Deadly Deception Read online

  He lowered his head, nipping one taut peak before sucking it into his mouth. Mallory arched her back, begging for more. He huffed and twisted the closure at the back, snapping it open and ripping it off her. He tossed it behind him, completely indifferent to whether she ever found the fucker again. Just another barrier gone as far as he was concerned.

  Pale, smooth flesh rubbed against his cheek, and he turned his head just enough to slip one nipple into his mouth. He rolled the tiny bud between his tongue and teeth, drawing on it when she moaned his name. He repeated the action on the other side, tasting the combination of woman and floral soap from this morning. He’d never really been swayed by perfume or oils, but damn if her scent didn’t harden his cock, straining it against her flesh.

  Another splash of light from a passing car brightened the interior, casting her body into harsh relief. Pale skin, dusky pink nipples and flowing chestnut hair comprised his view, her motions ghostlike in the wedge of light.

  Mallory undulated against him, rubbing his shaft back and forth along the length of her slit, before tilting her hips and slipping the tip into her channel. A rush of heat seared his skin, and he squeezed his eyes shut to keep from coming. God, only an inch inside her and he was ready to shoot his load like a fucking teenager.

  “Damn, Mal. You’re too hot for your own good.”

  She chuckled, leaning in until her lips brushed his earlobe. “For my good…or yours?”

  She lowered her weight, sinking him completely within her silken walls. Pressure built along his shaft, sending ripples of need into his balls. She raised her hips, sliding along the length of his cock until he thought he’d pop free, before she lowered her weight again, plunging him back inside.

  He threw his head against the seat rest, knowing if he didn’t take his mind off the slow caress of her clenching channel, he’d come before he’d given her any form of release. Mallory didn’t seem to share his concern. She nipped at his earlobe, shafting him again, faster, harder than before.

  “Fuck, darling. I can’t move in this goddamn seat. I’m too close…”

  He grunted the last few words as she tilted her hips again, changing the angle of penetration. His cock swelled, tunnelling back and forth as she increased the pace, riding him with the sole intent of making him climax. He cursed every drop of her hips, the firm impalement sealing his fate. He tried to slip his hand between them and touch her clit, but the confined space made the feat impossible.

  Sawyer clenched his jaw, holding back the fire swirling in his sac. He was dangerously close to losing it, while she didn’t seem to be remotely near the same state. Her sudden intake of breath caught him by surprise. He pried his eyelids open, captivated by the look of sheer pleasure on her face as she tilted her head back, a guttural cry passing her lips. Her channel rippled around him, a fresh wash of cream heating his cock and stealing the last of his resolve. He let go, helpless to stop the rush of pleasure through his shaft as his cock pulsed, giving her every drop of semen he had left.

  His breath rasped in his chest as she fell against him, her naked body warm and soft in his arms. He gathered her close, dropping kisses along her forehead, content to simply hold her. The distinct contrast of her smooth skin against his shirt made him smile. Though they were far from boring, she’d never asked him to make love to her in the car before, and knowing she hadn’t been able, or hadn’t even wanted, to wait until they got inside loosened the tight feeling around his chest.

  He inhaled, drinking in the familiar scent of sex coupled with the subtle hint of rain. “I really hope your enthusiasm means I don’t have to sleep in the damn Jeep.”

  She smiled against his shirt, pulling back until their gazes locked. “I guess that depends.”

  “On what?”

  “On whether you have the strength to get us inside, ’cause quite honestly, baby, I don’t think I can move.”

  She laid her head down again, burrowing into the crook of his shoulder. Her weight felt right against him, and he couldn’t stop from pulling her closer.

  “Not sure you’ll feel that way when Cole taps on the window in the morning, especially with your ass hugging the steering wheel.”

  “I can live with him seeing my ass.” She pushed upright again. “I think the question is…can you?”

  Sawyer growled. She was pushing him, knowing perfectly well how possessive he got. He held her gaze, adjusting his pants before yanking open the door as he shuffled her in his lap, gaining his feet as he leant forward. Mallory gasped and grabbed the keys and her holster before wrapping her arms around his neck as they stepped into the rain.

  “Damn it, Sawyer, I’m naked!”

  He shrugged, heading for the door. “Better under the cover of darkness than in the morning.”

  “I could have gotten dressed first.”

  “Why, when I’d just strip you down the second we got through the door?” He gave her a wicked smile. “I haven’t forgotten how badly I wanted to lick that sweet pussy of yours, so don’t think you’ll be getting any sleep for a while.”

  She swatted his shoulder, tensing when a passing car caught them in a spotlight. He just shifted her closer, nodding at the front door. She unlocked it and pushed it open, smiling when he slipped them both through, kicking it shut before heading for her bedroom. He pushed open the door, angling towards the bathroom. She inhaled sharply when he eased her down on the counter, knowing the cold surface would be a stark contrast to what his skin had been only moments before. He held her gaze as he ran the water, cleaning them both before picking her up again and walking to the bed.

  Mallory smiled as he placed her in the middle of the bed. She set her gun on the side table then held her hand out to him. The simple gesture clenched his heart, and he reached for her, taking her gently to the bed as his lips claimed hers. She sighed contentedly into his mouth, once again giving him control. His cock nudged her sex and he closed his eyes against the rush of emotion. He was a fool to think he’d ever survive without her, and knew, regardless of his fears, he was home to stay.

  She kissed his forehead, the soft whisper of his name feathering over his ear.

  He drew back, looking down at her. Her hair fanned out across the sheets, the brown colour gleaming in the sporadic flashes of lightning. The blue in her eyes seemed darker, more like the dawning of night on the horizon.

  “God, you’re beautiful.”

  Her lips quirked slightly. “Guess I’m lucky you love the colour purple.”

  He frowned at the reference to her bruise. He didn’t like being reminded of the extent to which he’d failed her. He moved one hand, lightly drawing his fingers along the welt. “Not purple…you. I love you.”

  Her breathing hitched, tears welling silently behind her eyes. He smiled and dipped down for another kiss, his fear drifting away. This was where he belonged, where he needed to be, and he knew he’d wait forever just to have her say yes one more time.

  He planted a chaste kiss on the tip of her nose, praying the tears tracking down her cheeks were from love, not regret. “Now as much as I want to make love to you again, I believe I have a promise to keep.”

  Her brow furrowed. “What promise?”

  He shook his head in feigned annoyance. “Weren’t you listening when I told you I was going to lick every drop of cream from your body? You really need to work on your attention skills, darling.”

  He winked as he moved between her splayed thighs, dropping a kiss on her mound.

  She wiggled beneath him, a huff sounding above him. “My attention skills are just… Fuck…”

  He hummed against her flesh as he lapped at her clit, her voice fading into a moan. Her fingers found his hair as she scraped them along his scalp, sending shivers down his spine. His name lit the air like a prayer as she tilted her hips, seeking a firmer touch. He obliged, pressing his tongue flat against her skin as he licked her from cleft to clit.

  “God, Sawyer. I can’t…”

  His heart raced with male
pride as her body tensed, so close to climaxing her muscles quivered in need. “That’s it. Come for me.”

  Her fingers tightened in his hair, tugging on the ends as she convulsed once, then broke, her back arching off the bed as her orgasm hit. He lapped up her release, growling against her weeping flesh before lunging up her body and hilting himself inside her. His sudden penetration sent her over again, and she screamed his name as she spasmed beneath him, her legs locking behind his ass as he pummelled into her.

  She met each thrust, begging him not to stop, scratching his back in her need for more. He gritted his teeth, slamming harder, faster, deeper until she shattered one more time, her whispered words of love fading into nothing as her body went limp beneath him.

  The truth in her voice pushed him over and he came, his body jerking against hers. He held himself rigid, shuddering through the last of his release before falling to the mattress beside her, his heavy pants loud in the silent room. Mallory mumbled something incoherent and turned into him, her gentle weight pinning him to the bed. He wrapped his arms around her, wondering if there’d ever be a time he didn’t hunger for her…didn’t feel incomplete without her in his arms?

  He nearly laughed at the thought, well aware of the answer. And despite all the distance between them, he’d never regretted marrying her…even if it’d only lasted a moment.

  Sawyer closed his eyes. He’d figure it out later, when his thoughts extended past the next opportunity he’d get to make love to her. Mallory snuffled as she burrowed closer, the gentle press of her head on his chest settling his thoughts. She was safe, and he’d make damn sure she stayed that way.

  * * * *

  Sawyer leant back in his chair, trying not to stare beneath Mallory’s desk at the spot she’d so casually mentioned to him the previous night, though the feat was becoming increasingly more difficult as the day wore on. He’d caught himself mentally counting the hours before he could get her in his arms again and inhale the sweet aroma that tempted his senses as he sat across from her, going through more reports.

  He glanced over at her, cursing at the purple welt on her cheek. Though the constant icing the night before had kept the swelling to a minimum, the smear of colour was like a permanent tattoo of the incident in the alleyway, and a constant reminder of their inability to get any closer to the truth.

  He sighed and closed his eyes, rubbing the bridge of his nose, trying to pinch the growing headache away. He’d barely slept, and the lack of sleep only served to fuel his restlessness. To top things off, they’d just been notified that the doctor who’d pronounced Davies dead at the execution had been found dead in his car as a result of an apparent suicide. And while the man had sworn his assessment was valid, it seemed a bit too coincidental that his death coincided with an actual sighting of the Davies. Now, with nothing further to grasp at, they were back to looking at grainy videos and going over traffic photos to see if they could get even a glimpse of the man Mallory had chased.

  “Here, take this.”

  Sawyer jumped, nearly knocking the coffee in Cole’s hand onto the floor. He chuckled and took the cup. “Thanks.”

  Cole nodded, though the expression on the man’s face said their conversation was far from over. Sawyer had been waiting for him to mention something, suspecting it wasn’t every day Cole let himself into Mallory’s house only to find her naked with her lover. At least, Sawyer prayed it was the first time, though the man had come close more than once over the past few days.

  Sawyer glanced around. Mallory had disappeared somewhere and most of the other agents were busy at their desks. He nodded at Cole. “If you have something to say to me, just say it. But if you keep glaring at me, Don is going to start thinking we’re some kind of threesome.”

  Cole’s mouth pinched slightly before he eased back in his chair, crossing his long legs at the ankles. “Just making sure you heard what I had to say that first night.”

  “The part where you weren’t putting the fear of God in me… Yeah, I heard you.”

  “You sure? ’Cause the last time I checked, Mallory didn’t entertain guests in the nude.”

  “I think we both know I’m not a guest.”

  “No, you’re her husband, who she hasn’t seen in damn near two years.” He uncrossed his legs and leant forward, resting his massive hands on his thighs. “The same man who swore to me he wasn’t here as a vendetta to hurt her.”

  Sawyer snorted. “Is that what you think? That I’m getting back at her for what happened in the hospital?”

  Cole shrugged. “It’d crossed my mind.”

  “Great to know you have such a high opinion of me.”

  “Hey, it’s not like I don’t think you’re a great guy, man, but…Mallory’s like a sister to me. I consider it my job to make sure she isn’t…unhappy.”

  A hint of a smile tugged at his mouth. “Did she look unhappy this morning?”

  Cole had the grace to blush ever so slightly. “She looked like a woman with more stamina than I gave her credit for.”

  Sawyer let the smile claim his lips. “Look. I appreciate your concern but…I assure you. I’m not fucking with her.”

  Cole arched an eyebrow at him.

  Sawyer rolled his eyes. “Okay, literally, yes, but not in the hit-and-run sense you’re worried about. I have every intention on staying right where you found us this morning.”

  “With her pinned to the wall?”

  “You’re an ass.”

  “And you’re a goddamn stallion.”

  Sawyer sighed. “I love her, Cole. I’ve already asked my superiors in Albuquerque for a transfer back here. I’m not leaving.”

  Cole studied his face for a moment then eased back, his expression softening slightly. “Just make sure you don’t, because I’d hate to have to kick your ass.”

  Sawyer smiled at him. “You might be built like a fucking gorilla, but I’ve got speed.”

  “Speed won’t help you once I catch you.”

  “Then I suppose I’ll just have to avoid that.” He nodded down the hall. “Fighting you is one thing, but after last night, I’m not so sure I want to take that on.”

  Cole turned and smiled as Mallory walked towards them, hips swaying, body moving fluidly across the floor.

  She stopped just shy of them, her gaze jumping from one to the other. A set of lines bunched the bridge of her nose as she shifted her feet, clutching a manila folder against her chest. “What?”

  Sawyer shrugged. “Nothing. We were just talking.”

  Her gaze fell on Cole as she furrowed her brow at him. “For fuck’s sake, Cole, you weren’t threatening Sawyer because you walked in on us this morning, were you?”

  Cole reclined back in his chair again. “And if I was?”

  Mallory shook her head. “Biggest bloody mistake I ever made, giving you a key.”

  “Screwing’s a nighttime sport. You two would be best to remember that.”

  “Right. Just like the time I caught you with that hot narc in the back of your truck. What was her name? Lola, Leighla…”

  “Fuck off.”

  “Already did, thanks.” She turned to Sawyer. “He’s an ass.”

  Sawyer nodded. “We’ve already discussed that.”

  She sighed as she rested her hip on her desk, putting her legs dangerously close to Sawyer. He held back a groan, barely stemming the urge to reach out and caress her calf. The woman was a witch, and he had no doubt the spell she’d cast over him would be his downfall. His gaze fell to her groin and he wondered if she’d gone without panties again. If he’d find her hot and wet if he inched his hand inside her pants. Just the thought punched a jolt of pain through his groin as his cock responded, lengthening against his jeans. Mallory didn’t seem to notice how he shifted in the seat, trying to get comfortable. He was rock hard…again. Still.

  “Good. Now maybe we can get back to work.” She opened the folder in her hand and placed a sheet on the end of her desk. “I think we may have a possible connect
ion to Davies. It’s a bit of a stretch, but seeing as we have absolutely jack-all right now…”

  Sawyer leant forward, scanning the paper. “Who’s Arthur Thomas?”

  “Thomas served several months on death row with Davies. Turns out, their cells were side by side.”

  Cole turned the paper, looking at it as he scrunched his face slightly. “So? The guy’s either dead or he’s still waiting.”

  Her lips curled into a knowing smile. “Not this guy. Seems he got pardoned about a month ago. He’s been a free man ever since.”

  Cole raised an eyebrow. “Well. That makes him a bit more interesting, doesn’t it? What’s the scoop on Mr Thomas?”

  She shuffled through some papers, pulling out a handful. “The kid’s rap sheet is pretty standard. The guy was in and out of juvie, mostly small-time offences, until he got charged with raping a sixteen-year-old girl. He claimed it was trumped-up statutory charges and that they were in a relationship, but the girl’s parents had her pursue legal compensation. He did less than a year on a plea bargain only to get hauled back in when the same girl was murdered four months after his release. Seems the evidence was pretty strong, including DNA samples and witness testimony to seeing him with her on the night she disappeared, but Thomas maintained his innocence.”

  Cole scanned through the sheets. “I don’t know, Mal. This doesn’t seem like the kind of case that would get him the death penalty.”

  “It wasn’t. As a matter of fact, the case was thrown out of court on a technicality. Apparently the guy’s hotshot lawyer found some kind of illegal procedure and the guy walked.”

  Cole frowned. “So how does that equate to a stay on death row?”

  Mallory pointed to the bottom of another page. “It appears Mr Thomas was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He got arrested on a second murder charge a month later, only this time, they were able to connect him to a string of other deaths. The case relied heavily on blood samples found at the scenes that were used to get a warrant for Thomas’ home. Apparently they found newspaper clippings and photos of the dead girls in his house, along with a few personal items. Thomas swore they weren’t his…that someone must have broken in and framed him, but it didn’t stand up in court and the guy was convicted and sentenced to death.”