Badge of Honor (The Town of Pearl 9)

“Gus.” She was shocked by his confession, and also touched, aroused, interested. But how could she be? How could they want those things with her when she was going to die?

A lone tear rolled down her cheek. It shocked her. She wasn’t the crying type, and never had been. But the depth of his confession and her current state of mind and situation made her feel so badly that this just wasn’t going to be possible.

“Lauren.” He cupped her cheeks and wiped away the remnants of the tear. “Talk to me. Tell me what you’re thinking. Tell me if you feel what my team and I feel for you. What just went through your head right now when I expressed wanting those things from you and wanting to pursue a relationship, a committed one with you.”

She was shaking and she felt the tightness in her chest, the anxiety of showing her vulnerability, the weakness to Gus, to the others, to herself.

“I’m going to die.”

* * * *

Gus saw the fear, the sadness in her eyes as she expressed her fears to him. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight. She didn’t cry. She didn’t sob. She was so strong, so empowered and capable, but to be marked for death and to believe your life was over was overwhelming. He ran his hands along her curves and held her against him. She was toned and shapely, but also feminine and sexy. He wanted to find the words, the actions that could make her see and know that she wasn’t going to die. He wouldn’t let that happen and nor would his team.

He pulled back and cupped her cheeks between his hands.

“You are not going to die. I am going to protect you and so are the others.” She shook her head.

“Don’t make me promises you can’t keep, Gus. Don’t lie to me. I know how this works. I’ve investigated execution-style homicides. Murders where the signature of a gang, an organization, was left so the people would fear them. I killed their main leader. I killed eight of their main men. My undercover operation basically weakened, nearly destroyed their entire operation. I’m as good as dead and you know it.”

He shook his head.

“You’re wrong. You’re not going to die. Not with five SEALs and a town filled with people willing and ready to protect you. I promise you, Lauren. I will not let them get to you.”

He pulled her closer and kissed her deeply. He poured all his emotions, his fears and anger at her situation, into that kiss and let them go. He found himself lifting her up into his arms and moving her toward a large tree. He pressed her against it, ravaged her mouth, and ran his hands under he

r shirt to her breasts. He cupped one and devoured her moans as she thrust her body against him.

She pulled from his mouth. “Gus. Oh God, Gus, we should stop.”

“Fuck no. I want you. My team wants you and you want us. Don’t deny it, baby. Don’t you fucking lie to me, to us.”

He kissed her again and then lowered her feet to the ground so he could maneuver his hand down her shorts. He cupped her pussy and she pulled from his mouth.

“Gus!” she exclaimed as he held her gaze, locating her clit with his finger before he plunged that finger up into her cunt.

She gripped his arms and he kissed her again. He thrust his fingers into her. In and out, in and out. Her juices covered his fingers.

“I want more. I want all of you. I want to sink my cock, a cock you make so fucking hard, into this tight, wet pussy. Tell me you want that. Tell me you want me inside of you.”

“Yes, oh God yes, Gus. I do. I want so badly it aches. But I’m…I’m.”

“What? Tell me,” he said to her and continued to thrust his fingers.

She tightened up and she came as she confessed, “I’m afraid.” She moaned and shook against him.

He eased his fingers from her cunt and lifted her up into his arms and hugged her tight.

“Don’t be afraid, baby. I’ve got you. Always, Lauren. Always know that I’ve got your back and so do the others.”

* * * *

Harper knew something was up the moment he saw Gus and Lauren enter the house holding hands. They didn’t say a word and she looked emotional. Gus gave him a quick nod with his head indicating for Harper to follow them. Harper did immediately. His heart raced, his mind wondering what had happened in the woods on their run and why he felt like Gus had the opportunity to kiss Lauren.

The moment they were in Lauren’s room, and Gus led her to the large bathroom with the walk-in shower, Harper knew things were about to change.

He watched as Gus pressed Lauren against the counter and kissed her softly. He felt his chest tighten and the concern that she might push him away overpower all thoughts. But then Lauren reached up and ran her hands up Gus’s chest and kissed him back.

His cock hardened in his jeans.