gradually starting to meet his thrusts.

He picks up speed his shaft sliding deep and fast, creating a friction that’s almost unbearable with its depth of pleasure. He brings his mouth to mine in a passionate kiss that only fuels the flames that are roaring inside of me as I race to keep up with each wild thrust.

The force of my orgasm hits me hard, and I cry out. My arms encircle his shoulders, and my legs wrap around his waist. The sensation is too much as I struggle to hold on, to save myself from the body-shattering intensity that will inevitably consume me.

Liam calls out my name as he finds his release, shuddering and thrusting as he empties himself. Collapsing on top of me, he’s breathing hard, and then he rolls onto his back, pulling me on top of him. He buries his face in my hair as it falls around him.

“Fuck!” he exclaims as he wraps me in his arms.

Chapter Nine

I
wake slowly, Liam’s arousing scent teasing me to consciousness. I stretch, arms above my head toes pointed. The soreness in my muscles brings me fully awake, reminding me of the intense pleasures of the night before. I sit up, the sheet tucked around me. I’m in the bedroom alone, and the en suite door is open, revealing its emptiness. A glance at the bedside clock, and I know that Liam is probably at the morning meeting. A sudden overwhelming shyness hits me, and I know I want to be gone before he returns.

I really do need to go home, I tell myself as I leave the rumpled bed. My face heats noticing pillows strewn about the bedroom floor, and one corner of the fitted sheet pulled away from the mattress as it sits a little cockeyed on the frame of the bed. The duvet is pooled on the floor at the end of the bed since there was no need for the cover during the night; the man sleeps hot. I awoke more than once, overheated and slightly sweaty wrapped in Liam’s arms. I spot my shoes, but I don’t see my clothes as I search the room. I pick up the duvet, pulling it up onto the bed. No clothes. What has he done with my clothes? I hope they aren’t keeping company with my still missing thong.

I hurry to the bathroom to find my dress and underwear neatly folded on the counter. I glance up and catch my disheveled reflection in the mirror.

Oh no! I look as if I’ve spent the night having sex. Good sex. I smile and can’t stop from grinning. Great sex. Sex, I definitely want to repeat. With Liam.

I need to hurry. Not only do I want to avoid Liam but co-workers too. I dress hurriedly, and as I walk through the apartment, headed for the elevator, I notice how large it is. Why does he need so much room? I wish I had time to look around. It’s a beautiful apartment, spacious with lots of windows allowing the morning sunshine to stream in across the hardwood floors.

I’m relieved to discover I don’t need a card to open the elevator doors from within the apartment. Once inside, I look at the control panel. Four numbers. Four floors? I know that the Justice has three levels, does it have a basement too? Then I know. It does. I saw it on the monitor in the security office. The area that looked similar to a dungeon.

Holy shit!

I definitely want to avoid that level. I touch the number two hoping it takes me back to Liam’s office, and I’m relieved that when the doors slide open it has.

I stop long enough to use Liam’s desk phone to call for a cab, and then I hold my breath as I hurry toward the back door of the mansion. I’ve never had a reason to do the walk of shame and immediately decide that I’m not a fan. I don’t allow myself a good, deep breath until I sit back in the taxi cab.

Two hours later, I enter through the front doors of Query Magazine. I had just enough time to go home and shower before heading to the magazine.

Pat called me the day before requesting that I join her to meet with Valerie’s lawyer, and Paul is going to sit in on the meeting too, at my request.

Sitting in Valerie’s office, I study Joseph Case, a distinguished looking man in his early fifties. With a smattering of gray in his dark hair and his fit appearance, he looks as if he could grace the cover of GQ Magazine. Valerie once told me he enjoyed dancing, and I wonder if that’s how he stays in shape. I’ve often speculated about Valerie’s relationship with the lawyer.

“Thank you all for joining me this morning, I won’t keep you long.” Joseph Case begins. “I have contacted the authorities about the situation concerning Valerie, and I’ve instructed a private detective that works for me, to travel to her last known location.”

I wait for him to say what location that is.

“Ms. Shaw, Pat tells me you are the last person Valerie spoke with, could you divulge that conversation, please.”

“Um…” Caught off guard I glance at Pat. I was the last person to speak with Valerie? I clear my throat in nervousness.

“She wanted to know if I’d discovered anything at Justice House.” The lawyer’s gaze is direct and perceptive. Geez, no wonder I’m a little nervous. I clear my throat again. “Then she told me that she was going to be out of the country for a few days. She wanted me to stay on course with my assignment and she would call as soon as she returned. I asked her the meaning of a few days, and she said possibly a week. She informed me that I wouldn’t be able to reach her, but that she would check in daily with Pat.” I glance again at Pat. “She said if something came up, to call Pat and let her know. Then she said she needed to go, she was boarding the plane, and she hung up.”

“And did you?” the lawyer asks.

“Did I?” I ask and glance at Paul.

“Discover anything new at Justice House?”

“Not to my knowledge.” The lawyer gives me a long look.

“Did Valerie tell you where she was going?”

“No.”

“Did you speak of her leaving to anyone, other than the people in this room?”

“No.”

He nods, giving me a small smile. He turns his attention to Pat next.

“Did you know where Valerie was going?”

Pat shifts in her chair. “No.”

The lawyer tilts his head. “You didn’t make her travel arrangements?”

“No. She made those on her own, which I thought a little strange at the time,” Pat says.

“Did you speak to anyone about her leaving?”

“No, I did not. And if someone asks where she is, I tell them she’s had a family emergency.”

“Mr. Sims?” The lawyer turns to look at Paul, including him in his line of questioning.

“No, I have not spoken to anyone about Valerie’s absence, other than you three. My wife is aware that Valerie is out of town, but I haven’t mentioned anything else to her. I had no prior knowledge of her leaving, so I am not aware of where she was traveling.”

“Okay.” Joseph Case stands. “My man will be in touch with me tomorrow, we may know something then. I know I don’t need to remind you to call me immediately if any of you hear from Valerie.” He hands us each a business card. “My personal cell number is on the back. Call anytime of the day or night.” He moves to the office door. “And please, be very careful of who might overhear you if you speak of the situation to each other.” He gives us a nod of dismissal.

That’s it? That’s all he has to say? I want to get him aside and grill him about what he knows, what he isn’t telling us, although I’m sure he wouldn’t crack easily under pressure.

“One thing Mr. Case,” Paul says. “Will the police be contacting us?”

“Probably not you, Mr. Sims, but they may wish to speak with Ms. Shaw and Mrs. Williams.” He looks at me and then Pat.

I look quickly at Paul and then back at the lawyer. “They won’t be coming to Justice House, will they?” My heart jumps into my throat at the thought.

“No. I took the liberty of giving them your cell number and informed them that is how they need to contact you.”

“Thank you.” I sigh with relief. A visit from the police while at Justice House might be a little difficult to explain to Liam. I give the lawyer a quick look wondering how he has my cell number and then realize Pat must have given it to him.

Paul and I take our departure, leaving Pat with Mr. Case.

“Let’s go grab a quick lunch, I have a meeting at noon,” Paul says as we walk toward his office.

“Is it with Adams?” I grin.

“You think that’s funny? Maybe I’ll call him, and the three of us can do lunch together. You can sit in on our meeting. Adam’s would enjoy that.” Paul smirks.

“Ha! Not on your life.” I reach into my jacket pocket for my phone so I can turn the ringer back on, noticing I have two missed calls from Liam’s number. My heart gives a little thump.

“Problem?”

“Nope. Where are we going to eat?”

Paul stares me down.

“What?” I try my best to hold his gaze.

“How are things going with Justice?”

“I don’t know what you mean.” It’s hard not to smile.

“Cait?”

“Hmm?”

Paul stops, takes my arm, and then he’s pulling me into his office.

“You’ve slept with him,” he states, not looking happy.

“Um… that’s not really any—” I catch myself before I tell him it’s not any of his business. “I’m a big girl, Paul.”

“No you’re not.” I frown at him. “You’re young and sweet, and a guy like Justice will eat you alive.” He’s glaring down at me, and my sudden red face at his “eat me alive” comment doesn’t escape his notice.

“Fuck, Cait!”

I’m surprised at his vehemence. “Paul… I told you I’m not looking for a relationship with Liam Justice, and I meant what I said.”

“Cait—”

“It’s just sex, Paul,” I say firmly. “I’m not some delusional little innocent here.” I don’t want to hurt his feelings, but… “I can take care of myself, and you need to understand that.”

He looks surprised. “I understand that you’re hooking up with a guy who owns a sex club. Are you using protection?”

“Shhh!” I glance toward his closed door. “That’s none of your business, Paul! And why are we talking about my sex life instead of discussing our meeting about Valerie?”

“I’m worried about you!”

A sharp knock has Paul reaching over to open the door with a scowl on his face. We’re both surprised to see Julie standing in the hallway.

“What are you doing?” Paul asks as he pulls her into the room.

“I could hear you two fighting out in the hallway, so I thought I’d better knock.”

“We weren’t fighting,” I say, looking over at Paul. “Your husband was just trying to make sure I understood his point of view on a matter.” My cell rings, and I pull it from my pocket. “Could you really hear us?”

“Yes, and I think the whole office is wondering, as am I, if you are practicing safe sex.”

“What?” I screech. I give Paul a glare before checking my phone. Damn it! It’s Liam calling again.

“I need to take a rain check on lunch, Paul.”

“Don’t be mad, Cait!”

“I’m not mad,” I tell him and smile to reinforce my words. “I Promise. I need to go in to work early. It’s going to be a big night.”

“At the sex club?” he asks with sarcasm.

“Paul! That’s not nice,” Julie scolds. “Come on, Cait, I’ll walk you out while Paul sorts out the office rumor that he’s started.” She gives her husband a pointed look.

No one looks at us as we walk through the outer office, a sure sign that I’ll be the topic of conversation that afternoon.

“He’s been worried about you,” Julie says as we stand outside the building waiting for my cab.

“I know but…”

“So.” She steps close, linking her arm with mine. “How is Justice in the sack?”

“Julie!” I laugh.

“That good? Hmm, I want to hear all about it.”

I take a deep breath. “Do you think that I’m being foolish… about Liam?”

“Do you?” She turns to look at me.

“No, I don’t.”

“Well then…. Look, you know how overprotective Paul is, and how he drives me freaking crazy sometimes.” I laugh when she makes a face. “But we’re the only family he has close here.”

“I know, and I love him for caring. I really don’t want him to be mad at me.”

“Here’s your cab.” She gives me a quick hug. “I’ll line him out.”

I give her another hug. “You are amazing,” I tell her.

“I know, and that’s why I deserve to hear what a great fuck Liam Justice is.” She grins impishly.

I shake my head at her as I open the cab door. “We’ll have to get together and share a bottle of wine.”

“Sounds good. I’ll talk to you sometime this weekend.”

“Okay.” I give her a wave as the cab pulls away from the curb.

I have no intention of going in to work this early, but Paul’s comment about protection reminded me that I need to call my doctor for an appointment. I call her office, and as luck would have it, she has a cancelation right after lunch.

I see it as a good omen.

I enter through the back door of Justice House on Friday afternoon of the next day, eager to start my shift and even more eager to see Liam. He’d been absent the entire day before, called away on business. He’d left me a short message on my cell informing me that we were going to have a talk when he returned about my, “fucking habit of leaving without saying goodbye.”

I walk briskly through the entrance to the restaurant and stop dead in my tracks. The first thing that catches my eye is Liam, laughing at the bar with two other men. Members I assume, a lot of new faces this past week. He’s sitting on a stool, his back to the bar, long, muscular jean clad legs stretched out in front of him. He’s wearing a white linen shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, and I can see the outline of his medallion under the fabric. He looks devastatingly handsome with his sexy day old scruff and disheveled hair. I follow his strong arms down to his hands as they grip the bare-assed cheeks of the woman standing between his legs.

Miranda.

She stands facing him, and it looks as if she’s only wearing a bra and thong. It’s plain to see she’s enjoying the attention of the men, especially Liam as she leans in to kiss his cheek. A jolt of red-hot jealousy sears its way straight to my heart.

I pray I can back out, undetected, but at that moment, clear blue eyes look up to catch my gaze. I notice surprise and—something else in their depths but I’m not sure what. Why is he surprised? After all, it is the time of day for the evening shift to arrive.

Miranda and the men gathered, notice his attention diverted, and they all look in my direction. I decide to go for indifference and continue to cross the room. I feel eyes watching me, and I say another prayer that I don’t trip or disgrace myself. When I almost reach the blessed cover of the hallway, Holly calls to me.

“Cait! Wait up.”

I turn, keeping my eyes from looking over to the bar area. I paste a smile on my face and hold my head up, pretending that I’m unaffected by the fact that Liam has his hands on that woman’s ass. When Holly reaches my side, she laughs softly. We continue down the hallway toward the employee room, where she begins to chuckle again, soon laughing outright.

“What’s so funny?” I throw my purse and sweater in my locker, petulantly slamming the door shut.

“You should have seen Randi’s face!”

Who? “Randi?”

“Miranda, the bitch.”

Surprised at Holly’s derogatory comment, I turn toward her.

“Don’t look so shocked. Wait until you get to know her.”

I nod in understanding. I already know enough about her. She wants Liam.

“You should have seen her face. Standing there with her coochie barely covered, and those men only had eyes for you. Especially Liam.” She laughs with apparent glee.

“I don’t think they were looking at me, other than I’d disturbed their little—” I shrug.

“Oh Cait, you are priceless!” She nudges my shoulder. “Don’t forget we’re hitting the bar tonight. I’m headed back to work, see you later.”

My shoulders slump with her exit, and the sudden panic that I feel, is overpowering. “No!” I whisper. I can’t let this hurt me. What the hell am I thinking? This is supposed to be just sex. Remember that, Cait!