Black as Night_Black Star Security Read online

  “Someone from the office.”

  “Who’s that?” Jim asked.

  “Uh, no one. Look, I have to go.”

  “Sure. Call me if you need me. Goodbye.” And then he hung up.

  “And by someone, you mean Jim, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “What did he want?”

  Maeve tensed. “Nothing.”

  His frown deepened to a scowl. “Are you sleepin’ with him?”

  Was he jealous? “Is that any of your business?”

  “Maybe I gave you the wrong impression. I’m kinky and adventurous, but I don’t share. When you’re with me, you won’t see others.”

  Maeve squared her shoulders. “I said it was work-related.” She wasn’t sure why she was digging her heels in. Maybe Maeve didn’t like his possessive tone.

  Or I like it too much.

  “Fine, then I believe you.”

  Maeve should be keeping him on the edges of her life, not drawing him closer. Why had he gotten under her skin so fast?

  What if she was in over her head? Crap.

  He cocked his head to one side. “You’re losin’ it, aren’t you?”

  “No. What makes you think so?”

  Nox just shook his head, chuckling.

  “What? Tell me.”

  His lips twitched in the most sardonic way. “You and I are more alike than I thought. You don’t have to worry, Maeve, I ain’t tryin’ to crowd you.

  Once again, she was torn between wanting to slap Nox and kiss him. What an irritating, infuriating man.

  “I’m fine.” She sounded defensive, even to her own ears.

  “Glad to hear it. I have another proposition for you.”

  Maeve tensed, waiting.

  “Since we haven’t gotten a decent lead on your sister, why don’t you stay at HQ for a while?” He cleared his throat. “You never know when somethin’ will come up.”

  “I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

  Maeve was already dangerously close to caring about Nox. If she spent a lot of time with him, especially in this emotional state, it could get even more awkward.

  “Hear me out.” Nox raised his hands. “Do you want to be involved in the case? Rather than us handling it for you?”

  Maeve sighed. “Yes.”

  “Then, you should be with me, I mean us. You know, boots on the ground.”

  What he said, made a lot of sense, even if it discomfited her. This was too important for anyone else to handle. Maeve wanted to be here, offering information and her perspective.

  “What do you say?” Nox prompted.

  “Sure, but this is strictly professional.” Maeve nodded to the bed. “It doesn’t have anything to do with you and me.”

  He raised a brow. “Understood.”

  Maeve cleared her throat. “I should probably freshen up.”

  Nox stepped aside, with a wave of his hand.

  Once inside the safety of the bathroom, Maeve studied herself in the mirror.

  Holy hell. Is this some kind of weird dream?

  “Pull it together, Maeve. It’s just sex.”

  Screwing around with Nox hadn’t been the best idea. Yet, she hadn’t been able to help herself. The man was almost hypnotic.

  Suddenly, she could feel his touch once again. She imagined Nox running his hands down the length of her torso, lingering on her lace covered breasts.

  Stop it. Get a hold of yourself.

  Maeve washed her face, spritzed on some perfume from the travel size bottle in her purse, and pulled her hair into a demure little bun. She briefly considered rinsing off but decided against it. The bathtub could use a good scrub, so she didn’t climb in for a quick shower. Maeve settled for wetting a washcloth and rinsing the rest of her body off.

  When she emerged, Maeve was more in control of her emotions, but her triumph was short-lived.

  Nox stepped in her path. “Damn, you look all prim and proper, like a librarian.”

  A blush heated her cheeks.

  “You’re gonna wear this for me today.”

  Nox opened his palm to reveal a small rubber butt plug. She’d seen plugs before, but she’d never worn one. It was a slender thing, the size of his pinky finger.

  Wait a second. Where had he been keeping it?

  He seemed to read her thoughts. “Don’t worry its new.”

  “When did you have time to go on a sex toy run?”

  He didn’t respond.

  “Oh, I see. You buy in bulk.” Then she remembered the black duffel back. “And you brought it with you.”

  With his sex life, it probably saved him money. Nox was clearly a man whore, and it bothered her, although it shouldn’t. She didn’t want to think of him with other women, but she didn’t mind the experience he brought to the table.

  I’m such a hypocrite.

  “Yes, I brought the plug with me. Will you wear it?”

  Maeve wanted to say “no” but couldn’t somehow. She remembered the feel of his cockhead against her ass. What would it feel like to have his big, thick dick sliding inside her? Filling her up. The thought alone made her moan.

  “Maybe we can work something out.”

  “I see.” He folded his arms over his massive chest. “We’re negotiating.”

  “Well, I am a businesswoman.”

  “And what do you want in return?”

  That was easy. “Your mouth. I want you to lick me again.”

  “Done.” Nox smirked. “Now, get your sweet ass over here.” He walked to the edge of the bed again, and he pulled a bottle of lube from his black bag. Nox squirted some on his fingertips, and it made a rude sound.

  She did as he asked, with her ass in the air like a flag, and her dignity flapping in the wind.

  The lube was cool against her asshole, and she tensed. Maeve felt his hand glide against the small of her back, a gentle pressure.

  “It’s okay. Don’t worry.”

  He massaged her asshole, slipping his slicked-up pinky finger inside, easing the passage. And when she’d gotten used to the intrusion, Nox pushed the head of the plug in and slowly, inch by inch, pressed it inside her.

  Nox swatted her ass and squeezed a cheek. She squealed in surprise.

  She imagined him taking her there and squirmed. His cock would be thick and hard, enormous compared to the tiny plug.

  When she stood, Maeve felt full, more aware of her own body somehow. Her nipples were hard, poking out, and her pussy was wet. It like her body was under his control, at his command. Lightning-fast, he pushed the straps down and seized her nipples, lifting her breasts slightly. It hurt, stung, but in a hot way.

  Who knew pain and pleasure were next door neighbors?

  “How do you feel?”

  “Aroused.” It was an honest answer.

  “Tell me.”

  “My pussy’s wet.”

  “What?” He cupped his ear with one hand. “I didn’t hear you.”

  She breathed. “My pussy’s wet.”

  “Mmhmm.” He closed his eyes. “I figured as much.”

  She was utterly shameless, and Maeve couldn’t bring herself to stop right now. Somehow, she was lost.

  “Show me.”

  Biting the inside of her cheek, Maeve opened her legs, partially displaying herself for him.

  He cupped her sex, held it as though her pussy belonged to him, and maybe it did. He thumbed her clit, and she cried out.

  “That’s enough for now. Clean my fingers.” He pressed them to her mouth, and she obediently licked them. “And now I’m gonna choose what you’ll wear.”

  And that’s where I draw the line.

  “No.”

  “Yes. Come on, you’re not goin’ anywhere important, and since we didn’t bring clothes along, the options are limited.”

  He was right, even if she hated to admit it.

  “Fine.” She sighed. “What do you want me to wear?”

  “I’m tempted to take your bra away, but you have big tits and bo
uncing around would make you uncomfortable, right?”

  “Hell, yes.”

  He snickered. “Then you can wear everything but the panties and your outer shirt.”

  It would leave her in a skirt and a tank top. “How generous.”

  “Yeah, I’m downright magnanimous. Now, get goin ’and then we’ll head back to HQ.”

  Chapter 7

  “I’m so glad to meet you.”

  The country music singer, Savannah Summers, shook Maeve’s hand. Nox had just introduced them, and Maeve was a bit thrown, and star struck. Savannah was every bit as beautiful as her photographs—blonde, blue-eyed, and bubbly.

  “Thank you. I love your music, Ms. Summers.”

  “Please, call me Savvy, and thanks. By the way, I’m a big fan of your bourbon.”

  “Oh, thank you.”

  When they’d arrived back to HQ, the Black Star guys were having a cookout on the patio. Maeve had instructed Rogers to gather some clothing for her and run it back to HQ, along with her briefcase, so she could at least try to get some things done.

  Nox leaned down to whisper, “She’s datin’ one of my brother’s, King.”

  Maeve nodded, even though she didn’t have a clue who King was.

  “Come with me, I’ll introduce you to everyone.” Savvy looped her arm through Maeve’s and walked her away from Nox. When she glanced at him, over her shoulder, he shrugged as if to say, “good luck with that.”

  “So, how did you know who I was?” Nox had made the introduction but hadn’t said Maeve owned Kent Bourbon.

  Savvy waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, that’s easy. Back in the day, I worked in a diner, and sometimes I picked up catering jobs on the side. I waitressed at one of your company’s events.”

  Wow. Talk about a small world. A bonafide star had once waitressed for her, and she hadn’t even known it.

  “Nox mentioned you were dating King. Which one is he?”

  Savvy waggled her brows. “The tall, handsome one. Let me give you the grand tour, and I’ll make the introductions.”

  Savvy walked them around the property, pointing out the porch swing, among other things before heading over to a large red-haired man with a couple layers of stubble on his chin. He had to be at least six and a half feet tall, and he swept Savvy up in a huge bear hug.

  “Put me down!” She shrieked and wriggled out of his hold playfully.” This is King, and King, this is Maeve Kent.”

  “I’m Thomas King, but everybody calls me King,” he said after he released Savvy. “Pleasure to meet you.”

  “Likewise.”

  “West told me about your case.”

  She nodded, but King couldn’t stop staring at Savvy.

  Actually, they could barely take their eyes off one another. Watching the two of them, made her heart ache just a little.

  They looked happy, at ease with another. It might be nice to have someone in her corner, a person she could rely on, no matter what.

  What the hell? Are you going soft?

  “Have you formally met the Chief yet?”

  Maeve frowned.

  “He means West,” Savvy clarified.

  “Oh. No, I haven’t.”

  King beckoned another man over to their group. A dark-haired, young woman came with him.

  “I’m West.” He shook her hand.

  Maeve nodded. “It’s nice to meet you face to face.” They’d spoken on the phone earlier.

  West looked to be in his early thirties, like the rest of them. He had short-cropped blond hair and piercing blue eyes. His features were refined— high cheekbones, full lips, and arched brows.

  “And this is my girlfriend, Annie Foster. She’s also one of the team.” Annie had long brown hair, dark eyes, and an athletic build.

  Maeve smiled at Annie. “Hello.”

  They were a cute couple, standing close to one another, their shoulder’s brushing occasionally.

  Clearly, love was in the air. And it made her feel anxious, left out.

  While they made small talk, Maeve’s searched for Nox in the crowd. He was leaning up against the wall of the barn, watching her, his expression inscrutable.

  The fire between them sparked again.

  She didn’t want to be rude, but Maeve’s would rather be spending her afternoon with him. All the way to HQ, he’d taunted her, teased her. Frustratingly, Nox had kept his hands to himself, but he’d described in detail exactly what he was going to do to her.

  “Nox filled me in on your case,” West said, dragging her attention back to him. “Stormy is trying to get an electronic fix on your sister, using GPS.”

  “Great.” Although, Maeve tried not to get her hopes up again. “What if this lead didn’t pan out either?

  “What he means is, her car’s GPS company is stonewalling me, refusing to give details without a warrant,” Storm said, as he joined their group. “Don’t worry, I’ll get past their firewall in no time.”

  “Can I do anything to help?”

  He shook his head. “Unfortunately, the vehicle is in your sister’s name, so you can’t give permission.”

  Once again, the law got in the way.

  West pulled her aside and cleared his throat. “So, how is Nox treatin’ you?”

  Like a sex object?

  Even now, there was a butt plug nestled deep in her ass. She was acutely aware of it, especially since Maeve wasn’t wearing panties. There was something illicit and thrilling about having a sexual secret in a crowd. Or maybe it was the way Nox kept eying her, as though she were a tasty treat he wanted to devour.

  West cleared his throat, and Maeve realized she hadn’t answered him.

  “Fine, he’s been very, um, professional.”

  West nodded. “Glad to hear it.”

  Maeve mentally searched for a polite excuse to get away from the crowd, but Savvy appeared at her side once again.

  “Where are my manners? I just realized I didn’t offer you a drink.” Before Maeve could respond, Savvy dragged her over to the picnic table, which was laden with party food like potato chips and macaroni salad.

  “So, what’s goin’ on between you and Nox?”

  “He’s working on my sister’s case,” Maeve said coolly. She had a lot of practice playing her cards close to the chest from dealing with the board and members of the press.

  She snorted. “Horse shit.”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “More like, you don’t want to talk about it. Don’t worry, I get it.” She narrowed her eyes at Nox. “But that boy can’t take his eyes off you.”

  Maeve grabbed a bottle of beer and twisted off the top. She took a long, slow swallow. She didn’t want to think about her situation, let alone hash it out with a complete stranger.

  “It’s okay. I won’t grill you anymore. Sooner or later, you’ll tell me.” Savvy winked. “I’ve got a good feelin’ about you two.”

  Maeve sincerely doubted it. This could be a real disaster.

  Just then, Nox walked over and seized her hand.

  “I’m sorry, Savvy, but I’ve got to confer with Ms. Kent about the case. Alone.” Before she could reply, Nox whisked her inside and up the stairs. The place was empty, since everyone had gathered outside.

  “What do you want to discuss?” Maeve asked as he pushed her into a bedroom and shut the door, before leaning against it.

  They were on the third floor of the barn, in what must be Nox’s room. It was pretty standard—a nightstand, bed, a dresser, desk, and closet. Her bedroom was massive in comparison, a queen-sized sleigh bed she slept in by herself, night after night.

  Since when do you hate being alone? Stop it. Now wasn’t the time to soul search.

  “How my cock feels inside your tight ass.” Nox’s voice had gone so low and growly, it almost felt like a caress.

  Maeve shuddered.

  He pulled his shirt off and then slid his jeans off. His cock sprang free. It was engorged, and semen leaked from the tip. It was huge, and sh
e didn’t think it would ever fit inside her.

  Maeve licked her lips.

  “Strip and get on the bed. I want you on your belly with your ass in the air.”

  She didn’t even argue. Maeve did as she was told, eager to remove the barriers between them.

  After pushing a couple pillows beneath her hips, Nox ominously tugged the belt from his jeans. The leather was so worn, it almost looked buttery.

  “What are you doing?”

  He dangled it in front of her. “Worried?”

  “Should I be?” She was already vulnerable, naked and open to him.

  “No. I already told you, hurtin’ women don’t turn me on, but I do love tyin’ them down.”

  “You’re gonna use the belt to…?”

  “Tie your arms together. Unless you object?”

  She shook her head.

  Nox looped the leather around her wrists several times and then fastened it. The sensation of being helpless was a turn on. He’d caught her, and there was nowhere to go.

  Although Maeve realized she didn’t want to get away from him. She only wanted to get closer.

  He smacked her butt cheeks hard, and she yelped.

  Nox removed the piercing, ripped open a foil condom packet and rolled it over his dick in one smooth motion. Then he slid behind her, his big body on top of hers, mounting her. After Nox removed the tight plug, the head of his dick prodded at the entrance.

  Maeve tensed.

  “Easy, I ain’t gonna hurt you. Since you aren’t used to it, I’m only gonna put the tip in you.”

  She heard the now familiar sound of lube being squirted into his palm. He slicked her asshole, as well as his cock.

  He pushed, opening her up just a little bit.

  Maeve bit her lower lip. The pressure was steady and relentless, inch by agonizing inch, Nox planted his dick inside her.

  Nox smacked her again. “How is it?”

  Maeve moaned. She was on edge, at a loss for words, entranced by the sensation, the fullness of him. And then he fucked her slow and easy, pushing the tip in and out, getting her used to the sheer size.

  When he thrust even deeper, giving her a preview of his shaft, Maeve shouted. Once again, it was somewhere between pain and pleasure.

  “I’ve gotta gag you if you’re gonna carry on. If it were up to me, I’d make you cry out until your voice got hoarse, but my roommates are repressed when it comes to this kinda thing.”