Shadow of Sin (The Martin Family) (10 page)

His encouragement warmed her. The knowledge that he wanted her, that she could give him even a spark of what he needed, filled her with feminine pride.

She hummed, knowing the vibration would add to his pleasure, before taking him in as far as she could.

Arousal burned in his gaze and he began to move in a slow, steady rocking motion, fucking her mouth in a way that had her juices flowing. Samantha broke eye contact in order to take him deeper. She wrapped a hand around the base of his shaft, worked it in tandem with her mouth. She cradled his balls with the other, gently massaging the sensitive underside until his legs tensed and twitched.

“Unless you want me to fill that tempting mouth of yours, you’d better stop.”

Caleb tried to move, but she held on tight. No way he was taking this from her. She tightened her grip on his sac and tossed him a look that promised retribution if he tried.

She curled her tongue around him, felt his body tense and shake. He cursed, tangling his fingers in her hair as his hips jerked and the first shot of semen hit her tongue. She didn’t let up. She worked her throat, swallowing every drop until his knees went lax around her.

“Damn, Samantha,” he panted. “That was…” He shook his head as if words weren’t enough to explain it. He reached for her. “Come here.”

Climbing over him, Samantha snuggled against his side and placed her hand over his rapidly beating heart. He wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. “I’ll take that as a good sign.”

“That you killed me?”

With his taste still in her mouth, Samantha decided there were worse ways to go. “That you enjoyed it.”

He pressed his lips to her forehead. “Best ever, sugar. Your mouth is pure sin. But, don’t go gettin’ all comfortable. I plan to return the favor, in spades. In fact, as soon as I catch my breath, I’m going to spend the rest of the day showing you what
my
mouth can do.”

* * *

“Where’s Sam?”

Amanda shoved a bag into his arms and before he could blink, wormed her way past him. Caleb followed her to the kitchen and set the bag on the counter.

“What’s all this?” It looked like she’d brought enough food to feed an army.

She craned her neck, clearly looking for something. “You missed Sund
ay dinner and I didn’t want you to starve.”

He bit back a smile. She’d have to look a little harder if she was going to find Samantha, who was currently taking a shower in his bathroom. He was sure it was the last place his dear baby sister would imagine her to be.

Amanda slid onto a stool and crossed her arms over her chest. Her long blonde hair, secured in a ponytail, made her look like the little girl he remembered. Her eyes, though—her eyes betrayed that look of innocence. Behind the shimmering emerald burned knowledge of pain and loss. Things he’d wished he could’ve protected her from. Should’ve protected her from.

Hers were the same eyes that stared back at him when he looked into the mirror. Their father had been the one with the blue eyes. Their father, and Alec.

And when Amanda looked at him like that, as if she were trying to figure him out, she looked so much like their mother it made his gut clench.

“And yet, I’m able to feed myself every other day of the week.” Caleb’s mouth watered at the spread she’d brought. Containers of fried chicken—his favorite—mashed potatoes, and pan gravy made him groan with pleasure. Yes, he could cook. And yes, he fed himself just fine, but there was nothing better than his sister’s home cooking. Something else she’d inherited from their mother.

“Cut the shit, Cay. Where’s Sam? I know how you two get. Is she okay?”

“How we get?”

Her lips pursed as she considered him. His fierce little cherub. “Did you kill her?”

Caleb fought to school his expression and nodded somberly. “I did. Then, I dumped her in the lake. Of course, I had to weigh her feet down with cinder blocks first, her being so light and all. Wouldn’t do to have her floating around for someone to find, right? You want some chicken?” He held the container out to her. “No?” he shrugged. “More for me.”

“Not funny, Cay.”

He laughed. “Well, what did you expect me to say? Of course I didn’t kill her. In fact, I’ve been the perfect gentleman.” Unless, of course, she counted the time he’d pushed Samantha’s head into his lap and buried himself in her mouth. Or the time he’d shoved his fingers into her wet heat and brought her to climax—twice—while he’d feasted on her breasts. Or the time —

“What is that look? What’s going on around here?”

Caleb shoved his libido back into neutral. He was pretty sure Alec knew he’d been sleeping with Samantha, but his sex life wasn’t up for discussion with Amanda.

The last few days had been a revelation. He was relaxed, at ease in his own skin for the first time in a long while. He almost felt … content.

It was Samantha.

Buried deep in the heaven of her body, Caleb could almost see himself through her eyes. And he liked what he saw.

A man worthy of a woman as smart and intelligent as her. A man who could protect and take care of her. And that’s exactly what he would do.

He hadn’t been there when his parents had died. He couldn’t help Amanda with her grief once he’d returned home. He’d lost his men in Columbia, almost lost Amanda last year. He’d failed so many people in his life.

He would not fail Samantha.

Each time he’d gotten up at night, Samantha had been there. No amount of encouraging or browbeating would get her to leave him alone. And lord knew he’d tried. But, instead of letting him work out his frustration on the treadmill, she’d challenge him to a video boxing match and go until he couldn’t hold his arms up, or she’d coax him back to bed, giving her body to him until they fell from exhaustion. Alec had been right about one thing; the woman had more stamina than most of the Marines he’d worked with.

She didn’t pry, didn’t bombard him with a thousand questions, or expect him to talk.

She waved off his gruff moods and refocused his attention.

And he was utterly amazed by her.

He could
feel
his life changing even as he lived it. All because of one sexy redhead. Samantha was fiercely independent and challenged him at every turn. But, when he got her naked, holy fuck, she’d shown him a side of her he hadn’t known existed. A soft, sensual side that drove him crazy.

She’d given him everything. He knew it. He
felt
it.

He just didn’t know what to do about it.

He didn’t know if it was about him, or if it was just … her. Samantha wasn’t one to do anything half-assed. Did she treat all her lovers the same?

Christ. Thinking about her with another man made his knuckles itch for a fight.

“Caleb!” Amanda slammed her palms on the counter.

Desperate for something to do with his hands, Caleb stacked the containers with the intention of putting them in the fridge. “Jesus, kitten. Chill out. Samantha’s fine. She’s in the shower.” Washing all traces of him from her delicious body.

Temporarily.

“How are you doing?” She indicated to the discoloration on his arm.

“Nothing to worry about. I’ve had worse.” Much, much worse. “We’re both fine, I give you my word.”

“Thank you, Cay.”

The sincerity in her voice pulled on his heart. “Thank me for what?”

“For looking out for Sam. You set aside your feelings because you know she’s important to me.” She shrugged. “I appreciate it, that’s all.”

His mouth tugged into a frown. Samantha had said the same thing. Regardless of what had happened in the past, his reasons for keeping Samantha safe had nothing to do with Amanda.

“I can take her off your hands now,” Amanda continued. “She can come stay with me and Joe.”

Over his dead body.

“She’s not some dog you have custody of.” His irritation grew. “You make it sound as if her staying with me is the worst possible thing for her. I doubt she’d share your opinion. No. She stays, for now. She’s safe here.”

Amanda looked as if he’d insulted her. “She’ll be safe with us.”

“As safe as you were?” he barked.

Blood reddened her cheeks. “That’s not fair, Caleb. What happened to me last year has nothing to do with this. And let me remind you, I did a pretty good job of taking care of myself before Joe got there.”

“Hey, hey. What’s all the yelling about?”

“Sam!” Amanda jumped up and hugged Samantha tight.

“Can’t. Breathe. Wanna ease up a little?”

Samantha met his gaze and mouthed,
“What’s this?”

“She was worried I’d killed you.”

Samantha laughed and pulled out of Amanda’s embrace. “Aw, come on now. You know I’m irresistible. All it took was a little forced co-habitation and a lasagna to convince Caleb to put up with me.”

“It was a damn good lasagna,” Caleb confirmed, watching the women closely.

Amanda snorted. “Be that as it may, I want you to come stay with me.”

He bit his tongue. Telling Samantha she couldn’t go would be the fastest way to get her to leave. She had to make her own decision. And if she made the wrong one, well, then he’d pack a bag and go with her.

Either way, he wasn’t leaving her side. Samantha may want to believe their association had an expiration date, but the more he thought about it, the more he thought it was a crock of shit.

They’d never be able to avoid each other, and he’d never be able to sit back and watch another man touch her. It was as simple as that. He wasn’t sure where that left them, but he sure as hell wouldn’t find out if she took off with Amanda.

“I’d like you to stay,” he said. “But of course, it’s your decision.”

Samantha cut him a glance. “Actually, for once, I agree. We made a deal, and I’ll stick to my end of it. I love you, Amanda, but I need to stay here a while longer.”

It chapped his ass that she’d brought up that stupid deal they’d made, but if that’s what she needed to justify staying with him, then so be it. He’d address her little comment about
needing
to stay here later.

Amanda’s gaze darted back and forth between them. “Why don’t we go have some lunch and talk about it?”

Caleb shook his head. “I don’t like the idea of you two out there alone right now.”

“Yeah?” Amanda shot back at him. “Well, get over it. Sam and I need to talk.”

“I am going a little stir crazy, and lunch sounds great.”

“You don’t have a phone.” He felt obligated to point out she’d have no way to contact him if something happened.

She squared off with him and he felt a familiar stirring in his pants as she planted her hands on her hips.

“Well, whose fault is that?” Her gaze softened slightly. “You can’t keep me locked up forever, Caleb.”

Why did she keep acting like staying with him was such a hardship?

Amanda grabbed Samantha’s arm and dragged her toward the door. “We’ll be fine, Caleb. Joe’s waiting downstairs and will be with us the whole time.”

“See? Nothing to worry about.” Samantha winked and blew him a last minute kiss over her shoulder as they walked out. “Later, horseman.”

Caleb stared at the door and wondered—not for the first time where those two were concerned—what in the hell had just happened.

Chapter 10

“Is Joe really waiting downstairs?”

Amanda laughed. “Not exactly, but I’m not a complete idiot. He’s close. I’m supposed to call him when I’m done, and he’ll come pick me up.”

Samantha wasn’t too sure about this. “Amanda —”

“Don’t worry, we aren’t leaving the building. I figured the best we could do is the cafe in the lobby. That okay with you? I’ve given the security guys a heads up and they were more than happy to keep an eye out for us. Caleb’s lived here a long time.”

Samantha hugged her. She wouldn’t feel right about leaving, especially if Joe wasn’t with them. She’d given Caleb her word, but since they weren’t technically going anywhere… “Perfect.”

Relief pushed the air from her lungs as she squeezed her friend. There were very few people she could talk to, and she was desperate. This thing between her and Caleb was confusing, irritating, and amazing. He’d made her feel things she’d never felt before.

He commanded her body with ease; her senses tuned into his every move from the moment he walked into a room. Words had become unnecessary. A gesture, a look … that’s all it took to make her putty in his hands. Whether it was mundane tasks like cleaning up after dinner or more pleasurable pursuits in the bedroom, they moved together with such fluid grace, it scared the hell out of her.

What would she do once they moved on?

She’d totally screwed up. There was no way she could stick around and watch as Caleb found someone else. The thought of sharing Amanda’s dinner table with him and another woman made her sick.

What if he got married?

The thought gripped her heart and squeezed. Nope. She definitely couldn’t stick around for that. Jesus, by sleeping with Caleb, she’d probably cost herself everyone she cared about.

They walked through the lobby, and a security guard raised a hand at Amanda’s wave as they entered the cafe. Samantha loved the convenience of living downtown. She didn’t have to go far to get what she needed. Her apartment was only a few blocks from here, but she’d generally avoided this building, knowing Caleb had lived here.

Funny, how quickly things changed. In just a few days, she’d gone from avoiding him to sharing his home … and his bed. But she couldn’t stay at Caleb’s forever. The last few days had been amazing, but the longer she stayed with him, the harder it would be to walk away. She had her work, her life to get back to. Well, her work anyway.

There were people who needed her, who counted on her to help them. Just as a woman once helped her, saved her. Samantha had made a promise and she would damn well keep her word to the only woman who’d ever had the balls to take on her father.

God rest her soul.

Playing along with Caleb’s need to help her hadn’t been a hardship, but so far, she hadn’t seen him do much to further their cause. She’d give him a few more days, then she’d move back to her place. She couldn’t hide forever, and she was beginning to think staying with Caleb was just as dangerous as being on her own.

Of course, she hadn’t been sitting on her thumbs. Not her style. She’d hoped to find something, anything, that could point her in the direction of the person who’d shot at them. If she could tie the shooter to Vincent, she had a chance to take the bastard down.

Her investigation into Vincent’s financial records had come up empty, as she figured it would, but she’d had to do something. Digging deeper would require Alec’s unique brand of computer skills and she couldn’t trust him not to tell Caleb. It was weird, not being able to trust the one person she’d always counted on. Things were different now. Alec wouldn’t play when it came to her life, which meant the shooting had changed things between them. Any help she requested where Vincent was concerned would be reported back to Caleb.

She understood the whys and wherefores. Alec would do anything to protect her, even if that meant protecting her from herself. Didn’t mean she had to like it.

Without a lead, Samantha had turned her attention back to Carlotta’s situation. She’d read an article that indicated Vincent was expected back in Austin. She hadn’t been able to confirm whether he’d actually arrived, but his potential proximity had made her nervous. Since Caleb had yet to replace her cell phone, Samantha had resorted to using the encrypted email system on her laptop. Carlotta had responded that she was fine. Her new job was keeping her busy, she’d touch base soon. No worries.

Samantha hoped that was the truth. If she’d had her car, she’d already be on the way to see for herself. Something told her Caleb wouldn’t be forking over her car keys any time soon. She’d made a deal and had no choice but to accept it.

For now.

The cafe was small—not a full service restaurant, but more a place to grab a quick snack and cup of coffee. They placed their orders at the counter, both opting to go light with iced coffees and scones. The lunch rush had apparently passed, because the place was all but empty. Samantha hid a smile while Amanda directed her to a table away from the windows. Joe’s influence, no doubt.

Samantha settled back in her chair. “Married life looks good on you.”

“You think?” Amanda traced the edge of her glass and smiled sheepishly. “I never imagined I could be this happy.”

“I can see why.” She winked half-heartedly. “Your husband is seriously hot.”

With an expression only a newly married woman could pull off, Amanda laughed. “He really is. But I’m not here to talk about my gorgeous man. Are you okay? Joe and I really do want you to come stay with us.”

She smiled at the thought of a few days at the ranch. “As much as I adore you and your husband, I’d rather keep my troubles in the city and not on your doorstep, thank you very much. You’ve had all the drama you need this century.”

Amanda had been attacked last year. Some local, drunk asshole learned the hard way not to grab Amanda’s ass without permission. After she’d laid him flat, the man thought to gain his manhood back by attacking Amanda at the ranch. If Joe hadn’t shown up when he had … Samantha didn’t want to think about what could’ve happened.

“Besides, Caleb is asking a lot of questions.”

Amanda glanced around. “About…?”

Samantha nodded, appreciating Amanda’s hesitation to say Carlotta’s name out loud, even with no one around. “That damn sixth sense of his. He knows someone helped me. I confirmed his hunch when he asked, but that’s all. I didn’t tell him who, but you know Caleb. He’s drawing his own conclusions. It’s better if I stay with him. That way, he can’t question us together. He’d be on to us in a hot minute.”

Amanda sipped her iced mocha. Finally, she set her glass down and shrugged. “We rolled the dice when we decided not to tell anyone that I’m the one who helped you. Things like this always have a way of coming back to bite us on the ass.” She leaned in, her expression suddenly fierce. “If telling Caleb now will help him put an end to people trying to kill you, then for chrissake, tell him. We’re talking about your life here. Jesus, Sam. Someone took a shot at you.”

“I’m well aware of what happened.” Samantha absently rubbed her side, her injuries still healing. “I was there, remember?”

“What is it then?” Amanda reached over to squeeze her hand. “Something else is wrong, I can feel it. Talk to me.”

That was the problem with friendship. There’s no protocol for telling your best friend that you’ve been having crazy monkey-sex with her older brother. History told her there was no point in hiding it. As Amanda had said, things like this always came back to bite them in the ass. It was one of the reasons they’d made a pact, long ago, to always be honest with each other. No matter what.

“I slept with your brother.”

Amanda released her hand and fell back into her chair, the air rushing from her lungs with a whistle. “You slept with Alec?”

She kicked Amanda under the table. What? Why would she think that? Jesus. “No.”

“Oh.” Amanda’s eyes widened. “Oh.” Narrowed. “Oh.”

“It was completely unexpected.” Samantha rushed to explain, not wanting Amanda to have time to think about it. “He just showed up at the bar that night and dragged me out. I don’t even know how he found me at that place. I’d never been there before and I’d bet money I’d never find it again. It had been a long week. I needed to blow off some steam and this guy I’ve hung out with a few times asked if I wanted to go…”

She was rambling, but couldn’t make herself quit. “None of that is important. Caleb came and got me and then someone took a few shots at us. Caleb got us out of there and took me back to his place and helped me clean up and, well, one thing led to another and … you know how these things go.”

Amanda held her palm out. “Stop. I don’t want to hear any more. You know what this means, right? This means you can’t ever,
ever
talk to me about sex again. There are some things a girl just doesn’t need to know.” Amanda batted her eyelashes and her lips twisted into a wry smile before downing half her drink. “Call me a prude, but I don’t need to hear about what you’re doing with my brother. Freaks me out.” She frowned into her coffee. “Makes me wish for some Kahlua or Bailey’s or something.”

Relief washed over her.

“You’re not upset?” Samantha hadn’t realized how important Amanda’s opinion of her–of whatever this was with Caleb–was until this moment.

“The only people who’d be surprised are you and Caleb. The rest of us knew it would happen eventually.” Her shock must have shown, because Amanda continued, “Oh, please. Do you honestly think Caleb would watch out for you if he didn’t care?”

Her heart skipped a beat. “He cares about you and Alec. You guys care about me. He does it out of love for you.”

Amanda’s gaze sharpened. “You’ve slept with him and you still believe that?”

Samantha sipped her coffee. “Don’t get all righteous on me. I’m hardly the first person he’s slept with. I’m sure I won’t be the last.”

She choked on the realization that she
wanted
to be the last.

“Is that what you’ve been telling yourself? That you’re both just passing the time? Forced proximity, so why not?” There was no venom in her words, only sadness. “How easy that must make things for you.”

This conversation was spiraling out of control. Samantha sat forward, her elbows biting into the table. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Amanda finished her drink in one gulp and gently placed her glass back on the table. “It means you can tell yourself whatever you want if it helps you sleep better at night. It means that you’re too chicken-shit to fight for something you want instead of fighting for other people all the time. Caleb cares about you, Sam. If you’d stop running for five seconds, you’d see it for yourself.”

Samantha watched, speechless, as Amanda pushed back her chair and stood.

“And it means our little talk is finished. I love you, Samantha, but I won’t sit here and listen to you spew about my brother being just another random fuck. We both know better. Caleb cares about you, and I know how you feel about him. I always have.”

“Amanda. I…” How could she explain how she felt when she didn’t understand it herself?

Amanda’s sigh was loud and heavy, filled with frustration. “Caleb is not your father, Samantha. If you can’t realize that, let him go. And I mean for good. Let him go before it destroys both of you.”

* * *

A rush of satisfaction washed over him. He couldn’t believe his luck. Months of waiting, planning, watching were about to pay off. His lip twitched as the damaged muscles in his face tried to form a grin.

Not always watching.

He’d haunted her favorite spots. The coffee shop on the corner. The honky-tonk just outside of town. She was too polite. When she saw him, she’d acknowledge him. It was her greatest weakness. Always looking out for the underdog. He’d used it to his advantage.

He rubbed a hand over his scarred face, any trace of the handsome man he’d once been burned away with the skin on his left cheek, jaw and neck. Had he been taken to a hospital instead of thrown into a hole in the ground, things might have turned out very differently. As it was, the man he’d been was dead, as was any semblance of goodness that might have lingered.

He toyed with the end of his pinkie finger, the smooth surface below the joint. The tip that used to be there now existed only in his mind. His body shuddered as the memories flooded his vision.

The smell of the earth, the rotting stench of flesh.

He’d been to hell. Lived in the darkest regions until it had become as much a part of him as his own breath. He could still feel the cold steel of the bolt cutters as they sliced through his finger as if it were butter; the warm bite of the leather strap against his back, his ass, the bottoms of his feet. The pain his body had come to crave had been an evil bitch back in those days.

But, he’d survived. And was every bit the cold-blooded killer they’d trained him to be.

That had been their last mistake.

He’d bathed in the blood of those who’d thought to control him. He’d struck them down, without mercy or remorse, and left their corpses as a message to anyone who thought to fuck with him again.

A religious man might say his destiny had been chosen, that this was the life he’d been meant to lead. He wasn’t religious, but if his scarred face earned him his prize, then he’d thump a bible and call himself the pope.

He wasn’t the average killer for hire. He’d honed his skills. He was patient, took whatever time he needed to learn his prey inside and out. He’d become a master at manipulation.

So, when he’d finally pretended to get up the nerve to talk to her, Samantha had been none the wiser. In fact, she’d been completely predictable. Sweet and kind, overlooking his puckered, damaged skin and staring into his eyes.

Not much of a challenge.

At first, they’d shared small talk over coffee. Then, a beer or two. He’d made certain not to develop a pattern, showing up randomly at places he knew she’d be. He’d been careful not to overwhelm her, keeping their contact casual and friendly. Every move was calculated to gain her trust.

He’d waited several months before inviting her to go check out another bar. She’d grown comfortable around him, so he hadn’t been surprised Friday night when she’d paid her tab and left with him … he’d anticipated it.