Under the Covers

Chapter Four

Panic heated Juliet’s blood. He’d thrown her on top of a wild stallion. She grabbed the silky mane. “What in the world?”

Planting both hands behind her butt, the sheriff jumped up behind her.

Heat fired down her torso. Desire unfurled inside her with the strength of a tornado. Sparks flew throughout her skin. Instant and unexpected.

He leaned forward, his breath whispering against her ear. “Now relax, darlin’.”

Her nipples hardened to points. God. Fuzziness filled her mind. A need ripped through her veins so demanding she could barely breathe.

The horse huffed.

Strong, large hands settled into the mane in front of her.

On all that was impossible and holy. She bit back a whimper that wanted loose.

“Okay.” His heated breath caressed her ear. His hard chest cradled her back. “Tighten your legs, and you can control the animal.”

She swallowed. “I, uh…” Her voice lowered to a huskiness she barely recognized.

“You’re safe.” His voice slid to guttural.

She tightened her grip. “Okay. What now?”

“Just click your tongue and pull in with your foot,” Quinn murmured.

His heated breath licked around her ear, brushing her face, shooting beneath her skin to warm her. Everywhere. Her eyelids fluttered. Thank God he couldn’t see her face. Mentally smacking herself, she kicked the horse.

The animal snorted.

Quinn leaned into her, his hardness cradling her back. He dug his boot into the horse’s flank, man and beast both rippling with impressive strength.

The horse moved forward.

Flutters that had nothing to do with fear rippled through Juliet’s abdomen. She sucked in air scented with male. Her eyelids became heavy, while her limbs tingled. Her breasts ached. Her sex softened.

“Okay. Now you steer him.” Quinn’s voice was gravel in a cement mixer.

This type of instant desire was unreal. Couldn’t be happening. A long shiver wandered down her entire body. He had to have felt it.

“Juliet.” He groaned.

Naturally, unwillingly, her head dropped back to his chest. “Quinn.”

He stilled and then exhaled. “Juliet, you need to concentrate.”

“Can’t.” Desire reduced her to one syllables, and she didn’t give a damn.

Muscles vibrated against her back. “What do you want, darlin’?”

She groaned low in her throat and shut her eyes. “God.”

“Juliet, either start paying attention to the lesson, or tell me what you want.”

What did she want? Him. Without question, him. It was a mistake, one she’d probably regret, yet one she wanted to make so badly. “I want you.”

He stiffened. The breeze wandered around them with the scents of honeysuckle and pine. “Say the words,” he said.

If she said the words, there would be no going back. She’d definitely have to leave town after the art showing. It was only a matter of time anyway. “Touch me.”

Sharp teeth nipped her ear, spiraling hunger inside her veins. “Ask nicely.”

Her eyes flashed open. His dominant tone trembled through her nerves, sparking around her body until lighting her skin on fire. “Please.”

His hand flattened against her stomach, and he pulled her into heat and male. He chuckled, the sound heavy with need. With a slight shrug that moved her shoulders, he slid his palm up to cup one breast over her shirt. “Finally.”

Electricity zinged from her chest straight to her clit. A roaring filled her ears. “Don’t stop.”

He tweaked her nipple, and she exhaled on a sob. How was it possible to be so in need?

Spring sunshine cascaded down, and they sat on a horse in front of his house. Anybody might come by and see. The summer day was warm, but still, she shivered. She struggled to regain some sense of reality. “We’re outside.”

“I know.” He grasped her shirt and ripped it open, sending buttons flying. Warm hands cupped her bra-covered breasts before he flicked open the front clasp, freeing her. A low groan rumbled from his chest as one rough palm caressed her.

He grasped her chin and tugged her head to the side, exposing her neck. Leaning down, he scraped his teeth along her jugular, kissing and nipping along the way.

He tugged on her nipple.

She arched into his hold, her mind spinning. “Quinn—”

Jeans rustled as he swung his leg and jumped from the horse. Grabbing her waist, he pulled her off, pressing her against the horse’s flank until she wrapped her legs around his hips.

His mouth took hers.

Hot, fast, crazy, he kissed every thought out of her brain while pivoting and striding for the house. His boots clomped up the steps, and at the porch, he released her to slide down his body. The entire time, he kept kissing her.

She grabbed his shirt and broke the kiss so she could yank the material over his head. He helped her, his mouth back on hers the second they succeeded. His lips were firm, determined, and he deepened his assault until all she could do was kiss him back.

Vaguely, she heard the clasp of her jeans release. Cool air brushed her bare butt as he pulled them off along with her boots, socks, and underwear.

They shuffled closer to the door, and she grabbed his jeans.

He released her mouth. “Wait.”

“No.” She shoved his jeans down his legs, taking a quick moment to gasp at the heavy cock straining toward her.

Wow. The sheriff was built.

The jeans caught on his boots. Oh well. She could see what she needed. Slowly standing, she brushed a kiss across his impressive shaft on her way back up.

A low growl rumbled from him.

Both hands clasped her shoulders, and he slid her shirt and bra off. Red spiraled across his rugged cheekbones, and his nostrils flared. “We need to slow down.”

“No.” She stepped right into heat and male. His broad chest showed a warrior’s scars. While she’d heard he had been in the service, she hadn’t known he’d been in battle. Defined and muscular, his chest led down to an impressive six-pack. His erection brushed her stomach, and she had to fight to keep from moaning in need. “Please don’t treat me like I’m some sort of fragile lady. I’m not.”

“You are.”

No, she never had been. No matter how badly she’d disappointed her family. Leaning forward, she licked his nipple.

His sharp intake of breath made her smile.

“Quinn, we do this right. Like you want.” She lifted her gaze to meet his. Tingles zinged around her from the raw hunger on his dark face.

“Like I want?” he asked, his voice guttural as he shoved open the door and propelled them inside.

“Yes,” she breathed out, her heart pounding.

“I need to run upstairs—”

She shook her head. “I’m on the pill—medical reasons.”

His eyes flared hot and bright. He kicked the door shut and backed her into the wall. Both hands plunged into her hair, and he took her mouth again. They inched along the wall, hopefully toward a bedroom. She should probably help him out of his boots and jeans so he didn’t trip. The wall disappeared, and only cool air ran along her back.

She moaned into the kiss, her body on fire. “Now, Quinn. Please, now.” The hunger was so great, she was about to drop him to the floor and take him.

With a growl, he flipped her around, his hand heavy against her lower back. She had a second to appreciate a comfortable-looking dining room complete with hutch. A thick table hit her upper thighs, and she bent over. He shoved papers to the side that cascaded to the floor.

Grabbing both her hips, he thrust inside her with so much force, sparks flashed behind her eyes.

Even so, she opened them in shock. Pinned against the table, helpless, she breathed out, her nerves firing. So much demand coursed through her, she could barely think.

“You okay?” he rumbled, the hands on her hips tightening.

“Yes,” she whispered. She’d never felt like this—never—but that was something to worry about later. After. Way after. Going purely on instinct, she wiggled her butt. “More.”

His grip turned brutal. Pulling out, and then shoving back in, he began to pound. Hard, fast, so strong, he thrust. The sound of flesh slapping flesh echoed around the room.

Flames licked inside her sex right where he plunged, filling her almost too full. She clapped her hands against the table, her body straining for release.

Somehow, he increased the strength of his thrusts, propelling her up on her toes. Each relentless drive sent her higher. Her thighs trembled and started to shake. Her sex contracted until pain and pleasure melded together.

A ball of fire exploded inside her, spiraling out through nerves, muscles, and skin. She arched her back and cried out, her eyes closing. Waves of sparking pleasure whipped through her in shattering spasms.

The orgasm lasted forever. Finally, the waves ebbed. Coming down, her body relaxing, she rested her cheek on the cool table.

His fingers left bruises as he ground against her while he came.

She felt the second reality returned to him. His hold relaxed, and whiskers rubbed her neck.

“Juliet?” he asked.

“Hmmm.” Opening her eyes and speaking real words would be too much effort. She’d quite possibly never felt this good. Ever.

He withdrew from her body and gently lifted her off the table to face him. “Sweetheart? You okay?”

Her eyelids slowly opened. Concern bracketed Quinn’s handsome face and glowed bright in his gaze. She managed a tired grin. “I’m excellent.”

He shook his head. “I was too rough. Damn it.”

Reaching up, she ran her palm along his jawline. “You were perfect, Quinn Lodge.”

His shoulders relaxed. “That was only round one, sweetheart. Now we get serious—in the bedroom. Where I can treat you right.” An expression filtered into his eyes she couldn’t identify. Warm and soft, it increased her heartbeat and set alarm bells ringing in her head.

She swallowed, wanting to protest.

He leaned down, the room tilted, and she found herself cradled in his arms. He turned to head out of the dining room. She snuggled close, enjoying the sensation of muscles shifting in his chest as he moved. Wasn’t there something—

Reality hit them both at the same time. Quinn stopped suddenly with a sharp intake of breath.

The jeans were still around his boots.

His eyes widened, he tried to hop, but whatever had tripped him wasn’t letting go. The room swirled around.

Juliet yelped and dug her nails into his chest.

He spun midair, changed their positions, and dropped backward onto a coffee table. She landed hard on his chest. For a heartbeat, the room silenced. Then the table gave way. Wood splintered with a resounding crack, and they crashed to the floor. She smacked her head on his chin. He groaned.

Frowning, she rubbed her head while settling on top of him, straddling him. “Are you all right?”

He exhaled, and a table leg rolled out from under his rib cage. “Yes.” Both hands ran down her arms. “Are you all right? Did I hurt you? Damn, I’m sorry, Juliet.”

Warmth flushed through her. “You sacrificed your body for me.”

He grimaced. “I like your body better than mine.” His hands wandered from her arms to play with her breasts. “Are these okay?”

Heat climbed into her face. Electricity zapped from his fingers to her rapidly awakening clit. “Ah, fine.”

“Good.” His voice roughened. “Though I should check you head to toe in order to make sure. Once we’re in the bedroom.”

The world disappeared. “Now that sounds like a smart plan.” Her worries, her fears…everything except the sexy sheriff ceased to matter. For this one stolen moment in time, life was good. No matter what happened the next day, she was taking this night. Pushing against his impressive chest, she scrambled over his already erect cock and down his legs. “Let’s get your boots off first.”

“Good idea.” He sat up, and pieces of the table rattled.

She huffed out a laugh and yanked off his boots along with his jeans. “There, now. No more tripping.”

He shoved himself up and kicked the jeans out of the way. They spiraled through the room and hit a Western oil painting on the far wall. The painting dropped to the floor.

Juliet covered her mouth with her hand. “There’ll be nothing left of your house when we’re done.”

His grin was all wolf. “Works for me.” Lunging for her, he ducked a shoulder and tossed her over it.

She caught her breath at his speed, her face against his back. He began moving through the house. A calloused hand caressed her butt, and she wiggled. He caressed harder, taking claim, holding her in place.

A tingle wandered through her.

He climbed stairs, and his fingers dipped between her legs.

She gasped out, seeing stars.

Slowly, one finger entered her while another tapped her clit. She gave a strangled cry. “No, stop.”

He stopped moving just inside a doorway. “Okay.” Another finger slid inside, stretching her.

Oh God. “I meant—”

“I know what you meant.” His silky hair brushed her skin, and his teeth nipped her thigh. His thumbnail scraped across her clit. “Control isn’t something you get to keep here, Juliet.”

Her abdomen quivered. If he didn’t cease his playing, she was going to orgasm over his shoulder, completely at his mercy. While the idea was intriguing, she had to keep some dignity. “Being upside down gives me a headache,” she said.

His fingers deserted her, and she had just enough time to relax before a hard slap echoed across her buttocks. Fire lanced straight to her sex. “Quinn.” She meant it as a protest, but his name came out on a moan.

“No lying—not here and not now. When we’re like this, only honesty. Agree or you go home.” His muscled shoulders shifted as he took a deep breath. “After I turn your ass red.”

She gasped and then slowly relaxed. Lies didn’t belong between them when they were together like this. “No lying,” she murmured. Then, her hands slid down his back to grab a very impressive ass. “Though I’m getting bored with this discussion.”

He laughed and took several steps. Air brushed her skin as he laid her on a bed. His fingers trailed down her abdomen. She gyrated against him, her breath catching.

He released her, and she tensed in protest.

“We have time, sweetheart.” Desire spiraled high across his face. Grabbing her hips, he pushed her up the mattress, his body covering hers. He brushed the hair away from her forehead. “You’re beautiful.”

She blinked. This was about sex. Great sex. She couldn’t offer more. “Quinn, I—”

“Shh.” He nipped her lips. “I know. No worries.”

Well, that might hurt a little. “Oh, okay.”

He settled between her legs. “But for the next couple of hours, you’re mine, sweetheart.”

The possessive tone battered down any defenses she’d been trying to shore. “Maybe I’ll claim you, Sheriff.” Tangling her fingers through his thick hair, she tugged his mouth down to hers for a slow, long, drugging kiss.

A jangle echoed by the doorway. “Freeze!” a woman yelled.

Then things happened too fast and too slow all at once.

Juliet screamed.

Quinn leaped from the bed and toward danger.

Juliet scrambled under the covers.

“Jesus Christ,” Quinn bellowed, jumping back for the bed and shoving under the covers with her.

Juliet clutched the bedspread to her chest, her gaze on the doorway. Quinn’s college-aged sister stood with a bat clutched in her hands, her blue eyes wide and her face extremely pale.

The woman’s mouth opened and closed several times. She threw the bat to the floor and ground her fists into her eyes. “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. I could’ve lived my whole life without seeing…that!”

Quinn growled and threw a pillow at her while remaining safely under the covers. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Dawn ducked the pillow and peered between two fingers. “I came to talk to you and found Mertyl wandering down the road. Titan followed right behind her.”

“Oh.” Quinn sat up but kept the bedspread over the important parts.

“And”—Dawn’s voice rose in pitch and volume as she dropped her hand—“I came inside, and it looks like there was a big fight. The table is broken, a painting is down, and I heard a noise up here. So, I grabbed the bat and came upstairs.”

Quinn stilled. Tension vibrated through the room. “Let me get this straight. You noticed signs of a fight, of danger, and your logical choice was to grab a bat and come upstairs.”

“Um—” Dawn took a step back.

Juliet fought the urge to hide her face under the bedspread. “I’m so sorry, Dawn.”

The woman shuffled her feet. “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t know—I mean, that you and Quinn—well, I mean—”

“Go away,” Quinn muttered. Then he frowned. “Why didn’t you call for help before coming upstairs?”

Dawn’s eyes widened just as heavy boots pounded up the stairs. Jake rushed into the room followed by Colton, their younger brother. Both men wore faded jeans, work gloves, and thick shirts. They’d obviously been working the ranch.

Dawn giggled. “I did call for help.”

Oh, God. Heat shot into Juliet’s face so quickly her skin burned. She pulled the sheet over her head.

Jake’s laugh rang through the room.

“I’m going to arrest all three of you for trespass if you don’t get the hell out of here,” Quinn barked.

The sound of a door closing was a prelude for a moment of silence before laughter echoed down the hallway stairs. Quinn tugged on the sheet.

Juliet held onto the heavy cotton with all of her might.

“Juliet? They’re gone.”

It didn’t matter. She’d never live the last few moments down. Good thing she was leaving town. Soon.