RetroCog

Chapter Six

After a full day’s work, Lara wanted nothing more than to drag herself to bed and sleep until tomorrow. Unfortunately, she’d promised Bill dinner after he finished checking the wiring.

“Good as new.” Bill wiped his hands on his pants and withdrew a notebook from his back pocket. He wrote a few things down, then put it back. “Now, about that dinner you promised me.”

She rolled her eyes. “Men. Always thinking with your stomachs.”

“Not always,” she swore she heard him mutter, but when she turned around to confront him, he raised his brows.

“What?”

“Nothing. Let me get my purse, and we’ll go.” She found it sitting on her favorite comfy chair. “I thought a sandwich at the Corner Shop would be just the thing.”

“I’m game.” Bill waited for her to precede him and closed the door behind him.

She left with him, her cell phone on hand for emergencies. She stopped by the front desk and put out a note with her number, just in case. Frank and Shelly both had the night off, and with the guests taken care of, Lara didn’t exactly need to be on hand. An answering machine would catch anyone trying to book a room. Nothing stood in the way of her dinner with Bill.

Not even Noah.

She clenched her jaw, then forced herself to relax and smile at Bill. While they made their way to the restaurant, she half listened to him talk about his day. She couldn’t get that stubborn Noah out of her mind. Earlier, she’d mentioned her dinner plans, hoping he wouldn’t make a big deal about it. After all that nonsense about “you’re mine” and then Cecilia’s warning about a jealous lover, Lara had been prepared for the worst. Noah hadn’t done much more than shrug before leaving the inn on some errand or other.

She hadn’t seen him since, and she wanted to beat herself over the head for caring that Noah apparently didn’t care. Great sex did not a relationship make. She should have known that, except she’d never had such incredible, mind-blowing sex before. Being with Noah last night, she’d transcended physical pleasure into something else entirely. Though she didn’t want to make more of their coupling than there was, she couldn’t deny the fierce attraction she felt for him. Or how much his dismissal of her dinner with Bill hurt.

Granted, she didn’t want him throwing a fit about it, but some concern should have been warranted. If he’d had a date with some woman, she’d have been annoyed. And frankly, jealous.

“Hello, Lara? You’re in your own little world tonight, aren’t you?”

She flushed. “Sorry, Bill. That plumbing situation fried my brain today.” Not entirely untrue. She walked with him into the cute restaurant and grabbed a corner booth. “Not only did Harold take forever to come fix the problem, but the stoppage somehow migrated from two of my rooms to four of them. We had a lot to clean up before our new guests came. And don’t get me started on Shelly and her excuses for being late.”

He chuckled. “Hate to say it, but her latest excuse just walked in the door.”

A glance to her right showed Mike Buckman nodding at a few folks. Mike aimed a glare at Bill, a speculative look at her, then took a seat on the other side of the room from them.

“Oh yeah. Not a lot of love lost there.”

Lara blinked. “I hadn’t realized you two weren’t friends.”

“Why? Just because we’re both civil servants in a town the size of a quarter doesn’t mean we’re tight.”

“But I saw you two chatting yesterday at the inn.” And she’d never heard of the two of them not getting along. She could understand him not liking Mike, but everyone seemed to like Bill.

“He was letting me know to move my truck. The asshole—I mean, the good deputy—didn’t want to ticket me for being too close to the yellow curb.”

“No one pays any attention to the faded markings in front of the inn anymore.” She frowned and accepted one of the menus the waitress brought them. “Why was he bothering you about it?”

Bill lifted a brow.

“What?”

“Come on, Lara. You can’t tell me you don’t know Mike has a thing for you.”

“He does? But he’s always hanging around with Shelly. I thought they were dating.”

Bill studied the menu, and the sudden silence that settled over them made her uncomfortable. She had an odd feeling she was missing something important.

The waitress came to take their orders, then left.

“Bill?” Lara prodded.

“Look, I’m not one to gossip. I hate busybodies. But everyone knows Mike is with Shelly to make you jealous.”

“Everyone knows but me.”

“Apparently.” He sighed. “I hate to break it to you, but you’re one hot topic of speculation, honey.”

“I am?”

The waitress brought them waters and left again.

“A single, beautiful woman with brains shows up in this artsy town full of eclectic people. You stand out, if only because you’re so normal.”

“Gee, thanks.” If he only knew.

He chuckled. “You have to know you’re gorgeous. Now, now, don’t blush. It’s true.” The assessing look he gave her made her uncomfortable. “I’m a man. I know what men like. Mike wants a chance with you. I want a chance with you.” He paused. “And if I’m not mistaken, that guest of yours, Noah’s what’s-his-name, he wants a chance with you too.”

In an effort not to disclose her personal business, she focused on Mike. “Tell me again why I should think Mike Buckman wants a date with me. He’s got Shelly at his beck and call, because God knows the woman is never working when Mike crooks his little finger. He’s never given me anything but dirty looks.”

“Nah. That’s his way of showing his interest.” Bill took a sip of water. “I’ve lived in plenty of places before Brownville, and I’ve come across my share of cops and firemen. We’re all pretty much the same. We like control because we work hard to dictate the actions of others. I want to prevent fires and promote safety. Mike, for all his hostility, wants the same. So when it comes to women, a guy like Mike will try to bully you into a date instead of asking you, because he doesn’t want to chance a rejection.”

“Whereas you…”

He grinned. “I’ll charm you out of your socks. And if I’m lucky, out of the rest of your clothes, while I’m at it.”

She choked on the water she’d started to swallow. “I’m flattered, I think. But from what I’ve heard, you have women dropping at your feet whenever you flash those bright blue eyes.”

He fluttered his lashes at her, and she laughed.

Their sandwiches arrived, and they continued to talk about the town and the current goings-on of several shops expanding business. To Lara’s relief, they steered clear of more personal conversation.

After dinner, Bill walked her back to the inn. “Thanks for the meal, Lara. But it was the company that made it great.”

“What a nice thing to say.” She smiled as she turned to face him, but the odd expression on his face worried her. “Bill?”

One minute he was staring at her, the next he was kissing her, where anyone and everyone could see them. His lips were warm but firm, his breath sweet and minty, thanks to the candy mint he’d eaten after dinner. But the sexual heat she might have expected didn’t appear. No belly flutters, no hard nipples, not even a whisper of arousal at being so close to a handsome man. His kiss was nice but blah. Then he tightened his grip on her arms.

She tried to pull back and worried he wouldn’t let her, when he suddenly released her and stepped back.

“Christ. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so rough.” The chagrin on his face more than made up for his heavy-handed manner.

“It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not.” He swore and ran a hand through his hair. “Damn. I’m sorry. I really like you. And you look so pretty in the twilight like that. Your eyes are so dark, so mysterious. I’ve had a thing for you for months, Lara. I thought, maybe, with you taking me to dinner, you were—”

“Lara, there you are.” Noah walked down the walkway of the inn and joined them. “I was going to ask you to dinner, but I figured you already went out. I had a few things to go over with you about the inn. You know, those art pieces you were inquiring about?”

Bill frowned at him. “We’re kind of in the middle of something.”

“Oh? Sorry.” Noah didn’t sound sorry. But he didn’t sound jealous either.

At least she wouldn’t be the cause of a scene. The thought depressed her. “Bill, I’d better go in. I have a few more things to do before I can call it a night.”

Bill shot Noah another dirty look before shrugging at Lara. “Well, I have to get back to work anyway. Think about what I said, okay? You have my number if you need me.” Ignoring Noah, he bent to give her a peck on the cheek. Then he left for his truck.

She and Noah watched him drive away in silence.

“What about this art piece?” she asked, still watching Bill’s truck until it turned the corner. How odd that for years she’d had nothing special going on in her private life. Now, in the span of a few short days, she had a lover and an admirer—one who wouldn’t be leaving in a few days. Though Bill didn’t spark fireworks like Noah did, that didn’t mean he was a total write-off. Maybe after she got Noah out of her system, she could settle with a nice, handsome, respectable man. He had a steady job, after all. A pillar of the community. And she genuinely liked him.

When Noah had yet to answer her, she turned to see him scowling down at her. Finally, a show of emotion. “What?”

He watched her and nodded, seeming to come to some conclusion. “I figure it’s best if I show you. Come on.”

“Okay. But first…”

“Now. It’s important.”

Knowing that murder, theft, and serious money hinged on Noah’s current case, she didn’t argue. “I have my cell phone if there are problems, I guess.”

He nudged her to move faster. They took his vehicle and drove out of town.

“Noah?”

“I’ll explain once we’re there.”

They arrived at a motel just outside the city limits, one that catered to visitors not familiar with Brownville. The bland building didn’t hold a candle to the Lady Fine Inn or any of the other hotels and B and B’s in town. People came to Brownville for the atmosphere. The best that could be said of this place was that the parking lot looked clean.

“This is a little weird.” She saw one blue compact car at the end of the row, in the opposite direction of where Noah parked. He had a smaller bag in hand as he pulled her from the SUV.

He glanced around, then walked quickly to a door a few down from where he’d parked, nearly dragging Lara in the process. To her consternation, he refused to let go. Nor did he explain anything. Starting to worry, she tried again. “Noah, what’s going on?”

“I’ll tell you inside.”

He hadn’t smiled at her once all day. And the look in his eyes now… To her surprise, her pulse raced. There was a hint of meanness in his gaze, and it turned her on. God, what is wrong with me? Bill, Mr. Nice, leaves me feeling nothing. But one glare from Mr. Bossy and I’m sexually excited?

He knocked once, and a woman opened the door. One of those pretty little things that set Lara’s teeth on edge. Petite, feminine, and with a face so arresting, one had to take a second look. Lara couldn’t determine the woman’s background. Carmel-colored skin, long black hair, and light blue-gray eyes. She seemed like a mix of several races rolled into one sexy female. One who knew and liked Noah, by the smile in her eyes.

“About time. I’m starved.” She gave Lara a curious once-over and said to her, “Good luck. You’re gonna need it.”

Before Lara could ask what that meant, the woman shot out the door. Noah shoved Lara inside, shut and locked the door behind him, then propped his back against it and tossed the bag to the floor. He crossed his arms over his chest, no longer the impassive man who’d strong-armed her into accompanying him.

“What the hell is your problem?” Damn. Her nipples throbbed, and her panties grew wetter by the second. Noah’s arms bunched, and the fury darkening his eyes only seemed to grow.

“I told you just last night you were mine. What the fuck did you think that meant?”

Where had the calm, controlled man from this morning gone? “This is about Bill, right?”

“What do you think?”

She couldn’t help glancing down his body, centering on the prominent bulge between his legs. The fact that he was aroused skyrocketed her own desire.

“I think you should have said something before. You didn’t tell me not to have dinner with him.” Which she would have laughed at. Commanding her in the bedroom, she liked, but in real life? Not so much.

“I shouldn’t have to tell you shit.” He took a few steps closer. “I didn’t like you going out with him, but I trusted you. Stupid, since what do we really know about each other?”

Pleased that he felt the same connection she did despite his reservations, she tried to explain. “Noah, I didn’t—”

“Then I saw his hands on you. His tongue down your throat, and you standing there, taking it.”

“Now hold on.” She scrambled back when he stalked over to her, and fell back onto the bed. A normal woman would have felt fear. Lara wanted him to screw her like there was no tomorrow.

He loomed over her. “Take off your fucking clothes.”

She shivered. “Noah, I didn’t kiss him. If you saw us, you know he took me by surprise.”

“The shirt first. I want to watch your nipples perk up for my clamps.”

Lara froze. “What?”

“Do it, or I’ll do it for you.”

Nervous, aroused, and confused all at once, Lara didn’t know what to do.

Then Noah took the choice from her.

He couldn’t believe how angry he was that Bill Knowles, that fuckwad, had dared to touch her. Lara belonged to him. He’d seen that kiss, the way the bastard groped her, holding her too tight. Though Lara hadn’t instigated the embrace, she hadn’t seemed too bothered by it. Clearly she needed to learn a lesson about what it meant to be his.

Noah hadn’t been so excited by a woman since… Well, since this morning, when he’d fucked Lara nice and hard. But apparently, not hard enough.

She looked up at him with those big brown eyes, appearing so vulnerable, despite her arousal. Noah had the simultaneous urge to protect and fuck the shit out of her. Two things he planned on doing right now.

He didn’t like her refusal to obey, though. That he’d have to correct. “I know I told you to take off your clothes.” With one hand, he ripped her shirt down the middle, and buttons went flying. Her nipples stabbed against her bra, the hard nubs begging for his touch. After pushing the material of her shirt from her arms, he ordered her to sit up.

Satisfied that though she quivered, she obeyed him without question, he unlatched her bra and tossed it to the floor. He pushed her back until she lay flat against the bed again. Then he did what he’d been dying to do since he’d woken that morning.

He took one perfect nipple between his teeth and sucked while he played with the full globe next to it. Her tits were perfect. They fit his hands. And God, he loved touching them.

“Oh yes.” She grabbed his head and held him there, undulating beneath him. He knew if he touched her pussy, he’d find her wet. So true in her response, so needy. Their obvious chemistry made it hard to think of anyone but Lara in his bed. And damn if he’d give her up to some dickhead fire chief.

He shifted his attention to her other breast, sucking and nipping until she begged him not to stop.

He ceased and straddled her. “You wouldn’t do this for Bill, would you, Lara?”

“No.”

“You wouldn’t whore yourself to another man, would you?”

She gaped at him, and the lust started to fade from her expression. “I wouldn’t whore myself for any man.” She scowled at him. “I changed my mind. Get off me, Noah.”

Loving her fire, he gave her a mean smile. He saw her swallow hard. “What’s wrong, baby? Afraid of me now?”

“Fuck you.”

“I intend to. Just as soon as you’re naked and all tied up.”

At that, the fight went out of her. “Tied up?” she whispered and bit her lower lip.

“Oh yeah. So you can’t move while I’m fucking you so hard, you’re screaming. I’m gonna come in that mouth, that cunt, that ass. Over and over. Till you’re begging me to forgive you.”

So lost in his fantasies, he barely noticed her nod as he removed her shoes, socks, pants, and panties. He buried his face in her pussy and sucked her clit hard. Then he pulled away before he forgot himself.

“Don’t stop,” she pleaded. “I want you so much.”

“I can tell.” He smirked and stripped out of his clothes. “Almost as much as I want you.” He held his cock and stroked it a few times. He wanted to come inside her, to watch her swallow him down, then take him in her virgin hole. To know he’d be the first, the only one to claim her ass, had him near to climaxing.

Needing to regain some control, Noah joined her on the bed. “You were a bad girl, Lara. Now it’s time to pay the price. You want to be punished?”

He could see that she did, the way she stared at his cock, played with her breasts, and ran her greedy hands over her belly, angling to touch herself there. Daring him to stop her.

“No.” Her defiance made her sparkle. Such vitality in her face. It was like finding the past and living in it, as if she could cage that eternal need he had for something more than the present.

“Oh, you’re asking for it, aren’t you?” He yanked her head back by her hair, making her arch her neck uncomfortably, but he didn’t pull hard enough to seriously hurt her.

“God, Noah. You’re turning me on like I can’t believe.” Her hushed confession made it hard to hang on to his desire not to ram up into her. “I am such a freak.”

“My freak,” he growled. “Now you’re going to do what I tell you, and you’re going to obey, because I’m in charge.” He tugged her hair again, gratified when she gasped and moaned. He slapped her breast, and she cried out. “Right, Lara?”

“Yes, yes.”

“Now open that mouth. I want you to suck my balls until I come on your belly. Then you’re going to lie there and do whatever the fuck I want, you hear me?”

“Yes, please,” she said on a breath. “Whatever you want, Noah.”

Noah, not Bill. Not anyone else’s name but his.

Only yours, sugar. Always yours. The odd voice struck him because Lara didn’t seem to hear it. Or else she didn’t care. And then she ran her hands up his inner thighs.

He slapped her breast again and squeezed her nipple. “Be good.” He sounded hoarse, but he couldn’t help it. The woman was going to make him come too soon.

“Yes, Noah.”

He turned around to face her feet and straddled her mouth. She’d have to raise her head off the bed to suck him. “Now open those pretty lips. Suck my sac, baby. Show me how sorry you are for being so bad.”

He gripped his cock hard and began stroking off as she took one of his balls into her mouth. Fuck me, but she’s good. “Good little cocksucker, aren’t you?” he rasped, his hand moving faster and faster of its own volition. The need to mark her with himself almost primitive.

She licked his perineum and sucked his sac, lightly grazing his balls with her teeth in a move that made him jolt.

“Oh fuck. Fuck, I’m gonna come hard.” He lowered himself into her mouth more and felt the first explosion of climax hit as she drew his balls deeper into her mouth. “All over you.” He groaned as he jetted on her belly in a white-hot mess.

His orgasm consumed him. The sight of her hairless pussy, those long, slender legs, and that quivering belly now covered in his cum satisfied him in the extreme. When she released him, he rose and turned around, moving back to straddle her thighs.

“You made a mess.” She licked her lips. “But your cock is still hard.”

“Semihard. I’m ready for another go.” If he moved fast enough, he could get his hard-on right back. “But I can wait. You need to come, don’t you, baby?”

“Yes.”

“With Bill?” he asked lazily, still not entirely happy that she would even conceive of going out with another man while he was there.

She groaned. “Noah, I’m sorry, okay? Dinner was repayment for a favor. He passed our inspection on his dinner break. So I felt the need to thank him. That’s all it was. The kiss surprised me.”

“Did it make you wet?” He rubbed his cum in circles over her belly, getting closer and closer to her slick folds.

“No.”

“You sure?” He trailed a finger over her pussy lips, just light enough to drive her insane.

“I’m sure. Dammit, please. Noah, come inside me.” She reached for him, and he levered himself from the bed.

“Not yet.” After grabbing what he needed from his bag, he returned to tie her up nice and proper. Her wrists to the headboard, her ankles to the footboard. Thank God for spindle beds. “I didn’t like you going out with Bill. You got that?”

“Yes.”

“And I don’t like the thought of you in danger. You have to be careful.”

“I thought you were going to hang around to protect me until we found the painting. What happened? Did your little friend put a kink in your plans?”

Cheered that she showed every bit of the jealousy he’d been feeling, he relented enough to fill her in on the new plan. After he put the clamps on.

Digging into his bag, he removed a thin chain that held two adjustable gold clamps on each end. He altered the tightness to go easy on her, but he couldn’t wait any longer to use them. His hard-on returned with a vengeance. He’d done this before only with women he paid, years ago. Professional courtesans who knew what to expect. A shameful period of release during his younger years, when he could no longer hold his sexual demons at bay. But now, to have this woman accept him like this, it meant all the difference.

“First, we’ll put these on you, to teach you lessons about obedience. And loyalty.”

“Noah—” His name ended in a gasp as he applied the clamps.

“God, your tits are perfect.” He couldn’t tear his gaze from the sight of her plump breasts connected by that thin chain. Her nipples were red, taut, and thick beneath the clamps. “You have no idea how sexy you are.”

“They hurt.” But she didn’t moan as she squirmed under the foreign feel.

“Good hurt or bad hurt?”

“Good,” she admitted after a moment. “I feel so sexy in them. With you.”

Their gazes met, and Noah felt another tie to this fascinating woman. “You are sexy. Hot, and incredibly responsive.” He grazed her right nipple with his finger, and her entire body clenched. “I can’t wait to fuck you again.”

“Please. I want you.”

“Not enough.”

“Yes, I do. Please.”

He shook his head, knowing he had to get her there. He moved back to his bag and pulled out a small, slender plug. He applied a healthy bit of lube to it, then returned to the bed. “Not enough, Lara. But soon. Soon you won’t be able to think of anything but me inside you. Anywhere I fucking want to be.”