Jaded: Luke: Laurel Creek Series Read online

  Luke pulled back just enough and pushed back in, each motion shoving her face into the bedding as he wasn’t gentle. The man was about to take her fully, there was no mistaking it.

  Holding her hips with both hands to keep her as steady as possible, he drove into her, pulling back almost entirely out before thrusting back in. She clawed at the bedding, the new sensations sending her over the edge. She’d never felt so completely filled by a man.

  She wanted more, more of him, more of the sensations that coursed through her to continue without stopping. She mewled into the bedding unable to moan out loud.

  Relentless, he didn’t stop, but began moving faster. His thighs slapping against her ass, the sound as erotic as his low grunts.

  When he pulled out, she looked over her shoulder at him. No, not now. Almost desperate, she rolled over and reached for him.

  She rolled to her back and Luke climbed on top of her, his mouth taking hers as he pulled her arms over her head. She lifted up, wanting him inside again. He wasn’t someone to be ruled in bed. Obviously the man would do what he pleased and how he pleased.

  Almost crying with need, she twisted, attempting to pull her hands loose so she could take him. But instead, he pressed kisses down the side of her neck. For a moment he sucked at the apex of her neck and shoulder until Leah’s eyes fluttered shut.

  Every nerve so tight and aware, she could feel every inch where their bodies touched.

  Luke took her left nipple into his mouth, sucking it hard. “Ah!” Leah once against tried to pull her hands free. The game of being held was so erotic she began shaking, unable to believe she was about to come from it.

  When he moved to her right breast and nipped the tip with his teeth, she cried out, her body quaking in release.

  The sound of his low chuckle the only indication he knew she’d come, but other than that, he was intent on exploring her fully.

  Luke released her hands and rose over her straightening his arms. He looked down at her. “Look at me.”

  She complied and gasped. His bottom lip was split, fresh blood disappearing when he licked it away. There was bruising on the side of his left eye. He’d been in a fight recently.

  However it was the darkened pools that took her attention. His eyes narrowed but he remained silent, studying her as if committing every aspect of her face to memory. He moved lower and then he lifted her legs up over his shoulders. “Tell me if it gets uncomfortable.”

  She watched with interest as he guided himself to her center, his gaze moving from her sex to her face. With deliberate slowness, he pushed in to her, once again the thickness filling her completely.

  His mouth fell open as he moved out and back in. When she moaned, his eyes snapped to her face. “You okay?”

  “Mmm hmm,” she replied. “I'm good. More than good.”

  There was a slight lift to the corner of his lips as he proceeded to thrust forward. Obviously he’d not been all the way in, not at all. Leah cried out.

  The sex turned frantic. The pace of his thrusts became faster and faster, as he pounded into her fully before pulling out, only to drive forward again. Then he lowered her legs and continued.

  Past the point of reason, Leah clawed at his back and repeated the same sounds over and over as she flew so high it horrified her. She lost the fight to remain grounded and came so hard she almost blacked out. While screaming in release, her legs stretched out. No longer able to control herself, she could only flail as Luke continued his own trek to coming.

  Finally, he groaned and trembled, his large body quaking as he came and she wrapped her arms around his waist to ensure he didn’t move out. Not yet.

  The sounds of their gulps and loud breaths seemed to echo in the air.

  Straining over her, his heavy body was at the same time too much and not enough.

  When he rolled away, the sudden vacancy was stark and Leah fought not to move closer to him.

  She lay on her back staring up at the ceiling. Don’t leave. The words repeated in her mind. Not yet.

  “Shit.” Luke’s word was flat. Not divulging whether a thought or just something to say.

  He sat up and turned to swing his legs over the side of the bed. In silence he dressed and she didn’t watch this time. Instead, she got up and grabbed a discarded robe pulling it on and tying the belt tight around her middle.

  “See you around.” He walked out of the bedroom.

  She followed after him. “I doubt it.”

  When his gaze met hers, she thought to have seen something flicker, but probably just her imagination. He lifted his chin just a bit. “You leaving town?”

  “Not yet.”

  He looked past her. “Thanks.”

  “Don’t come back.”

  Instead of a reply, he gave a subtle nod and walked straight out the front door.

  12

  It was supposed to have made him feel better. Luke had driven back home, went directly past the front room where Tobias watched television, and straight to the bedroom. He yanked off his clothes and made a beeline for the shower.

  Hot water steamed up the room fast as he ran a bar of soap over himself removing any remnant of her scent.

  He’d not made love...correction, fucked like that before. He’d prolonged it, not wanting it to end. Hell, he’d almost come just by eating her.

  What the hell was all that about? She wasn’t the first beautiful woman he’d slept with. However, it had been a long time since he had been with someone so right, a perfect match for him.

  Every inch of her body had appealed to him in a way that was new. Even with the ex, who he’d fallen so hard for, it had never been like that. This experience had the potential to be addicting. Good thing she set him straight afterwards.

  It had been a one-time thing.

  Yeah...good. Whatever.

  She’d called out his name.

  “Ugh.” Luke finished washing his junk, rinsed and cut the water off.

  * * *

  “You going to work today?” Tobias was in the kitchen the next morning when Luke walked in from his bedroom. Already dressed and looking about to head out, his brother drank from a coffee cup and watched him over the brim. “You know the rules.”

  “I’ll be out there. What’s going on today?”

  Nobody slouched at the Hamilton Ranch. There was always work to do and everyone knew the number one rule. You stay, you play.

  “Taking twenty to the slaughterhouse and separating the herd to two areas.” Tobias put the cup down and walked to the door. “See you in ten.”

  It felt natural to be on horseback chasing after cows. In the distance Taylor used a four-wheeler to do his tasks.

  The horse Luke rode wasn’t his. He didn’t own a horse. Since his died while he was gone, he’d had never taken the time to pick another one out. However the one he rode currently was the same one as the day before, and he liked the animal. It was high strung and ready to kick ass, a perfect match for his own personality.

  In the distance, Tobias called out riding in circles around the other portion of the herd. It was evident by the ease in which he managed his mount, he’d been doing so regularly. Although Luke prided himself in horsemanship, he could not compete with his twin. The boy could ride.

  A thought struck as Luke rode toward some stragglers. This was the type of thing a man could get lost in. Working hard all day, forgetting and letting go of the past. It didn’t matter that the demons waited, he could keep them at bay.

  He’d slept soundly the night before after coming back from Leah’s place. The same would happen this night. All he had to do was work hard and keep himself busy.

  Montana was the counseling he needed.

  The ranch was his medication and cure.

  * * *

  For two nights he’d slept deeply, without dreams or the haunting memories that crept up without warning. Not enough to call victory, but Luke felt more rested than he had in years. The crisp morning air blew across his face as he
drank coffee on the back porch, his eyes following the progress of two dogs that ran in circles. Tongues lolling to the side of their mouths, the pups enjoyed the game of chase, their antics entertaining.

  “Wanna go into town tonight?” Taylor walked past him and to the dog’s excitement began rough housing with them.

  Could he even consider that normalcy was within reach? Taylor had his own monsters to slay, yet the guy kept an easygoing way about him. There were different ways to keep the past at bay Luke supposed.

  “Where you going?”

  Taylor turned to where he stood and lowered his brows. “Probably the pool hall. Either there or Ed’s Barbeque.”

  “I’m game. Don’t feel like cooking.”

  The parking lot at the barbeque was packed and immediately Luke reconsidered the outing. Just because he’d had a good couple of days didn’t mean it was time to be around lots of people. He and Taylor always had a way of finding trouble. If they didn’t find it, the bastard would come looking for them.

  Seeming to have the same thought, Taylor looked to him and adjusted his ball cap. “Want to go somewhere else?”

  “I’m good.”

  “Say the word and we’re out.” Damn if his cousin didn’t make him feel better. Family could suck, but he could always count on Taylor and Tobias. Although Tobias was more the tough love kinda guy.

  The smell of smoke and barbeque sauce was strong and his stomach rumbled in return. They found a corner table and it was comical as both considered who’d get to sit with his back to the wall. Taylor rolled his eyes and let Luke take the seat. “It would look stupid for us to sit side by side,” he grumbled and pulled out a chair on the other side of the table.

  A teenage girl came over, her bored expression not changing as she pulled a pad from a stained apron pocket. “Know what you want?”

  “Two pig out plates and I’ll take a beer,” Taylor said then looked to Luke.

  “Water’s fine.”

  The teen looked to him from the side of her eyes. “I heard you beat up Ernest.”

  “We beat up each other,” Luke replied. “Why is that news?”

  She shrugged. “Cause he put my brother in jail. I can’t stand him.”

  He could certainly understand why. But decided it was best to keep his opinion to himself. “Bet he deserved it,” he said and the teen shook her head.

  “Whatever.”

  Taylor looked over his shoulder. “I thought Ernest stayed away from that kind of case. I should get out more. Don’t know who’s doing what anymore.”

  “Do you really give a shit about it?”

  “No, but my mother does. She asks me about it when I visit.”

  The subject of Taylor’s parents was not discussed unless he brought it up. Taylor’s father was dead, killed by his mother. And although most thought Taylor should hate her, he visited her in prison monthly. Whether to torture himself or her, wasn’t clear. His comment surprised Luke, as Taylor said it almost as if he and his mother remained close.

  “Any chance she’ll get out soon?”

  “Nope. Got life.”

  “I wonder sometimes if I’ll end up in prison,” Luke said, uttering the words before he thought better of it. When Taylor looked at him, it was clear the thought had occurred to his cousin as well.

  They remained silent as the sullen teen returned with plates piled high with meat, beans and coleslaw. “Refills?

  Luke raised an eyebrow. “I would say yes, but you never brought drinks.”

  “Oh shit.” She raced off as they both dug into their food.

  In between bites, Taylor spoke. “Toby kept expecting to hear you were arrested and getting locked up for murder or something because of your issues. Have to admit, we wouldn’t have been surprised.”

  He didn’t want to talk about it. Why the hell had he brought it up to begin with? “Yeah, I know.”

  “Can’t keep a job. You lose your temper at the drop of a hat. Heard you beat the shit out of some guy in Tucson and that’s why you got fired from the trucking job.”

  “Bastard had it coming.”

  Taylor met his gaze. “Is that so?”

  The fight had been over some truck stop hooker. The guy had slapped the woman and he’d interceded. His interrupting the abuse was not wrong. What had been totally bad was that he couldn’t stop hitting once he started. Turned into an abuser beating the shit out of another one.

  “I’m trying. That’s why I’m here.”

  “Aaaand, you beat the shit out of Ernest.”

  “He’s an asshole.”

  “Gotta agree with you there. Doesn’t excuse it.”

  And this was the part where his cousin would tell him to get help and how counseling would help. How he couldn’t deal with it alone...blah blah blah bullshit.

  “Ever consider MMA or something? You can beat the shit out of people and it’s cool.”

  “No. I don’t want to mess up my pretty face.”

  They chuckled and once again Luke was glad to have his cousin as a friend. “Wanna go to Shooters?”

  Shooters was a pool hall and club combo on the edge of town.

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  13

  “No.” Leah’s resolve was wavering. Allison had been there for two days and they’d yet to go anywhere.

  Her friend had arrived with boxes of décor and props. They’d spent the past several hours doing photo shoots and decorating the house. The rooms were transformed, and although reluctant, Leah had to agree it felt more like a home now.

  “My neck hurts from all those weird poses you put me in for your pictures.”

  Allison gave her a droll look. “I love taking pictures here. It’s a blank canvas.” Her friend pursed her lips. “Let’s grab pizza and then we’re going to listen to some live music.” She stood up. “Go put on some tight jeans and a low cut blouse. We’re going man hunting.”

  Immediately a picture of a very naked Luke sprung to mind. She’d yet to stop thinking of how good it had been. The man definitely knew how to make an impression. It had been the best sex ever and as much as it pained her, she craved him.

  “I’m not hunting for men. Too much trouble.”

  “Ha!” Allison gave her a pointed look. “That’s an understatement. We’re not going to keep them. We’ll trap them, fuck them, and release them back into the wild.”

  Leah shook her head and smiled. “Since you put it that way. I better bring some rope.”

  The atmosphere in Shooters brought back memories of dancing and enjoyment. It wasn’t until last year of high school and after her first years of college when she visited, that she and her friends would come there. Remembering the horrible headaches, she vowed not to have more than a couple drinks.

  It was easy to find an empty table. Because Laurel Creek was a tiny place, the younger crowed preferred to travel the hour to Billings to party.

  “Holy shit,” Allison said, looking around. “This place has not changed one bit.”

  With a line of pool tables along one wall, a bar against the other, the open space was indeed the same as Leah remembered. Along the right side there were booths, and tables were scattered in the center. A small stage and dance floor in the back right corner completed the look.

  No matter what a person wanted, whether to stand out by sitting in the center or at the bar, or to blend by sliding into a darker booth, it could be accomplished there.

  “We’ve got wings now.” A guy arrived at their booth. “If you want some.”

  “A beer and a pile of spicy wings sound good.” Allison grinned up at the guy who winked in return.

  “I’ll take a light beer and a hot dog all the way please,” Leah said when he turned his attention to her. “Make that two dogs.”

  The guy swaggered away as they both watched.

  “Cutie.” Allison swung back to Leah. “Tell me about Luke again.”

  The woman had been relentless since she’d told her about Luke falling through the roof
and how much he’d changed. Leah had left out sleeping with him. If she’d told Allison, her friend wouldn’t stop until she got every detail and then she’d insist they were in love or some crazy thing like that. Allison was a diehard romantic.

  They drank beers and chatted about this and that for a few minutes. Finally the server returned.

  “Holy shit,” Allison said in a reverent tone. “That’s a lot of wings.” The cute guy slid a long plate with a mound of chicken before her friend and a plate with hot dogs in front of Leah.

  Leah immediately picked up her hotdog and took a healthy bite. After washing it down with the ice-cold beer, she had to agree this was a good idea. “I’d forgotten how good the food was here.” She nabbed one of Allison’s wings.

  “The sights aren’t so bad either,” Allison replied, her eyes widening. “Hot damn.”

  Somehow Leah didn’t have to look to know Luke was there. Of course, the one night she decided to get out, he would be out as well. From what she knew, he was pretty much a hermit.

  Not a good thing he and she were there at the same time. Somehow, she doubted luck would be with her and they’d not have to talk. Then of course there was the matter of no one knowing they’d slept together.

  “Hey guys!” Allison waved her hand and looked to Leah. “Taylor and his cousin, Lukey boy, just walked in.”

  “Great.” She couldn’t keep the annoyance from her voice. “Why’d you call them over?”

  “Hi.” Taylor, who neared first, grinned down at Allison and then looked to her. Of course the grin disappeared given they’d just gone through the whole property line thing. “What’s up ladies?”

  Luke remained silent, his hands shoved into his pockets. He looked from them toward the bar.

  “Came out for a bite,” Allison answered returning the smile. “Wanna join us?”

  Kicking her friend would be obvious, so instead Leah looked to Luke. “How are the cuts and bruises?”

  The corners of his lips twitched. “Not bad. My lips took longer than the rest to heal. Kinda strange.”

  Heat rushed to her face and she looked to Taylor who was saying something she couldn’t hear past the thudding of her heart echoing in her ears. The two walked away and she looked to Allison. “Why would you invite them to join us?”