CSA Case Files: Campaign of Desire Part 18

"Under," Lach ordered, walking around the other side of the bed, not waiting to see if she followed his instructions. Phoebe didn't want to remove his robe, but she figured she was getting the better trade by crawling under his covers. As she settled herself against two oversized pillows propped against the headboard while pulling up the sheets, Lach handed her one of the steaming mugs and placed his on the nightstand. He removed his jeans and boxer briefs, giving her a view that she would never tire of seeing. Right now, she just needed to be held. "Drink."

"I noticed that when you were talking today, you didn't speak more than ten words in a sentence." Phoebe took a sip without looking to see what was inside the cup and grimaced when it wasn't tea or coffee. She pulled it away and looked down, seeing that it was warm milk. She'd never had a taste for it before and didn't really want it now. To cover up that she wasn't going to drink anymore, she went on to explain what she meant. "Counting helped keep me calm."

"Wait," Lach said, standing there in all his glory and hands on his hips, "while there were weapons trained on us and the potential was high of us getting shot, you sat there on the couch and counted my words?"

When he said it like that, Phoebe could admit that it sounded odd. Technically, it had become a habit a long time ago and relying on it during a time of crisis had kept her composed. She lifted one shoulder slightly and looked down into the white liquid, tossing his words aside.

"Anything was better than thinking of the alternative," Phoebe replied in a soft voice, the terror she'd felt earlier still within the vicinity. Would it ever go away? "When you walked in there like you didn't have a care in the world, I thought for sure they'd shoot you on sight."

"Phoebe, I wasn't saying there was a right or wrong way to think when faced with a situation like that." Lach finally climbed onto the bed and joined her under the covers. She took the moment to place her mug on the nightstand by her side and then turned back to see him propped up on his elbow and watching her intently, but he didn't comment on her sly move. "It actually makes me feel good that you would concentrate on something that I'm saying or doing to keep yourself calm."

Lach finally lay back against his pillow and reached out for her, pulling her close so that she could rest her head on his chest. Phoebe made sure her cheek rested on his right side, enduring she didn't put pressure on his bruise. She couldn't say what it was...his warmth, the tenderness of his touch, the peace she felt by finally being in his arms...but a sob rose up within her, catching her off guard.

"It's okay, Phoebe," Lach whispered against her hair, pulling her tighter against him even though it had to have caused him pain. His action made her cry harder. "I've got you."

Phoebe wasn't sure how long she cried, but she did know the reasons why. It was for losing a mother so early in life. It was for having come so close to losing her own life before she actually lived it. It was almost having lost her sister and that now that Kimmie had survived, she would live with a guilt that could never be taken away. It was for Agent Johanson and the family he'd left behind. It was for experiencing a fear like she'd never known existed upon seeing Lach get shot. It was for thinking she'd lost him and would have to carry out her days without him by her side.

"I didn't know l-loving someone could h-hurt so much," Phoebe stuttered, trying to breathe through the sobs wracking her body. "Watching y-you, s-seeing you go down l-like that...it felt l-like my heart exploded. Please don't ever l-leave me."

"I can't make a.s.surances of things beyond my control, but I do promise that I will never leave you voluntarily." Lach tucked her hair behind her ear and caressed her cheek with his thumb, wiping away some of her tears. It wasn't the guarantee that Phoebe really wanted, but she knew it was the most paramount oath he could have given. "I do love you, Phoebe. You don't seem to understand that if you don't survive, neither do I. I can't live without you. That much should be obvious. I should share something with you though."

"What's that?" Phoebe whispered, grateful when he handed her tissues from the bedside table. She wiped her eyes and her nose, keeping her head tucked into the corner of his arm. She didn't want him to see her like this, but it was useless. He cradled her chin and brought her face up to his until she met his gaze. "Lach?"

"This is the second time that I've had to save your a.s.s, and lovely as it is, I can guarantee if you put it in danger again you'll have large red handprints on your lovely a.s.s cheeks that will make it difficult for you to sit for days." Lach released her and let his head drop back against the pillow, closing his eyes. "Now if that's what you wanted all along, all you had to do was ask."

Phoebe's emotions had been all over the place today, and now was no exception. She half cried and half laughed at his remarks. She couldn't seem to help herself and she felt the floodgates open up once more. She couldn't have asked for anything more when Lach stroked her hair and arm continuously until the darkness consumed her.

Lach watched as Phoebe's eyelashes fluttered on her flushed cheeks. He'd known she couldn't get warm enough earlier, so he'd turned up the heat before joining her in the bedroom. She'd only been asleep for two hours and most of that wasn't restful. He'd left the lamp sitting the bedside table on so that she wouldn't awake to darkness. He didn't want her scared and he found that he couldn't stop looking at her, relishing in the fact she was here...safe and sound.

Lach placed his hand on Phoebe's shoulder when her breathing became uneven. She moved her head towards his warmth and he had to wonder if she instinctively knew that he was there, watching over her. There was a peace within him now that hadn't been there this morning. He'd made decisions that he would have to discuss with her, but a future together would contain a lot of compromising. He twirled the bottom edges of her hair, wrapping the silky strands around his fingers.

"You're deep in thought," Phoebe whispered, catching his attention. Her nose was still red and her eyes were slightly bloodshot from crying herself to sleep. Lach brushed the back of his fingers over her cheek, taking in every detail. "Everything okay?"

"I have you by my side." Lach gave her a small smile, letting her know that everything was fine. He made a mental note to book another trip to California. His parents should definitely meet the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with. "I'm busy making plans. Go back to sleep and let me concentrate."

"You aren't allowed to resort to the below ten word sentence with me," Phoebe said, her eyes being drawn to the bruise that now contained more hues of blue, black, and green than she probably ever knew existed. Lach didn't want her attention on it, so he tapped her chin. "I've earned a full conversation."

"Oh really? And how did you come up with that a.s.sertion?"

"You love me."

"That I do, little socialite," Lach replied with a laugh, instantly wincing at the deep ache in his chest.

"What were you thinking about?"

"The changes we need to make," Lach answered honestly, pulling the covers a little higher when he saw her shiver. Phoebe scooted a little closer to him, her warm legs entangling with his. "I'll talk to Crest on Monday regarding contract work."

"What?" Phoebe scrambled to sit up and Lach berated himself, knowing he should have waited to have this conversation with her in the morning. Her blue eyes were now wide open and there wasn't anything lethargic about her. If he didn't know any better, he would have sworn by her reaction that she'd spent time in boot camp. "Why would you do that?"

"Because that's the way it has to be." Lach rearranged his pillows and eased himself up slightly so that he was eye level to her. The sheet had fallen, revealing her beautifully shaped b.r.e.a.s.t.s. If she wanted to have this conversation now, so be it. At least he had a view that would keep him occupied. "You have eight weeks left before primaries. After that, you said you were handing your duties over to Mooney so that you can put your energy back into the foundation. So, for eight weeks, where you go-I go."

"Then why resort to contract work if it's only for eight weeks?"

"Because after that, I'll be your personal security detail on your mission trips." Lach reached out, stroking the side of her breast with his finger. She grabbed a hold of his hand, as if she couldn't concentrate on what he was saying. He grinned. "Which, since compromise is what I'm aiming for here, you'll cut back the overseas operations and include domestic a.s.signments, which will allow me to take occasional jobs with my team."

"Wow, you have really thought about this." Phoebe tucked her hair behind her ear, leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on his shoulder. "What happens if my father becomes President?"

"We'll make adjustments." Lach rested his cheek on top of Phoebe's head, where she once again snuggled against him. He wrapped his arm around her and when her hand snuck down below the sheets, he quickly held it against his abdomen. "It shouldn't change the initial summary."

"I'm not tired." Phoebe lifted her chin so that she could meet his gaze. Her blue eyes darkening to the sapphire color he loved clued him in to what she was about to say. "Let me explore."

Lach raised an eyebrow, not willing to let her get away with starting something now. They'd both had a h.e.l.l of a day and she was exhausted. She needed sleep. If he had anything to say about it, they would live long lives enjoying each other in the most carnal way.

"Sir."

Lach held his chest as she elicited another laugh from him. d.a.m.n, that hurt. She'd already pushed the covers down, revealing his hardened c.o.c.k. The moment she'd sat up revealing her pert b.r.e.a.s.t.s and her pink nipples, his d.i.c.k had responded. Once again, he held tight to her wrist.

"You're tired." Lach caught her other wrist when she repositioned herself over his thighs. "You need to rest."

"What I need is to feel you inside of me." Phoebe stilled and Lach saw the determination in her eyes. He slowly released her and watched as she leaned over the bed without disconnecting their contact, retrieving a condom from the bedside table. She held it up triumphantly. "Looks like we're going to need a lot more."

Lach smirked and allowed Phoebe to tear open the wrapper. She didn't know it, but he was giving her two minutes before he took over this show. h.e.l.l, maybe she did know it and that's why she constantly baited him. He adored her independent streak, but for f.u.c.k's sake, did it ever spur his dominance.

"You don't seem too tired," Phoebe quipped, removing the condom and tossing the wrapper over the bed and onto the floor. She then proceeded to roll the latex over the head of his c.o.c.k, causing him to lock his jaw to prevent himself from throwing her back onto the mattress and driving himself into her. d.a.m.n, but she knew just the right amount of pressure that triggered his b.a.l.l.s to tighten. "I bet I could help with that though."

Lach motioned with his finger that she should lean down. When Phoebe did as he requested, he wrapped his fingers around her neck and pulled her mouth down on his. Drinking from her, he made sure he had his fill before releasing her. Her inflamed lips were now the same color as her flushed nipples. He shifted his hips against hers so that he could catch one in his mouth, nibbling on one of her sensitive nubs. She cried out and braced herself with her palms on his pillow.

"I didn't hear my t.i.tle," Lach murmured against her skin, now using his teeth to hold her into place.

"Sir," Phoebe replied breathlessly.

"Go ahead and take me inside of you." Lach didn't release her nipple, wanting her to feel the pull when she moved her body. Phoebe hissed when she lifted her hips and slowly sank down over his c.o.c.k. The more she took of him, the more taut her nipple became between his teeth. He swiftly released her, his hands immediately holding on to her waist so that she couldn't lift up. "I want to see you pleasure yourself at the same time."

Lach made sure she understood what he was saying before gradually loosening his hold on her. He would initiate a scene at some point where she pleasured herself, giving him more insight to what pleased her. At the moment, he understood her desire to feel physically close to him as he had the same deep-seated animal need. It was embedded inside of them.

He locked his fingers behind his head so that he could lay back and enjoy watching what was about to take place. The dull throbbing in his chest faded away slightly as the heat of her womb engulfed his c.o.c.k. Lach opened his mouth and though it took a second, Phoebe presumed correctly that he wanted to be the one to wet her finger. She slid her middle digit into his mouth, where he encircled it with his tongue.

No words were exchanged as Phoebe pulled her hand away. Gently pulling up on her folds to expose her c.l.i.t and give him a better view, she gently placed the pad of her middle finger over the now unprotected tissue. Her eyes immediately closed at the sensation and he could feel the walls of her p.u.s.s.y contract. He tightened his fingers on the back of his head.

"Stroke it."

Phoebe didn't open her eyes, but she followed his instruction. Rubbing her c.l.i.t had a direct effect on her hips, which started to rotate back and forth at a slow pace. Lach's abdomen tensed to prevent himself from moving. She was lost in her own pleasure, taking what she needed to feel alive. It was a lovely thing to witness.

The faster Phoebe ma.s.saged her c.l.i.toris, the more she started to lift herself off of him by her knees, only to slam herself back down. Her p.u.s.s.y was leaving her juices on his skin every time her inner thighs made contact with his. Lach wasn't inhuman, and after a day like today he knew he wouldn't last too long. Then again, neither would she. She elevated herself once more until only the tip of his c.o.c.k was left inside of her opening and when she slammed back down, her dark sapphire colored eyes popped open.

"Come for me," Lach moaned, releasing his hands from behind his head and curling his fingers into the meat of her a.s.s. "Eyes on me."

Lach barely got those three words out as his teeth ground together, his b.a.l.l.s releasing his c.u.m and continuing to do so as her p.u.s.s.y repet.i.tively constricted its walls around his c.o.c.k. He reared up, the strength of his o.r.g.a.s.m overwhelming. His face was inches away from hers, her pretty pink lips parted in a silent scream, reacting to the force of her own release. He grabbed her wrists and held them against her lower back, placing his other hand on her shoulder and holding her tightly into place. He needed to savor this moment.

"I love you," Lach whispered harshly. He searched her eyes, watching and absorbing the pleasure she received. It fueled his own. The future was ahead of them, and although there were numerous unknowns, they could handle anything thrown their way. They'd proved that today. "You're mine...now and forever."

Epilogue.

Crest walked through the dark offices of CSA and made his way toward his office with only the dim security lights shedding some illumination. It didn't matter, as he knew the layout like he knew the inner workings of his 1911A1 weapon. It was after midnight, but after everything that went down with the Dunaways and the debriefings afterward, he knew sleep would be evasive. If he wasn't mistaken by the contemplative look in Lach's eye, Crest had just lost himself an operative.

Walking into his private den, he crossed the floor and turned on his desk lamp. Ethan had finally headed out for Texas, although Taryn didn't know that he'd been sent ahead. Crest refused to put her into the crosshairs of a trap without first knowing something of the landmine that Ryland had undoubtedly set. She wouldn't be happy about it, but it was his call.

Taking off his jacket, knowing he'd be here for quite some time, he'd been about to walk over to the coat rack when he heard a noise out in the hallway. Laying his coat down gently on the desk, he used his right hand to unsnap his holster. The doors had automatically locked behind him when he'd entered, indicating whoever it might be was supposed to be here, but Crest wasn't taking that chance. He waited patiently for whomever it was to show his or her face. Jessie appeared in the doorframe, holding a white envelope in her hand.

"Jessie, what the h.e.l.l are you doing here this late at night?" Crest released his hold on the weapon and leaned against the edge of his desk. "You're lucky I didn't shoot you."

"That would mean you made a mistake, and I highly doubt that could happen." Jessie closed the distance, her usual confidence in place. There were moments that Crest had witnessed the hurt in her eyes over the barriers he'd erected, but for the most part she'd conducted herself professionally like he'd asked. He couldn't have asked more from her. "This could probably have waited for Monday morning, but after hearing from Ethan what took place today, I figured you'd be here."

Crest studied her, not liking this foreboding feeling that had suddenly settled over his office. Jessie was strong-willed, and throughout the several years that she worked for CSA he'd watched her mature and grow into a beautiful woman. Unfortunately he'd aged as well and the differences between the two of them were too vast to overcome. She was still too innocent for his predilection and she always would be.

"Is there something you need?"

Crest looked her over, taking in the short black blazer that cinched at the waist and covered the white top that she wore underneath. She was wearing jeans, which didn't give away what she'd done with her Friday evening while he'd been involved in a life and death situation. Her black leather boots came up to her knees, the little heels not giving her much more height than what she naturally was. Nothing about her gave any indication of what she was about to say. She held up the white envelope.

"This is my resignation," Jessie exclaimed as if they were having an ordinary conversation. "I quit."

Crest didn't reply right away for fear he might say something he'd regret, or worse, ask Jessie to stay. His muscles radiated the tension he was feeling but d.a.m.n if he'd show that to her. He forced himself into a standing position, slipping his hands into his pockets to give him time to form a response. When she saw that he wasn't going to take the envelope from her hand, she tossed it onto his desk.

"I'm sorry to see you go," Crest countered, giving the standard line most supervisors said when placed in this situation. He looked for any regret on her part and whereas she was usually an open book, she was getting better and better at hiding her true feelings. The fierce urge to place her on her knees and in a position where she would never keep anything hidden from him was crushing, but he kept it in check all the same. "You've been a tremendous a.s.set to CSA, as well as me. I wish you nothing but the best, Jessie."

"That's it?" Jessie tilted her head, a simmering of anger finally pooling in those green eyes of hers. "You're going to stand there and wish me well? As if I was nothing more than an ordinary, everyday personal a.s.sistant? You are such a condescending a.s.s."

"Jessie, I don't know what you want me to-"

"What I want you to do is tell me to stay." Jessie stepped forward, her denim-clad legs touching his desk. Her long hair brushed the wood as she leaned over, making her point. It took everything in him not to drag her over the hard surface and take her the way he truly wanted. "I want you to finally man up and put a stop to this cat and mouse s.h.i.t that we've been playing. I'm done, Gavin. I thought I could stay here and be in your presence day in and day out, but I can't. I want more, and if you're not willing to give it to me then I'm walking."

Crest's demon inside wanted to rage at her for the position she was putting him in. He felt the claws inside his chest trying to break free and give Jessie what she claimed she wanted, but she had no f.u.c.king idea who he truly was. He wasn't this knight that she dreamt of or fantasized about.

"It's for the best, Jessie." Crest found it in himself to control his actions and finally walked around the desk. She took a step back when he got too close, which was very wise of her. He wasn't so sure what would happen if they touched. "I wish circ.u.mstances had been different. I-"

"You are so full of s.h.i.t." Jessie spun on her heels and walked to the door, but she wasn't done having her say. Crest saw his vision go red at the sight of her coming out of her sh.e.l.l and being so f.u.c.king alive. The color invaded his senses and he took an involuntary step forward before he stopped himself. "You have treated me as if I'm made of gla.s.s, like I'm some f.u.c.king china doll that you put on a shelf and admire from afar. I'm not some schoolgirl that you can lock away and protect like some vestal virgin. I'm strong, Gavin."

"I don't treat you like gla.s.s," Crest replied in a hard voice, denying her statement. He'd known all along this thing between them would erupt, but he didn't want it to be in this manner. "I've been nothing but honest with you from the beginning."

"Really? I don't think you've been honest with yourself." Jessie tilted her head back, looking up at the ceiling as if she needed strength. Didn't she realize that he was hanging on by a f.u.c.king thread? She finally evened out her breathing and looked him square in the eye, her shoulders straight. She was a vision that would forever remain etched in his memory. "I deserve to be treated with respect and I'm the only one who should be responsible for the decisions that I make. If you ever realize that, come find me...although I can't promise I'll be waiting. I hope you find solace in your one man relationship of solitude."

Just like that, his office was empty. Crest waited where he was until he heard the door close behind Jessie before allowing himself to move. He sank into his desk chair, leaning his head back against the cold leather. He reflected back on the decisions he'd made, and uncharacteristically found himself wondering if he'd just allowed someone important walk out of his life because of some preconceived notion of what was right and wrong. How could he of all people be trapped by the constraints of puritanical thought considering all of his other dalliances on the dark side? He didn't like where his reflections were going. He'd made the right choice for both of them. Unfortunately, Jessie was mistaken in her last wish. There was no solace to be found.

~ THE END ~.

About the Author.

First and foremost, I love life. I love that I'm a wife, mother, daughter, sister...and a writer.

I am one of the lucky women in this world who gets to do what makes them happy. As long as I have a cup of coffee (maybe two or three) and my laptop, the stories evolve themselves and I try to do them justice. I draw my inspiration from a retired Marine Master Sergeant that swept me off of my feet and has drawn me into a world that fulfills all of my deepest and darkest desires. Erotic romance, military men, intrigue, with a little bit of kinky chili pepper (his recipe), fill my head and there is nothing more satisfying than making the hero and heroine fulfill their destinies.

Thank you for having joined me on their journeys...

Books by Kennedy Layne.

Captured Innocence.

(CSA Case Files 1).

When former Marine, Connor Ortega, was ordered into the offices of Crest Security Agency on a Sat.u.r.day morning, he didn't expect the latest case to hit so close to home. A submissive has been murdered in a particularly vicious manner and to bring her killer to justice, he must go undercover. Not hard to do considering he's already part of the BDSM lifestyle.

Lauren Bailey, a local vendor of bejeweled erotic implements, lives vicariously through her clients due to her fear of bondage. When Connor's dominant side can't resist trying to ease her anxieties, she accepts his proposal and agrees to his one stipulation...keep things casual.

When the killer sets his sights on Lauren, Connor is forced to rethink their relationship. He has the training it takes to catch a murderer, but does he have the courage to escape his inner demons and capture Lauren's heart?

Buy Captured Innocence at Amazon.

Sinful Resurrection.

(CSA Case Files 2).

Sins of the past have been resurrected, predetermining their path to love. Can they overcome the treacherous obstacles set before them?

Jax Christensen likes his life just the way it is. He has his work, his club, and the occasional naked submissive to take his mind off everything else. He doesn't talk about the past, as there is no point in reminiscing about things that cannot be altered. His chest has an empty hole where his heart used to be, but he's grown accustomed to the constant pain. It's become the only thing that reminds Jax that he's alive.