Redemption: Triple R Security, Book 3 Read online

  They exchange a look before Harry speaks this time. “We’d like it if you’d consider staying here, in this cabin.” My brows rise, eyes widening now I realise I was right. Folding my arms over my chest, I wait for Harry to continue. “I know you won’t accept it free of charge or without contribution—”

  “Damn right, I won’t,” I exclaim, non-too gently.

  Harry nods, but otherwise ignores my interruption. “So, we thought, perhaps you’d consider working here for the summer.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” I rub my hands down my thighs as my mind races with the possibility. But I’m also aware of the difficult position this could place them in with my parents. “I don’t want to cause problems between you and my parents, but I also can’t say I’m not very tempted by your offer.”

  It’s Eleanor that speaks up this time. “We’ve already had this conversation, Jess. As far as I’m concerned, you’re welcome to stay here as long as you want.”

  Before the words have left her mouth, I’ve made my mind up. “Then you have yourself a deal,” I say before throwing my arms around Eleanor and hugging her tightly. Pulling back, I say, “Thank you.” The words almost get stuck in my throat, but I push them out. And it’s clear from the look on Eleanor’s face she can see my sincerity.

  Harry climbs to his feet before declaring, “Right, best we get you moved before it gets dark.”

  The sun sets just as I bid goodbye to Harry and Eleanor. Closing the door, I lean back against it and take in this amazing little cabin. I’m still in shock that this is my home for the foreseeable future.

  My stomach grumbles, and I decide that I’m going to celebrate. After a quick shower, I throw on a pair of black jeans and my favourite jumper before snatching up my coat and bag and slipping my boots on at the door.

  It’s dark outside now, but hundreds of small lights illuminate the path through the trees back to the main pathway. Once I exit the front gate, I turn right along the trod path that leads to The Kingfisher, the only pub within walking distance.

  Ten

  Rick

  I swirl my glass of whiskey as the waitress collects my empty plate.

  “Can I get you anything else?” she asks, flashing white teeth at me and fluttering her eyelashes. I don’t miss the flirtatious lilt to her words or the double meaning.

  I knock back the rest of my drink, placing it back on the table and ask for another without even looking at her. She snatches the glass with a huff, putting it on her tray before stalking back to the bar.

  When she returns a few minutes later with my new drink, she doesn’t bother engaging me a second time. I know I’m being an arsehole, but I don’t have it in me to care.

  The video from only a few hours earlier has doused me in a blanket of memories, and the whiskey isn’t doing the stand-up job of numbing them as I had hoped it would.

  A gust of cold air reaches me in my little corner as the door opens admitting someone else inside the cocooning warmth of the bar.

  I don’t bother looking up as a shadow passes me by. Not until the scent of coconut permeates my nose, forcing my eyes to lift from the scratched wood of the table.

  I catch the jean clad legs of a woman, and it’s almost impossible not to look at her tight arse as she sashays to the bar. It’s a nice arse but not enough to tempt me from my thoughts.

  Dropping my gaze back to the table, I take a mouthful of my drink. For some inexplicable reason there’s a lull in conversation and the bar quiets as the tracks change on the jukebox just as the woman orders her drink.

  “A bottle of Corona with a wedge of lime please.” I recognise her voice instantly, and my head snaps up at the same time she turns to take in the room. Our gazes lock. Her cornflower blue eyes spark with recognition before she breaks the connection and turns back to the bar.

  Of all the damn places in the world, how is it she’s managed to turn up here? I swirl the lone ice cube in my glass before downing the rest. I’m just about to get to my feet when a fresh drink appears in front of me.

  Before I can look up, she sits at the stool across from me, placing her own drink on the table.

  “Looked like you could do with another.”

  “Sorry to disappoint, but I was just leaving,” I tell her without looking directly at her. My mind flooding with the images of her eyes, which have invaded me nightly since we first met.

  “Ouch. A girl could be offended, you know?”

  “Good job I know your skin is thicker than that. Besides, I’m company not even you could handle tonight,” I tell her, getting to my feet.

  “Aren’t you just a ray of sunshine. Come on, Rick, stay and join me in my small celebration.”

  “I’m glad you have something to celebrate after what I imagine has been a difficult few weeks for you, but for fear of popping your proverbial happy bubble, I think it’s best I go.” I grab my coat from the bench, stepping past the table. Her hand on mine stops me from going any further, and I close my eyes as her touch sends a tingle along my arm. I know from my reaction I should keep on walking, but my mind is fogged with memories I’ve tried to drown in alcohol. I’m not thinking clearly. I’m not myself. And is exactly why what happens next, happens at all.

  Turning back to her, I lean down close to her face. Her breath mingles with mine, and I try to hold on to my composure long enough to say what I need to. To warn her.

  “I’m not the gentleman you think I am, Jessica. And if I stay, I can’t promise you won’t end the night riding my cock.” There’s a sharp inhale of breath from her at my words, but the parting of her lips and sweep of her tongue over her bottom lip tell me she’s not shocked by my words. She’s turned on, and that’s all the answer I need.

  I throw my coat back on the seat and sit down. Picking up my glass and raising it to my mouth, my eyes lock with hers. Her pupils are blown with lust and desire, and she adjusts her position on the stool, tensing her crossed legs a fraction.

  Clearing her throat, she says, “A little more than presumptuous of you, don’t you think?” She picks up her bottle, matching me, and brings it to her lips.

  “No, I don’t think so. On the contrary, I think that’s exactly what you were looking for when you joined me at my table.” She scoffs, taking another long drink from her bottle, wrapping her lips around the rim.

  Now it’s my turn to adjust my position as my cock hardens, straining at the tight denim, as my mind imagines those lips wrapped around it.

  “Anyone ever tell you you’re arrogant?”

  I chuckle. “Many times.” I chuck back the last of my drink, then pin my gaze back on Jessica. “Shall we?” I ask, rising from my seat. For a second, I watch her struggle with making a decision, but then she’s up on her feet and moving to the door.

  I follow her, knowing it’s a bad idea. Is it enough of a bad idea to make me change my mind? Not even close. I’ve spent the last five years living with my bad decisions, what’s one more.

  Outside the temperature might have dropped, but it does nothing to cool the heat between Jessica and me. We walk in silence, side by side, and every now and then, her hand brushes against mine reconfirming the spark that crackles between us.

  Once we pass the campsite, I know exactly where we’re heading. Kings Dyke Cabins is the only other holiday rental along this stretch.

  We pass through the line of trees into the copse as Jessica’s hand brushes mine again. Unable to wait another second, I snatch hold of her hand, pulling her back to me. She slams into my chest, and I guide her backwards till we hit a tree. Sliding a hand into her hair, I fist it tightly, pulling her head back before I nuzzle her neck, sucking and biting. She groans as I grind my hips into her, and I can feel her heat through our clothes.

  “How far to your cabin, Jessica?” I whisper, her pulse beating frantically against my lips. Keeping hold of her hair, I slide a hand beneath her jumper and along her smooth, silky skin. She releases another moan as my fingers delve under the cup of her bra, find
ing her nipple beaded and wanton, and my mouth waters at the thought of sucking on it.

  “Oh…err…just th—”

  “Never mind,” I say, picking her up. Her legs wrap around my waist, and I stride purposefully down the path toward the cabin, which I now see faintly illuminated ahead.

  When we reach the door, Jessica fumbles for her keys. As soon as she has them, I slam her against the side of the cabin, snatching them from her and unlocking the door. Tripping over the threshold in my haste to get her inside, I twist to break our fall, and she lands on top of me with an oomph. The air is knocked from my lungs, but I don’t have time to catch my breath as Jessica’s lips land on mine.

  Her tongue is a hot caress across my lips, demanding entry, and I open willingly, allowing her to plunder my mouth. I can taste beer mixed with something fruity, like watermelon as our tongues duel for dominance.

  Jessica begins rubbing her core along the hard length of me, and I grab her arse, squeezing tightly, as she seeks the friction she so desperately needs.

  Breaking the kiss, she pushes up on my chest. “Clothes. Off. Now,” she demands in between panting breaths as she yanks her jumper over her head before unclasping her bra and tossing them both to the side.

  “Anyone ever tell you your bossy and demanding?” I ask, mimicking her phrase from earlier as I rake my eyes over her naked breasts.

  She shuffles back, reaching for my belt. “Many times. Now hurry the fuck up, Rick,” she grits out as she rips my jeans open, raising her hips so she can slide them down my legs enough to get access to my cock.

  Slipping her hand inside my boxers, she winds her delicate, but firm, fingers around my girth, then slowly slides her hand up and down my length again and again, twisting as she reaches the head.

  “Fuck,” is all I manage to say before I grasp the back of her neck and bring her lips back to mine. I ignore the little voice at the back of my mind reminding me I haven’t kissed anyone for near on six years and focus on the feel of her hand around my cock.

  Breaking the kiss, to draw a breath, I flip us over, and now it’s my turn to have some fun. Hands beside her head, caging her in, I kiss her, nipping and sucking her bottom lip before running my nose down her throat, intermittently dropping kisses and leaving a trail of goosebumps over her flesh.

  Reaching her breasts, I blow over her taut nipples and watch as they harden further before dipping my head and taking one into my mouth, sucking hard and drawing a cry from her.

  I pull up, still drawing on her nipple before it pops free from my mouth and immediately set to work getting her jeans off. Sitting back on my haunches to admire her, Jessica sits up, running her hands inside my coat, over my shoulders and pushing it off.

  Unable to refrain from touching her while she strips me bare, I pinch, tweak and flick her nipples, and my cock throbs against her stomach as she removes my t-shirt and runs her tongue around my nipple. Her nails rake over my tattoo, gliding over my shoulders, but before she can go any further, I grip her wrists. She looks up at me with hooded, but frustrated, eyes as I lay her back down.

  Releasing her hands, I give her a look warning her not to move, then I trace a finger down the centre of her chest, down to her naval before slipping a finger beneath the top of her lacy thong. All the while, I keep my eyes on her as I tease, dipping in more, but never exactly where she wants me. When I finally slide my finger through her folds, her hips buck, and I dip inside, feeling her muscles contract.

  “Fuck me. You’re soaked,” I say as I slide another finger inside her.

  “For someone…ahhh,” she cries out as I curl my fingers inside her. “For someone who was in such a hurry, you sure are taking your time, arsehole.”

  I laugh, continuing my assault on her pussy. “Good things come to those who wait.” I suck her nipple into my mouth again, biting down before kissing the sting away, and I feel her muscles tighten again, squeezing my fingers.

  I’m so lost in the tease, that she easily manages to flip us back over, and we crash into a small side table.

  Above me, her eyes glitter with mischief. “I’m done waiting,” she declares, gripping my dick and lining it up with her entrance. Before I can protest, she lowers herself onto me, and everything falls away as her heat wraps around me.

  Her head drops back as she seats herself fully, pausing briefly to adjust to my size before she begins rocking her hips. I reach up, cupping her breasts and rolling her nipples between my fingers. With her hands on my chest, she quickens her pace, lifting and rotating her hips as I thrust up to meet her, causing a groan to fall from her lips. It doesn’t take long before I feel her pussy clenching around my cock, and I know she’s close. Digging her nails into my flesh, I relish in the sting as I grip her hips, slamming her down on my cock.

  “Ahh…Ahh…fuck! Ahh, fuck, yes!” she pants as she reaches her climax, a look of pure ecstasy on her face. As her pussy spasms, convulsing around me and milking my cock, I feel my own release barrel into me.

  Letting out a roar as I spill inside her, our movements stutter before stilling completely. Jessica collapses on top of me boneless, her hot breath blowing across my sweat slicked skin in pants.

  As we come down from the euphoric high, Jessica attempts to move, but all it does is cause a growl to burst from me as my dick perks up at the prospect of round two.

  Jessica chuckles into my neck, and the little minx, rolls her hips again. I quickly lift her off me as emotions slam into me. Placing her to the side of me, despite her protests, I get to my feet and pull my jeans up before searching for my t-shirt.

  “Hey. What the fuck was that?” she demands, her tone offended. I can’t blame her, but I need to get out of here.

  “That was exactly what I warned you would happen,” I snap back at her as I throw my t-shirt back on.

  I know I’m being a bastard. I know she doesn’t deserve my anger. But I’m helpless to stop it. She gets to her feet in front of me just as a sliver of light from the moon casts its glow over her, and I see the evidence of what we just did glistening a trail down her thighs. Jessica follows my line of sight.

  “Hey, it’s okay,” she says, attempting to reassure me.

  “Fuck!” bellows from me, making her jump. I spin away from her, no longer able to see my mistakes glaring back at me. Unable to face how much that video has affected me. How easily this woman in front of me has made me forget my rules.

  Not only did I allow her to kiss me, but I also failed to wrap it. Both things I’ve been religious about since… I don’t kiss anyone except my son. All the times over the last five years that I’ve engaged in sex, I never kiss, and I always wear a fucking condom. This woman has managed to make me break the only two promises, rules, that I made after Sam died.

  They were the only thing that allowed me to justify sleeping with other women and not feel like I was cheating on my wife.

  A hand on my back has me spinning round and coming face to face with her. A look of uncertainty, fear and worry marring her features.

  Eleven

  Jess

  One minute I’m basking in the afterglow of phenomenal sex and the possibility of round two, the next I’m lifted up and unceremoniously dumped on the floor. Looking up as Rick tucks himself away, I see a war waging inside him, but I have no idea why.

  I don’t usually have hang-ups about sex, despite my past, but when the guy you’ve just had unbelievable sex with switches his mood quicker than a coin toss, it’s inevitable the voice of self-consciousness will make itself heard.

  “Hey. What the fuck was that?” I demand, my offense bleeding through.

  “That was exactly what I warned you would happen,” he bites back, chucking his t-shirt over his head. My libido, having just taken a dent to her ego, doesn’t give a shit and lets out a disappointed sigh.

  In fact, she has me getting to my feet, naked as the day I was born, to stand in front of Rick and watch whatever turmoil he is fighting with while my thighs become sticky with his rele
ase.

  I see the moment he notices and have a moment of clarity. We didn’t use any protection, and I try to reassure him. His bellowed curse and reaction make me think that’s not all it is.

  I step forward on silent feet until I’m just behind him, my mind screams that this is bad idea, but I ignore the voice of reason and reach out a hand.

  I’ve barely touched him, so when he spins round fast, there’s no time to school my emotions. His eyes blaze with… I don’t even know what. Rick’s eyes flick back and forth across my face for what feels like several minutes, but in actuality is only seconds. Before I can even blink, Rick’s hands are on my face, his lips on mine as his intoxicating, spicy scent envelopes me again.

  I melt into his kiss, closing my eyes and getting lost in him, but just as quick as it began, it ends. I open my eyes just as the door slams shut.

  “Well, fuck,” I mutter as I collect my clothes from the floor. Not bothering to get dressed again, I lock the door. I dump my clothes in the small laundry basket before jumping in the shower.

  If I was hoping to wash away the events of the last hour, then hope is a hopeless notion. And one I have no time for.

  I went to bed feeling frustrated, despite having been thoroughly fucked, and I woke this morning even more frustrated. To say I’m confused would be an understatement.

  Which is why I’m currently stripping the bed of cabin number 4 like I’m stripping the skin off the back of my worst enemy and muttering to myself while I do it.

  “Stupid. Arrogant. Obnoxious.” I ball the pillowcase in my hand as I run through several more words to describe Rick. “Moody. Definitely moody. And belligerent.” I nod my head, agreeing with myself as I chuck the pillowcase to the corner with the rest of the dirty sheets.

  Suddenly feeling that I’m not alone, I turn to see Eleanor standing in the doorway. She has her hands clasped in front of her, and a knowing smile on her face.