“Oh my God. Is that Vale Butler?” someone says as we pass.
My stepbrother’s muscles tense against me. “That’s him. That’s the terrorist killer. Holy shit.” Some murmurings go through the crowd. “Vale! Yo, Butler! Let us buy you a drink.”
A hand claps him on the shoulder. “You’re a hero, man.”
Vale curses and slows us to a stop. “Lula…”
“I know. You can’t just walk away and ignore them.” I squeeze his hand and give him a smile. “And I know it bothers you, having to maintain this hero image in front of people who don’t really understand what you’ve been through. But here’s the thing. While you smile and be kind and let them take pictures, your thoughts and your feelings remain your own. They can’t touch them. It’s okay.”
An intense expression transforms his face. “I’m going to marry you.”
Before I can answer, he drapes a protective arm across my shoulders and turns to face his admirers. He waves like the humble solider he is, blinking against the sudden onslaught of cell phone flashes. “Evening, folks. I’ll pass on that drink. I’m bringing my girl home for the night. But if anyone wants a picture…?”
I don’t expect it when Vale keeps me glued to his side in every last one of them, his fingertips brushing up and down my arm. Occasionally, he leans over and kisses the crown of my head or my lips while everyone watches with growing interest. And with my heart in my throat, I realize the cat is most definitely out of the bag…and Vale ripped it wide open on purpose.
Maybe I should be nervous about the fallout to come.
Maybe I should be calling my mother to warn her.
I don’t, though. I can’t break the spell Vale is weaving over me, stealing my fears and worries with every glance, every whispered word of affection. He’s making me believe this relationship between us is real and lasting.
It is.
My heart is pounding with that knowledge.
Deep down, I’ve known it since our eyes met for the first time. We’re supposed to be together. A connection runs between us that can’t be undone or subdued. I need him and he needs me. By the time he finishes taking pictures and signing autographs, he’s touched and kissed me dozens of times, propelling my awareness to new heights. The knowledge that our relationship will probably be public by morning makes my core thrum with heavy heat.
Everyone will know he’s been inside of me.
The act of claiming me publicly has turned on my stepbrother as well.
Even more than before.
We don’t even make it to the car.
Chapter Nine
Vale
I had visions of bringing my princess to a hotel. Laying her down in soft sheets and making love to her slowly, but that will have to wait for another night. I’m too goddamn horny. My dick is like a crowbar in my jeans, my loins in a fucking knot. Even walking the two blocks to my car is unacceptable. I need inside of her now. Need under that plaid skirt. Immediately.
As soon as those pictures start circulating on the internet, everyone is going to know I’m the man who has the privilege of riding Lula. The possessive animal inside of me loves that. Craves the title of Lula’s man. The father of her children. Her husband. The one who shares her bed and keeps her tight pussy satisfied. Fuck yes. I can’t wait.
My reputation is going to take a hit and I’m sure the Navy is going to come down on me like a ton of bricks, but they can bring it on. I know what I need to be happy now. To be normal. And it’s this girl beside me, her hand curled trustingly in the front of my shirt.
Maybe I’m not quite earning that trust by dragging her around back of the Coyote, into the dark end of the parking lot, but these are desperate times—and she wants it, too. She wants this dirty hot fuck behind the bar, doesn’t she? Yes. God yes. Our mouths are wet and desperate, tongues engaged in a sensual battle, her fingers fumbling with my belt.
I have to break free of the kiss to groan, the potency of having Lula undo my pants is such a stroke to my heightened senses. “Look how badly you want to get to that cock,” I push through my teeth, tilting my hips up blatantly. “One fuck and you’re a little fiend for it, aren’t you? Aching for Daddy’s ten inches.”
She nods, biting her lip, finally getting my belt unbuckled. Going to work on my button and fly next—and I somehow forgot about her teasing me earlier. About giving me a blow job. But I remember pretty fucking quickly when Lula kneels on the asphalt, her gorgeous tits nearly spilling out of her top, my hard dick in her hand. Mouth glossy and ready. My balls twist up and I almost ejaculate all over her beautiful moonlit face.