Protector of Novah (Valor Knights Book 1) Read online

  “And lose your job? No.” Her answer came out soft and small.

  “It’d be worth it.” One brow came up over wide eyes.

  “I can’t possibly work for him any longer. I don’t know how I could ever respect him again.”

  “I understand.” Such a profound amount of emotion swam in his eyes. “There will be other jobs. Maybe you can go back to teaching. I remember how much you enjoyed working with the kids.”

  “Who does he think he is?” Tears filled her eyes. “Just because I work for him doesn’t give him the right to treat me like a sex doll.”

  He picked up a strand of her hair and wound it around his finger. “Did you punch him?”

  “I did hurt him.” She smiled. There went another wall, dropping under his sincerity.

  His erection pressed against her bottom, but he remained calm and steady, comforting her like nothing had ever changed between them. He’d always been her strength when she felt like the world was collapsing around her. He’d held her when her shoulders slumped under pressure and he’d forgiven her when she’d screamed at him when he wasn’t at fault. And now, he pulled her against his chest, wrapping his arms around her waist, hugging her. “Believe me, you’ll come out ahead no matter what you choose.” The gesture was sweet and beautiful.

  “I want to stay here with you.”

  His thumb drew shapes on the small of her back, warming her skin through the gauzy blouse. A growl escaped him as his hands slipped to her waist. “Sweetheart, I don’t want to be a dick, but I want you. Obviously. I can go take another cold shower.”

  Leaning in, she pressed her mouth to his and she became liquid under his caress. Without a word, she dragged her shirt over her head, dropping it onto the floor. She then pulled the bobby pins from her hair and gave the heavy mass a shake, sending the tresses cascading down her bare shoulders. He groaned and clasped the strands in his hand, winding them around his fist as he pulled her down so he could kiss her deeply, consuming her in his intoxicating virility.

  His fingers were at the straps of her bra then, hooking his thumbs under the elastic and giving a gentle tug, pulling the lace and satin down her sensitive breasts. Aware of the tingling in her nipples, she suddenly felt vulnerable and placed her hands over them.

  “Don’t hide from me,” he ground out through clenched teeth. He removed her hands and his eyes gleamed with appreciation. “I’ve always loved your breasts. Beautiful. Fucking amazing. How’s a man to take things slow when he has you in his lap?”

  Pressing her lips against his ear, she whispered, “I can take it as fast and as hard as you can give it.”

  He eased back, staring up into her eyes. “Trust me, I’ve never forgotten how you liked it.”

  A mischievous smile ripened on her lips as desire blossomed between her legs. “You always had a way of understanding when I needed handled like a china doll and when I needed a beast. Can you guess what I need now?”

  With a deep groan, he whipped her around and dropped her on her stomach onto the lumpy bed. She felt the dipping of the mattress, heard the rustling of material, and then he was back, hovering over her. He pressed his large erection into the crease of her ass, grinding against her as he pulled back the curtain of her hair and kissed the nape of her neck, nibbling the sensitive skin. Using the tip of his tongue, he blazed a trail down her spine, kissing and nipping along the way. He reached the waistband of her skirt, gently biting her tender skin as he dragged the obstruction away. Her thong was gone with a ripping of delicate fabric and a puff of cooler air brushed over her trembling bare bottom.

  His hands gripped her hips, lifting her higher until she was on her knees, their bodies pressed together but not connected, not yet. He kissed each of her shoulders, his free hand grasping the twisted material of her bra like lace reins while he nuzzled his whiskered jaw against her goose pimpled flesh. His shaft slid between her inner thighs and she rolled her hips side to side, up and down, squeezing him. His perilous groan vibrated her body.

  Arching her back and swirling her hips, she continued to use her inner thighs to ride his shaft, wanting him inside her, having him take what had always been his.

  Rocking back onto her knees, she pressed her bottom against his stomach, rejoicing in the heat that exuded from his body. He still held her hair in one hand and bra strap in the other, then bent over her, engulfing her under his strapping frame. His wet tip rubbed her bottom and he loosened his hold from her, freeing her only for a second until his hands cupped her ass. She let out a squeal of surprise when he bit one cheek and then the other. Every fine hair on her body stood on end as more goosebumps washed over her skin. Her nipples bloomed into thick, tingling nubs.

  He licked the back of her thighs, her knees and returned to hover over her, pulling her face up and around so that he could kiss her lips.

  His body…a finely chiseled work of masculine art…was so hard, so strong and every muscle flexed as he rocked against her. His fingers threaded into her hair again, fisting the locks as the other wrapped around her neck. He held her in a submissive clutch that made her purr.

  His grip released and he pressed his palm against her belly when he suckled the skin on her neck, leaving tiny bites that made her spine arch deeper. Then his hand slipped further south, finding the sensitive nub that ached for his attention. He pinched the slick folds of skin, erupting a feeling somewhere between pain and ecstasy on the scale of blistering need, triggering a rush of juices to form at the apex of her thighs. He continued the erotic assault until she was panting, then she felt the tip of him press against her center. Her body was so wet and ready that he easily slipped inside her, taking the narrow passage inch by inch until her muscles stretched around him.

  This is where I belong.

  That couldn’t be possible.

  This is only sex.

  But it felt like so much more.

  He thrust deeper until she took all of him, adjusting to the erotic intrusion. Their moans comingled and echoed off the walls.

  His grip disappeared from her neck and clutched her shoulder, securing her under his hold as he pounded against her ass. He thrust in and out of her slick body. The gentle bite of his teeth on her shoulders, neck and back became a bonus as he brought her closer and closer to release.

  He started a primal rhythm, plunging deeper and deeper. Whimpers sounded and she realized it was her, as flickers of light exploded inside her head.

  “Novah,” her name slipped from his lips.

  The simple act of him saying her name unraveled her.

  “Egan,” she called out. “Egan!”

  “Fuck! I love when you say my name like it’s coming from your heart. It’s so fucking sexy.”

  She edged her teeth into her bottom lip, smiling wondrously as pleasure eased over her in a hypnotic blanket. “I love this. Love having you inside me,” she murmured.

  He slipped out of her, tangling his fingers in her hair as he gently pulled her up so she was on her knees, dragging her against his chest. She angled her head and he kissed her long on the lips. “How much do you want me, sweetheart?”

  “I want you,” she whispered, backing her bottom against him, inviting him to finish what he started.

  With a ragged groan, he was inside her again, and one deep thrust sent her over the invisible precipice. She reached behind her, digging her nails into his skin. He grabbed her hand and did something that lovers would do. He entwined their fingers and kissed her knuckles. The action was so simple and yet delivered a crushing reality to her soul. They were soulmates. With that knowledge, she was a goner. She allowed her body to slip into the climax.

  His hand slipped down her stomach and flicked her clit, sending a spasm through her as his thrusts gentled. He drove his cock in and out with a rhythm that tattooed love on her heart. The headboard slammed against the wall as he moved faster and sweat slicked their bodies. He pushed her forward onto her hands and knees as he rode her like a wild man searching for a savior.

/>   Tingles erupted through her.

  “Egan!” she screamed his name.

  “Tell me, baby. Tell me…,” he commanded.

  Before she could answer, he pulled out of her and tumbled her back onto the bed. “You’re mine. Always have been. Always will be.” In one thrust he sank inside her body.

  She cradled him with her thighs, lifting her hips to match his moves.

  He clutched her breasts and he bent to suckle each one, giving them the same attention. She arched her head into the pillow, pressing her breasts deeper into his mouth, silently begging that he put out the fire that raged inside her.

  A long snarl rattled from his chest as he slowed, his thrusts becoming ragged jerks. “I. Need. To. Slow down,” he confessed. He grasped her wrists between his fingers of one hand, lifted her arms high above her head and held them prisoner against the bed. His eyes feasted on her breasts that bounced with each thrust. He had the most vulnerable, sweet expression she’d ever seen. “You’re going to be the death of me,” he murmured.

  She let out a purr and brought her knees high on his back, digging her heels in his firm bottom. She wanted him deeper in her body. He cursed, arched his spine, and gritted his teeth. “You’re doing the same to me,” she whimpered.

  He let go of her hands and pressed his against the headboard as if he were a warrior holding back an army with his shield.

  Fire burned between them, melding their bodies into one form as they continued to cling to each other in a primal dance as old as time. They were bound by desire, connected on the most intimate level, their souls united. A warm wetness started in her core, spiraling like a ball of flames through her tingling limbs. She held onto him, digging her short nails into his back, giving as well as taking.

  A moan crept up her throat and he was there, kissing her, swallowing the sweet erotic noises with his mouth. They seemed to move effortlessly, like their bodies were made for one another. Wave after wave slammed over them, encompassing them in bittersweet torture. At this very moment in time she was sure of everything—sure of these feelings between them. Could they stay like this? Couldn’t they just forget the past and move forward?

  His moves turned rigid. He was hard, so strong and powerful, and with every deep thrust he hit parts of her that had always belonged to him. He’d been the first man she’d given her heart to and she knew he’d be the last man to ever own it. As the quivers built inside her like a tower, she spread her legs wider and wider, taking great pleasure in how each push caressed her clit that was now a bundle of electrified nerves.

  They were both so close to that cliff. She could feel it in his tight muscles. Each thrust became stiffer, like a rubber band being pulled. He kissed her, but it was more of an act of desperation—an act of complete submission to the growing tsunami growing inside him. His grunts were low. His movements were constricted.

  “I love you,” he let out on a ragged groan and it was the last thread to her sanity. Release came like a wave, swirling over her, engulfing her in an invisible clutch. He pulled back, watching her as each spasm consumed her. Time stood still and they were the only two in the world. He wasn’t moving as he waited for the waves to subside then he took up a slow pace again, moving his hips in such a way that her most sensitive parts were reached. His strokes became teasing caresses. He stopped to stare down at her again, his eyes turned two shades darker as she felt his dick spasm then he emptied his seed into her.

  He slumped down over her, their slick bodies pressing together as the last vestiges of his orgasm left him. Sex had always been good between them, but this…she couldn’t even find the words to describe what just happened. Their lovemaking had been different and yet familiar.

  She was left buzzing, her limbs tingling, and her head numb. The feeling was like the time she’d drank too much sake while she and Egan had visited Japan. Or the moment when she’d realized she’d fallen for Egan. They were at a horror movie and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, making her feel comforted. She knew she didn’t want to go through life with anyone else.

  He lifted his head and smiled down at her, a cozy smile that reached in and warmed her heart. He had that way about him.

  Pulling her into the crook of his body, he held her. Although she already knew how they fit together, she was still shocked at how it seemed like a key fitting into a lock.

  She could see all the scars and wounds that marred his otherwise beautiful skin. This unfolded the worry that had been tucked away in a secret spot. Reality breached the warm blanket and she felt a weight settle into her chest.

  Fearing her own heart, she moved away and placed her feet on the floor. She fixed her bra and grabbed her skirt and stood. She could see what was left of her panties…a scrap of lace, much like she’d felt when they’d divorced. She’d been torn to shreds and she couldn’t do it again. And yet, things had changed. He was home now.

  “What are you doing?” he muttered as she pulled her skirt on.

  Turning to face him, she couldn’t keep the tears from filling her eyes. Whatever they’d just shared she didn’t regret, yet admittedly she had a lot to think about. “I should go to my room.”

  “Stay.” He looked amazing with his warm eyes and plush lips.

  “I shouldn’t,” she breathed.

  His smile fell from his lips as the space between his brows scrunched. “Don’t do this, Novah.”

  “What am I doing besides leaving before someone sees me?”

  “I don’t give a damn if anyone sees you here.” He sat up, leaning against the headboard, uncaring that he was completely naked. Why would he be? He didn’t have an ounce of fat on his beautiful body.

  “I would expect that from you.” She threaded her fingers through her hair trying to comb out the tangles.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” he growled.

  “It means you never worry about anything which only means I have to worry for the both of us.” The warmth between them was fading fast.

  “No one says you have to worry for the both of us. I don’t care what anyone thinks,” he snarled. “Don’t start self-sabotaging this.”

  “Even if that means you would lose your job? Chances for other job opportunities in the future? I’m not just thinking about myself.”

  He swiped a hand down his cheek and remained silent.

  She grabbed her blouse and pulled it over her head. “This is for the best.” Crawling across the bed, she kissed his cheek and he pulled her in for a deep kiss on her mouth. Giggles erupted from her, but she dragged herself out of his embrace. “I’ll see you later. Don’t be mad.” She climbed out of the small bed and went to the door to open it a few inches. The coast was clear. She closed the door softly behind her not hearing Egan say, “It’s too late. There are cameras out there.”

  The night was cooler and she wrapped her arms tight around her body as she made her way through the shadows toward the house and around to the staff entry.

  Once inside, she listened. The hallway was quiet.

  She took several steps toward the stairwell when she heard the rumbling of footsteps coming up from the garage. Her chest tightened as she frantically looked for a safe place to hide. Opening the door to the gym, she hurried inside the dark room and waited, watching through the small window.

  “What the fuck? How much did you give her?” came a masculine voice.

  “Enough,” a second man mumbled.

  Curious, Novah eased closer to the door to investigate the hall, trying to see who the men were. She caught a glimpse of one of the men. A tall, blond man with pockmarked skin. The second man came into view but what he was carrying made the fine hairs on her arms lift. He had a woman draped over his shoulder. She wasn’t moving or making any noise. Was she even alive?

  Fear raced down Novah’s spine. She covered her mouth in disbelief at what she was seeing. The men were coming down the hall that would take them by the gym. She crept deeper into the shadows.

  “We can’t fuck this up
.”

  “Who’ll fuck this up?” the man asked.

  “Are you sure no one saw you grab her?”

  “I fucking made sure. Get off my ass.”

  “You don’t have to be so rough with her, man,” he grumbled.

  “Who gives a shit?”

  “Boss does.”

  A crude chuckle bounced off the walls. “You think?”

  “Better hope she wakes up,” the first man muttered.

  “Why? It’ll make our jobs easier. By morning she’ll be a distant memory anyway. You didn’t think she was coming here to have tea, did you?”

  Their footsteps thudded on the rungs of the stairs.

  “Why couldn’t we have just taken the elevator?” the first man asked.

  “Don’t be a dumbass. Remember the cameras, idiot? No one will see us on this side. We have to follow the orders.”

  “What if someone sees us?”

  “No one’s going to see us. It’s the middle of the night and everyone’s asleep.”

  Then it became silent.

  Opening the door slowly, she listened. They were now on the second floor. Novah couldn’t believe what she’d witnessed.

  The two men had been oblivious to her hiding inside the gym. What if they would have found her?

  Who was the woman? Would they kill her?

  Why?

  She didn’t recognize the two men. Were they part of Langley’s security team? Who could be trusted?

  The questions bombarded her.

  What should she do?

  Needing to do something, Novah waited until she no longer heard their footsteps and she took the winding staircase, her heart thudding hard against her ribs. She had to be careful because if the men saw her, she could end up sharing the same fate as the woman. Yet Novah couldn’t turn back—couldn’t just leave the woman to go find help. Novah was the only hope now.

  The second floor was cast in eerie darkness. As far as she knew, no guests were on that floor. Langley’s staff usually stayed in the north wing on the first floor and security personnel stayed in the special housing where Egan had a room. Novah had been the only ‘guest’ staying in one of the upper levels. Why hadn’t she connected the dots before now? Langley had been treating her less like staff and more like his private guest.