In Plain Sight (7 page)

“I can’t help what you do to me.” He leaned close to kiss her cheek, reveling in her softness. Already his scent melded with hers. He wondered if she realized it, or what that might mean. “You make me so hard all the time.”

She squirmed, and he scented her attraction as well. Time to get another taste of that sweet cream, he thought with a grin.

“Bad bird. Concentrate on the movie, okay?” She nodded at the screen.

Cullen ignored her and nipped at her throat, enhancing the mark he’d left just yesterday. She moaned and tried halfheartedly to move away. And then he felt her hand on his crotch.

“
Sarah
.”

At that moment, the phone rang.

“Shit.”

Sarah laughed, a girlish giggle, and he stared blankly at her. “Answer the phone, kitty.”

“I’ll give you a kitty,” he grumbled and awkwardly stumbled off the couch toward the cordless handset across the room. “I’m all about eating pussy,” he said loudly enough that she heard.

She turned a bright red. He laughed, eager to show her what more he could do with his tongue.

“Yeah?” he barked into the phone, wondering which idiot brother had gotten the short straw tonight.

Thankfully, his family hadn’t called in a few days, which made him think their visit progressed as it should.

“Cullen?”

“Who the hell do you think it is?” he snarled at his youngest brother, Ian.

“Yeah, I miss you, too.”

Cullen sighed. “What’s up? I just talked to Micah a few days ago. How’s Canada treating you?”

“Ah, about that. Seems we’ll be heading home soon. Probably be back in a few days instead of a few weeks.”

“Oh?”

“Mom and Micah pissed off the wrong people. Golden Eagles are in high demand up here, and when Micah refused to marry the clan leader’s daughter, all hell broke loose.”

Cullen snorted. Trust Micah to piss off the wrong people. “Nice. What about Sean? He okay?”

“Actually, he kind of insulted a few members of a visiting bear clan. He’s winging his way home as we speak. Mom forced him to leave when he thought about taking on some grizzlies.”

Sean was a major pain the ass. Always up for a good fight, he did most of his thinking with his fists instead of his brain. “Great. Well, be glad you missed this last snowfall.”
A snowfall that’s melting way too
41

fast for comfort. Oh, and by the way, the raptors will probably want my head on a platter for injuring five
of their predatory females.

“Missed this last snowfall? Genius, I’m up here in Canada. It’s not like I’m getting a tan.”

“Dick.”

“Ass.” Ian paused. “Sounds like everything’s good. See you later, then.” He hung up.

Great. His mother and brothers would be back soon. Not only did he have to protect Sarah from outraged raptors who would descend once the weather cleared, but he had to warn her about his odd family as well. They put the “D” in dysfunctional, but hey, they were family.

Letting out the breath he was unaware of holding, Cullen decided to worry about his family later.

Right now, he had a movie to watch and a woman to love.

“Everything all right?” she asked as he rejoined her on the couch.

“Fine.” He paused. “I think Sean will be here in the next few days. Remember, he’s the family pain in the ass.”

Silence. Then she said, “I look forward to meeting him.”

He let out a breath. She hadn’t mentioned leaving. “Yeah. Well, just remember I warned you.” He forced his hand to graze hers while they fought for the popcorn in the bowl on her lap. “Feed me, woman.”

He directed her hand to his mouth.

“Baby.” Sarah smiled as she said it and pushed a piece of popcorn between his lips.

Cullen sucked her fingertip before she eased it away, but not before he saw the flash of desire in her eyes. That burnt amber gaze drew him time and time again, like looking into golden rays of light as the sun set.

“Salty.” He shook his head and moved the popcorn off her lap. “But I’m in the mood for something sweet.”

“Cullen,” she warned, but her gaze was full of heat. “I haven’t had a chance to see the second movie. I was looking forward to—”

“Screw it. All bats are good for is eating bugs. With those spindly little arms, thin as hell wings and nasty attitudes, they might as well be part of the raptor clan. Now an eagle is something completely different.” He lifted her in his arms and headed for his bedroom. “An eagle kills bothersome pests, like rabbits and mice. We help keep the fish population under control.” He ignored her chuckle. “An eagle cares for his mate. He sees to her needs before his own.”

She grew silent and intent in his arms. His bird could almost feel the animal spirit in her reaching out to him on a higher level. Calling to the one man who would complete the void in her soul.

“His mate?” she asked on a high note.

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“Let me show you,” he answered as they entered his room. He kicked the door shut behind him, placed her in the middle of his bed, and stripped. Then he moved forward and started on her clothing, until nothing stood between them.

43

Sarah waited, her breath drawn, as Cullen slowly descended and joined her in his large bed. The heat from his body warmed her, an inch of space between them before he settled on his side next to her. His gaze traveled over her body from her head to her feet, and then centered on her breasts, where he followed with his hands.

He kept his eyes on her as he played her like an expert, exerting just the right amount of pressure to keep her on edge.

“Cullen,” she gasped when he tweaked her nipple then soothed it with stroking fingers. He toyed with her, running his muscular thigh over hers, intentionally driving her crazy with the feel of his large, hot shaft. He felt firm against her thigh, and she rubbed against him, in hopes of pushing him to enter her, fast and furious. But Cullen refused to be rushed.

His eyes sparkled like rich topaz as he leaned closer and kissed her. “Hmm. So tasty. Sweet, but not what I’ve been waiting for.”

Anticipating the direction of his thoughts, she spread her thighs wider, grazing his cock.

“That’s it. Open nice and wide.”

She groaned and turned her head, seeking his lips. He kissed her and slid his hand down her belly, toying with her newly smooth skin.

“I love how silky you are. No hair to block my lips, my tongue,” he whispered, thrusting his tongue into her mouth while he shoved a finger deep inside her.

Sarah arched into him, wanting more.

“Patience, Sarah. I have a surprise for you tonight.”

“Please,” she gasped, unable to keep still under his plunging hand. He inserted another finger inside her, widening her channel. “I want you inside me.”

He stared into her eyes, and she fell into their depths, wondering how she could feel so much for a man she’d only just met. Her bird felt as if she’d been born just for him, and she wanted him with every fiber of her soul.

“I am inside you.” He flexed his fingers, enforcing his point. “Tell me exactly what you want.”

She couldn’t look away, not even when he began rubbing her clit, inciting her desire to new heights.

Desperate to feel him filling her sex, she told him what he wanted to hear, knowing full well how much he

loved hearing her frank talk. The first time he’d made her say such things, he’d lost control. She sincerely hoped he’d lose it soon, because she’d already passed her point of no return.

“I want your cock. Deep inside my pussy. I want you to fuck me. To fill me with your come.”

“Fuck. That’s it. That’s what I’m going to do.” His breathing erratic, he turned and hovered over her body, surprising her with this new position. “Suck it, Sarah. Take me down your throat. I want to come hard in your mouth. And when I’m coming, you’ll be coming all over my tongue. That sweet cream I need to taste, so bad.”

He pushed her legs even wider and clamped his mouth over her clit. He sucked hard, pushing her into a frenzy for more. Her arms trapped beneath his legs, she opened her mouth and sought the tip of his cock.

She found him already moist, his slit filled with desire. She sucked his crown, loving his salty taste, and heard him moan. His attention grew more urgent. Lost in a haze of need, she sucked him deep. He pumped in short thrusts, his girth making it difficult to take all of him inside. But he’d showed her the other day just where he was most sensitive, and she concentrated on the underside of his shaft, just under his crown. Using the light scrape of her teeth and her tongue, she gave him enough suction to make him crazed.

As he devoured her, he added first one, then two fingers, fucking her with an intensity that deepened the harder she worked him.

She felt his climax looming, as if experiencing it herself. Sarah’s own crisis neared, her body spiraling out of control. Her tongue delved into his slit and she tasted more cream. His balls drew tight, he was close to the end.

He bore down on her clit, nipping the nub and sucking the sting out of it, and she exploded. Barely aware of her actions, her lips must have tightened with just the right amount of tension, because she was swallowing come while lost in her own orgasm. On and on she pulsed, swallowing loads of Cullen’s seed.

When finally they relaxed, Cullen kissed the side of her thigh and withdrew from her mouth. He turned around and flopped next to her on the bed, but not before drawing her into his embrace.

“Oh my God, Sarah.” His voice was hoarse. “That was… I can’t… Shit. I can’t think.”

She chuckled, as lost to describe that joining as he. She’d never thought she’d enjoy the taste of a man, but with Cullen, she couldn’t imagine not loving him. Going down on him made her feel sexy. A real woman, who could pleasure her man. And though every cautionary bit of her mind told her to maintain a healthy distance, she couldn’t. What woman could experience such incredible bliss and not attribute it to clear affection for her partner?

Unfortunately, Sarah wasn’t wired for one-night stands. It didn’t matter that she’d only known Cullen for a short time. Her animal spirit told her she’d found something special in this raptor. She’d been trying to avoid the truth for some time, but she couldn’t any longer. The question, however, was what to do about it.

45

So she loved—
had feelings
—for Cullen. What now? She still planned to leave Cougar Falls. Would he come with her if she asked him to? Would she ask him to? He hadn’t expressed more than a desire for her body. Sure, he’d given her compassion and shelter when she’d needed it, but how far did that affection between
friends
really go?

“Baby, I can’t get enough of you,” he murmured in that deep voice that made her shiver. “I can’t believe how good you make me feel.” Cullen shifted his body and drew in a deep breath.

Was he sniffing her hair?

“You smell so good.” He chuckled. “Everywhere. I especially like that pussy. I’ve never tasted anything so fine. I could dine on you for days.”

Her face heated, as he most likely knew it would, for he laughed.

“Have I told you how sexy it is to see you blush?”

“Jerk.” She socked him in the belly with her free hand not pinned to his side. At an awkward angle, her punch glided off his tight abs.

“Aw, honey. Don’t be that way.” Cullen snickered.

She loved his laugh. Hell, she loved everything about him, which was why she continued to behave so irrationally. Once again, they’d made love without a condom. Granted, she couldn’t get pregnant by swallowing, but she wouldn’t have complained if he’d emptied inside her sex. She rationalized that it wasn’t the right time for her to get pregnant, and Ac-taw were immune to STDs. But deep down, some stupid part of her wanted his child.
Mine. My mate
, her bird squawked.
Destiny isn’t choice
, she tried to caution her animal spirit, but the bird refused to be denied. Just another reason to accept Cullen’s seed. It kept her bird happy and herself sane.

Though realistically she knew a happily-ever-after wasn’t in the cards, that stupid part of her refused to give up hope that someday she might have a family. Though Cullen hadn’t expressed anything more than lust and behaved like a decent human being, he might someday grow to care for her as a mate. But not if she stayed in this town.

In Cougar Falls, Sarah could never be anything but a woman who’d made a horrible mistake. But outside the town, she might find herself. She could grow, be a woman who took risks and made a name for herself. If only she could do it with Cullen by her side…

“A penny for your thoughts,” he murmured.

Sarah forced herself to live in the moment. In a few days, life would change. Best to accept that and treasure these days with Cullen.
And who knows? Maybe when I leave, he’ll keep in touch. A long-distance
friend would be better than no friend…or lover.

“Sarah?” He sounded concerned. Cullen turned her in his arms, so that they lay on their sides facing each other. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

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“Nothing a lot more of that won’t cure.” She wound her arms around his neck and licked her lips, pleased when his focus narrowed on her tongue. “Enough talk, more action.”

Cullen didn’t disappoint.

The next night, they lay on his bed together, sweaty and exhausted. Sarah wasn’t sure what had changed, but Cullen now made it plain that he wanted her—several times a day. Whereas before she’d had the feeling he was holding back, now she knew he wasn’t. Perhaps he noticed every dripping icicle and pool of melted snow, the way she did.

Sarah was running out of excuses to stay. The mountain pass wasn’t cleared. The ice might make the road too slippery. Sure she could shift and fly out, but she needed her things. She couldn’t
possibly
leave town without her
things
. A few outfits she’d packed in haste when she’d tried to leave town the first time.

Truth be told, Sarah cared less about three pairs of jeans and a few tops than she cared about leaving Cullen.

“You really wore me out,” Cullen said in that low, sexy voice that made her heart do somersaults. He rubbed her belly, his gaze warm and curiously satisfied.

“I think you wore me out.” She ran her hand over his muscular arm, transfixed by the play of muscle beneath her palm. She continued to trail her hand over his forearm until she found his fingers. Entwining her hand in his, she held him close, and her heartstrings pulled tight.

“The snow’s melted,” Cullen said. “You’re going to try to leave me soon, aren’t you?”

To her bemusement, he didn’t sound upset.

“I guess that won’t bother you, will it?” she asked, annoyed, and tried to pry her hand free.

His cool smile faded. “Sarah, stop. You aren’t leaving.”

“Oh? Why? Because sex with you is better than anything I’ve ever had?” Hurt, she sneered at him, demeaning the special time they’d had together. She wanted to slap a hand over her mouth, but she couldn’t stop herself. “You forget, Cullen. I haven’t had that much sex. Maybe the next guy will be—”

He shook his head and gave her a tender smile. She stared at him, stunned. That look in his eyes couldn’t possibly be—

“Sarah, stop. I’m not upset, because you aren’t leaving me. I have to tell you something.” Damned if he didn’t look cute when nervous, but his anxiety only exacerbated hers.

The sudden boom of a door opening, followed by loud voices and louder footsteps, froze them both.

The bedroom door flew open and one of Cullen’s brothers asked, “Cullen, what’s that incredible smell…?”

Cullen swore and fought to cover Sarah.

She couldn’t move, shocked at the sudden intrusion into their fantasy life, a world where only Cullen and she existed.

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“Hot damn. Little brother finally got lucky.” The handsome male looked like a carbon copy of Cullen, though he stood several inches taller. A near giant.

“This is the pain in the ass.” Cullen sighed and threw on a pair of jeans. “I take it the others are with you?”

“Only Micah. Ian stayed behind with Mom to tie up a few loose ends.” Sean stared over Cullen’s shoulder, his gaze piercing as he studied Sarah. She prayed only her shoulders and beet-red face were visible. “She looks familiar,” he said in a soft voice to Cullen. “Hell. Is this the wallet chick?”

To Sarah’s surprise, Cullen flushed bright red with anger. “Fuck off. This isn’t your business.”

“Micah,” Sean yelled over his shoulder. “Come here.”

“Oh, hell no.” Cullen shoved his brother out the door. “I’ll be right back,” he said to Sarah before following Sean. He closed the door behind him, leaving her more baffled than embarrassed. Wallet chick?

What did that mean?

Shaking her head at the untimely interruption, she had to thank his brothers for one thing, at least.

She’d known her time with Cullen was drawing near its end. His family confirmed it. No way they’d want Sarah Duncan around their precious brother. Better she hit the road now than go through an awful scene and be kicked out.

She headed into Cullen’s adjoining shower and locked the doors before cleaning up. Once done, she swiftly moved down the hallway into her room and dressed. She was just about to begin packing when a knock sounded at her door.

“Yes?”

The door opened, and another brother peered at her. Micah. He was as tall as Cullen, with piercing, light brown eyes and long, blue-black hair. His face was a study in masculine contours, complete with a straight nose, square jaw and full, firm lips. Thickly lashed eyes saw more than most men, she’d bet, as he searched her for something that made him nod.

“Cullen wants you.” He smiled as he said it, as if realizing the innuendo just then.

“Funny.” She sighed and followed him out the door. Strange, but she didn’t feel as small next to Cullen. Next to Micah, she felt an inch tall.

He studied her as they descended the stairs in silence, until she couldn’t take another step. “What is your prob—”

“About time,” Cullen interrupted and crossed to her side.

Like that, the tension within her eased.

Micah and Sean exchanged a knowing glance, but Sarah didn’t care. Just being next to Cullen made the world seem right again.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know they’d be back so soon.” He put an arm around her shoulders while glaring at his siblings.

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“It’s okay, Cullen,” she mumbled, embarrassed at his belligerence. “It’s their house, too. I should probably be leaving anyway—”

“No.” Three male voices said as one, startling her.

“At least wait until tomorrow,” Cullen urged, soothing her with his touch. He kissed her on the cheek and guided her back toward the stairs. “Let me deal with these knuckleheads, and I’ll rejoin you. How about a glass of wine?”