Untamed Hearts (BBW Biker Werewolf Romance) Page 8

  Gunner shook his head. “I’m fine...if I were like Adrian, I’d be sick by now.” His voice was low, urgent. “There’s nothing wrong with me, Claire. I’d know it. Trust me on this.”

  “But how? How can you be sure?”

  “I broke Adrian’s nose at the diner, right?”

  Claire nodded, then shrugged. “So?”

  “And he broke my ribs when he kicked me.”

  Claire let out an exasperated sigh. “Yeah. I know, I was there. So?”

  “His nose is still all messed up, still dripping blood. Still broken. Look.” Gunner sat up, pulling back the sheet. Claire leaned over and looked down at Gunner’s torso. There was a faded bruise over the spot where Adrian had kicked him.

  “Oh...wow.” Claire sat back.

  “My ribs are healed, Claire. His nose is still broken. If I had the same thing Adrian has, none of my injuries would be healed. Shifters heal. Adrian can’t.”

  She nodded. “And the last fight? You hurt him really badly, didn’t you?”

  “Yeah, I did. He’s got some serious injuries, bad enough that it’s going to keep him down for a long time.”

  Something close to relief, sudden and almost overwhelming, flooded through Claire. She sank back on the bed, eyes suddenly full of tears. Gunner wrapped an arm around her shoulders and she closed her eyes, tears sliding down her cheeks.

  “Oh God...but it’s not over, is it?”

  Gunner drew a breath, his chest rising, then falling beneath her cheek. “No, it ain’t. It’s probably only just beginning. His arm tightened briefly around her.

  “What now?”

  “We wait out the storm and go back tomorrow. Try to figure out what to do, but back home, back where we have family.”

  “Your family...”

  “Yeah, Reece, Malone...not blood, but family.”

  “Your pack.” She turned her head away. “The pack that had your family killed.”

  Gunner sat up abruptly, turning to Claire, pulling her across his lap. “My pack...right now, they’re the guys I trust with my life. And yours.” He took her chin between his thumb and forefinger.

  “Do you trust me, Claire? Can you trust me to take care of you?”

  She looked into his eyes. It was easy for him to ask for that trust, promise to take care of her now, here, in the dark with a naked girl sitting on his lap. But when they were back in the city, then what? Would he still feel the same way? Was that a risk she was willing to take?

  It was.

  “I trust you. We’ll go back...to your pack.”

  He pulled her into his arms, lips finding hers. Every doubt she had slipped away under the pressure of his mouth on hers, as his hands slid down over her arms and found their way to her waist and then other places. She shifted on his lap and grinned as Gunner groaned against her lips. She pulled back, smiling at him in the dim light.

  He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “What’s got you all smiling? You like getting me all hot and bothered, don’t you?”

  “If you haven’t noticed, you do the same thing to me.”

  “I do my best, ma’am.” He shifted again, lifting her up until she straddled his lap. There was no hiding his intent from her and she wiggled against him, eliciting another moan.

  “You know you’re starting something I’m not going to be able to stop.” The corner of his mouth turned up, eyes darkening with passion.

  “I don’t want you to stop...ever.” She wrapped her arms around Gunner’s neck. “This is the safest I’ve felt in a long, long time. I’ve got no intention of starting something...with you...that I...that we can’t finish.”

  There was a brief but wonderful confusion of arms and legs, shifting bodies, as Gunner sat forward, tipping Claire backward onto the bed. She landed on her back, bouncing slightly, laughing up at Gunner. Lightening flashed, brilliant and sharp, and she saw his face above hers, pure animal passion written across his face.

  But the animal was gentle this time. Gunner leaned down, lips brushing against hers, almost—but not quite delicately. The latent power of his body, his hand resting on her stomach, fingers moving slowly on her skin, it was all there, a heartbeat away from the surface.

  Claire reached up, twining her fingers through his hair, pulling him just a little closer, exerting just a little more pressure against his lips.

  She felt him draw a breath and then the kiss deepened, slowly, each movement bringing a swell of heat flooding through her. His fingers slid over her stomach, rising up to gently caress one full breast. Claire moaned against his mouth, arching against his hand, seeking more contact.

  He slowly broke the kiss, sliding his lips along the curve of her jaw, down the hollow of her throat, lingering here and there, the occasional kiss turning into a nip of teeth. He kissed a line between her breasts, stopping to nuzzle his cheek against their fullness.

  Claire looked down at Gunner, fingers still in his hair, watching as he traced first one hard nipple, then the other with his lips and tongue. Desire and passion welled up inside her and she clutched his hair, arching up still further, wanting more, but not wanting what he was doing to stop.

  And Gunner didn’t stop. He took his sweet time, lavishing attention on each breast, licking, kissing, pulling one taut nipple into his mouth, first sucking gently, teasing her with lips and tongue and teeth.

  But his gentleness gave way to something urgent, primal, an insatiable need. He tugged hard on her breast, pulling more of her between his lips. Electric jolts ran through her, each more intense than the one before, her body filled with sensations and emotions. She was almost overwhelmed by the feeling of tenderness toward Gunner, shocked to find something close to love filling her heart.

  Her body was demanding more and as if sensing her desires, Gunner lifted his head. He was heavy-lidded, lips parted, breathing a little hard and fast. She shifted beneath him, an open invitation, and he rose above her, accepting

  Wordlessly she took him in her hand, guiding him to her. He watched her face this time, a smile tugging at his lips, hips still held above hers.

  “What?” Her voice was breathless, her body almost vibrating with need.

  “Just want to watch this time, in case you repeat yourself.”

  “I won’t be repeating anything if you don’t make a move.” She still held him and gave him a tug.

  “Yes, ma’am. Just didn’t want to miss the show this time.”

  Before she could say anything, he covered her mouth with his and entered her, one long controlled thrust. She broke away, eyes closed, exhaling with a long, deep noise, somewhere between a sigh and a moan.

  “Oh, yeah. Okay...” Everything felt so perfect, she almost wanted him to do that all over again, from the beginning, every move leading up to that.

  “Okay? Just okay?”

  She opened her eyes, squinting up at him. “I thought it was women who talked during sex, not men.”

  He shrugged, settling himself on his elbows, his hips flexing just enough to kindle a warmth deep inside her.

  “Making sure everything is to your liking. And there’s nothing like a no talking rule, you know. There’s a time and place for words. Talking makes it better.”

  “Better?”

  “Haven’t you ever talked during sex? Asked for something you wanted?” He rocked his hips from side to side, setting off a new wave of sensations between her hips.

  She shook her head. “No...not really. It’s just...never...no.”

  “We’ll have to work on that then. I’ll start. Wrap your legs around my waist. I like when you’re open, when I can be all the way inside you.” He pushed forward, holding himself still, waiting.

  Slowly she pulled her legs back, running her calves over his hard thighs, over the taut curve of his ass, her thighs sliding along his torso.

  He held her gaze for a moment then pushed forward slowly, and she felt herself rocked upward, her body accepting him completely.

  “Like that. Is that good for
you?” His voice was a low rumble, one she felt against her heart. His question took her by surprise and she hesitated for a moment.

  “Yeah. It is.”

  “Your turn. Tell me what you want.” She looked up at him, his eyes briefly catching the light, deep and dark and endless blue.

  “I like it when you...pay attention to my breasts. I like it a lot.”

  She felt the need to whisper, aware now of the power her words had, awed by the fact he might actually listen to what she said.

  He held her gaze a moment longer, then slowly curled himself around her, an arm sliding beneath her. He bent his body, lowering his head to her breast, caressing her with his lips and tongue. She arched against him, shifting slightly, and their bodies melted into each other.

  Claire was completely enfolded in Gunner’s strong grip, held against his body as his hips began moving, slowly for a moment, then increasing speed. The urgency she’d felt before returned and he sucked at her almost greedily.

  She clung to him, letting him carry her as he took control, took her body with his as he plummeted over the edge toward his climax. When he came, he tore his mouth from her breast, a cry of pure pleasure breaking from his lips, hips thrust far forward.

  As the hot sweetness of his orgasm filled her, Claire let go, her shudders and tremors, no less powerful for being contained by Gunner’s arms, by his body pressing her to the mattress, shaking her to her very core. But even as she was restrained, she felt secure, able to let herself go completely, trusting Gunner’s hold on her would keep her from shattering into pieces.

  Gunner finally fell across her, breathing hard, body covered with a sheen of sweat. She held him, fingers trailing over his shoulders.

  “Yeah...you were right, that’s a lot better than okay.”

  His shoulders shook, and she realized he was laughing. Then he lifted his head, propping it on his hand.

  “I have my moments. You caught me on a good day...or night.” He looked out the window. “It is still night, I guess. I’ve lost track of time.”

  He looked down at her. “Are you comfortable? I can move.”

  “No, I’m good.” She smiled and slid one leg slowly down his body, foot trailing along his back. “I like it here.”

  He returned her smile. “I like this, too.” He leaned down, kissing her softly. When he raised his head, the smile was there, but his eyes were dark, serious. “And I like you.”

  Her heart did a funny little stutter step, her breath catching in her throat. “I...don’t know...”

  “You don’t have to say anything, Claire. I’m not looking for a declaration...”

  She shook her head, a burble of laughter on her lips. “But I do...I mean, I like you too. A lot...” The laughter took on a nervous edge. “I sound like I’m in junior high.”

  “You sound fine to me. You just sound like a woman who hasn’t had a very good track record with men. You just need practice.”

  “Practice using my words? Like before?” She frowned.

  “Yeah. Practice makes perfect. Give it a shot, see what happens. I’m not going anywhere.” He settled back, obviously ready to make good on his word.

  Her laughter died away. No one had ever asked things like this, how she felt, what she wanted, and then listened to her. It was new and strange and wonderful and scary, all at the same time.

  She looked at Gunner. He was big and strong and capable, obviously a fighter. And he certainly wasn’t hard on the eyes. But there was more. His steady gaze, the way he looked at her, the way he listened to her. Everything was suddenly clear.

  “You make me feel safe, like everything’s going to be okay. And I trust you. I’ve never trusted anyone before. Why is that?”

  “I don’t know.” He was quiet for a minute. “I have a confession to make. I lied.”

  She struggled against his weight to sit up. He rose up on one arm, letting her squirm out from beneath him. “Wait, what? You lied? About what?”

  “About liking you.”

  “You’re kidding.” Her face went numb. This wasn’t really happening. Not now, not with Gunner. She sat up against the head of the bed, pulling her knees to her chest.

  “The truth?” He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, resting his elbows on his knees, looking at the floor.

  She managed to nod.

  “It’s more than just this...” He waved his hand over the bed. “I mean I like the sex.” He glanced over at her, and she swore he was blushing.

  “I guess I didn’t want to scare you. Or myself.”

  “Well, you did. So this is more than just liking me for the sex?” She flushed, her face growing hot.

  “I’m a smart ass, in case you hadn’t noticed.” He shifted restlessly. “Things get uncomfortable, I crack wise.”

  “So it’s really you who needs the practice with your words?”

  He gave her a wry smile. “Yeah. Something like that.” He reached out, fingers brushing against her cheek.

  “Truth is...if I had to put a name to it, I think I love you, Claire.”

  Her heart skipped a beat, then sped up. “Oh. Well...”

  He leaned forward, kissing her softly. “And I don’t expect a declaration of love from you...unless you want to. Really. I’m not that needy.”

  But in his eyes, she did see a need, and her heart swelled with emotion. “I think it’s possible I might love you, too. It’s not just the outrageous sex either.”

  He smiled and then grabbed her around the waist, pulling her down to the bed. He leaned over her, pinning her to the mattress.

  “So if we have more outrageous sex, will that help you make up your mind? Change that ‘I might’ to an ‘I do’?”

  She reached up, tracing the curve of his cheek, as he rose above her. “There’s no harm in trying.”

  * * *

  Gunner had shaken her awake the next morning, sitting on the bed. He was freshly showered and dressed. She rubbed her eyes groggily, squinting against the bright sun that filled the cabin.

  “What time is it?” Her voice was husky with sleep.

  “Still early, but later than I wanted it to be. We need to get going. Adrian may be sick and wounded, but he’s still dangerous. You’ve got time for a shower and a cup of coffee, then we need to hit the road.”

  The mention of Adrian’s name cleared the fog from Claire’s head. She climbed out of bed, grabbed a change of clothes, and hit the shower. True to his word, Gunner had a cup of steaming coffee waiting for her.

  “Where are we going?” She took a sip of coffee, then turned to pack her few belongings in her duffel. The leather satchel was where she’d dropped it and she compulsively opened it, rifling through the contents. She latched it, breathing out a sigh. When she raised her head, she found Gunner looking at her, one eyebrow raised.

  “What’s in the bag?”

  “Bits and pieces of my former life, I guess.” She shrugged. “The only pictures I have of my mom and dad, old friends...some letters I got, back before I knew better than to let someone know where I was.”

  Gunner nodded, then pointed across the room to a small shelf.

  “The only pictures I have of my dad.” He gave her a smile filled with memories. “Most of them I took when I was a kid, so he’s lopsided, or I’d cut off the top of his head.” The smile faded. “But they’re all I have left of him.”

  “None of your mom?”

  Gunner’s eyes dropped and he turned away, looking out the big window. She winced. Obviously she’d hit a nerve.

  “I’m sorry, Gunner.”

  He shrugged. “I never knew her. No one talked about her much, including my dad. She wasn’t part of my life.”

  Claire set down the leather satchel and closed the distance between them. She slid her arms around his waist, resting her head on his back. He covered her hands with his and they stood for a long moment, the quiet of the cabin surrounding them.

  Chapter Eight

  Gunner led Claire back down the moun
tain path. When they came to the spot where Adrian had dragged her, she hesitated. He turned and saw the fear on her face as she scanned the forest.

  “I can see him, all bloody and deformed, hiding behind every leaf and branch. I half expect him to lunge out and attack.”

  “He’s not here, Claire. You’d be able to smell him. And stealth isn’t his style, you know that.”

  She didn’t look reassured by his words, but she moved on down the path.

  He left her while he made his way through the brush to his motorcycle. As he came around the corner on the bike, he saw her standing by the side of the road, looking down at the skid marks Adrian’s car had left. Her arms were wrapped around her body, her face drawn and pale. They hadn’t talked about what he’d done to her or said in the car. She hadn’t offered, and he didn’t want to push her. When she was ready, he’d listen.

  He pulled up and she wordlessly climbed on the bike. Then he turned the bike around and they headed back to the city.

  “I want to see Reece.”

  They’d stopped at a rest stop. Claire stood on the grass, working the kinks out of her back. Shading her eyes against the sun, she looked at him for a long moment.

  “I don’t have anywhere else to go. My apartment...” She shrugged. “I’m never going there again.”

  Gunner pulled out his cell and made the call. The relief in the older man’s voice was clear, and Gunner felt a pang of distress. It hadn’t occurred to him that Reece would be worried, and for a minute he was overwhelmed by the thought.

  The bike shop was dark except for a dim light at the back of the shop. Gunner took the bike around the back, parked it in the alley, and together they headed to the side door of the building.

  Reece was sitting behind his desk, a half-empty bottle of whiskey and a glass in front of him.

  “Hey, Gunner. You’re a sight for sore eyes. Claire, I’m glad you’re safe.” He came around from behind the desk, engulfing Gunner in a bear hug. There was a brief, awkward moment where Reece looked at Claire, then pulled her against him in an equally strong embrace.

  “Sit down.” He motioned them toward the wooden chairs in front of the desk as he sank back into the chair behind his desk.