The Christmas Vow (Hallelujah Crossing)

Chapter 4

S he moaned and shifted on the smooth cotton sheets, skin heated far beyond what it should be for four in the morning. Rayla whimpered and tried once more to find a comfortable place.

Ryker’s bed.

Pounding a fist on the mattress beside her, she cursed, not so quietly. With a huff, she pushed up on her arms as stared through the darkness at, well, nothing. No hot man lurking across the room staring at her, hoping for a glimpse of her.

“I have got to stop reading romances. At least before bed.”

Great so now thrillers and romances are out. This just gets fucking better and better.

Rayla flopped back with a groan, kicking the thin sheet off, desperate for relief. Unfortunately, she didn’t think that the kind of relief she sought could be found here, alone, in a room.

Breasts tender and crying out for a touch other than her own, she blew out a slow breath. She didn’t need to frig herself to get relief.

“Need? No. But it would help take the edge off.”

All night she’d been tormented and tortured with dreams of Ryker Owens before her in nothing more than a pair of delicious…tight dark green boxer briefs. The man was ripped. Fucking chiseled from stone.

She gasped and shuddered as two fingers slipped over and around her clit, spreading her wetness. Too far gone she didn’t even try to talk herself out of the pleasure her body clamored after.

Closing her eyes, she called forth the mental image she wouldn’t be forgetting for years to come. Ryker Owens standing there, smoldering gaze locked on her, surrounded by the clothing he removed. The pants, the dirty ones, were kicked off to the side.

She fumbled the pants she’d been holding and had to scramble to keep them from falling to the floor. His smirk alerted her to the fact he’d caught that.

Rubbing faster, she panted as she thought about all eight, maybe more of the abs that on anyone else she would have assumed to be airbrushed. The hard planes of his chest held a smattering of hair. Dark curls she longed to push her hands through.

She’d whipped around and got some baby wipes for him and tossed them in his direction.

Her imaginary journey took a detour and in this version, he didn’t stop until he had her backed against a wall. Her own touch mimicked the grasp on her breast, the steady flicks of her clit.

Even so, she needed more. Craved it. Him.

Crying out as she crested, Rayla panted as her breathing slowly returned to normal, her body still hyperaware and desperate for the actual thing. She didn’t bring any toys with her on this trip, thinking she wouldn’t need them.

That was before Ryker swaggered into my life.

Accepting she wasn’t going to get more sleep, she rolled, however reluctantly from the comfortable bed and padded to the bathroom where she took an invigorating cold shower. Today she had a day off and she should be spending more time in bed.

“Pointless to try and rest if all I’m doing is getting worked up in bed.”

Hair tossed up in a red and blue scarf, she hooked one side of her light weight romper, allowing the other strap to hang. Barefoot she walked to the kitchen and set her phone on the counter before turning on a light.

Squinting, she shut off the overhead one and turned on the recessed ones over the sink. Putting Pitbull on her phone, she began pulling things out to make herself an omelet. Green and red pepper. Eggs. Mushrooms. Cheese and an array of herbs.

Knife in hand, she bobbed her head to the music, spun the knife and set to dicing up the peppers. Once they were done and in a bowl, she moved to the mushrooms, making short work of them as well. Wiping off her hands, she tossed the towel over her shoulder and grabbed down a glass.

Dancing to the fridge, she got some juice and spun back to the counter and set it down. Rinsing off the knife, she chopped up the herbs and when she reached for the cheese, she froze.

Face pressed to the sliding glass door was Krissy Mae. She breathed on the glass and drew a heart before poking out her lower lip.

“You almost scared the hell out of me. What are you doing lurking out there it’s not even five in the morning?” She waved her in. “Why didn’t you just come in?”

Krissy danced over to her and wrapped her in a hug. “Didn’t want to interrupt your dance party. Also, wasn’t sure if you were busy fucking Hot Santa.” She stepped back and shimmied. “I hear you were in a room with him naked yesterday.”

“I’m not fucking anyone and you should know better than to listen to rumors.”

Krissy Mae put the skillet on the stove and dropped a flat of butter in it before moving the eggs to beside “So are you telling me you didn’t see him naked?”

Grateful her friend wasn’t looking directly at her, she nodded. “Positive.” Only in his boxers but that’s not naked. Technically.

She whipped around and stared before shaking her head. “You’re holding out on me. What, did he keep his socks on?”

Rayla whimpered. “I had a hard time thinking past his tight as fuck boxer briefs.”

She squealed and clapped. “You saw him in his boxers? Girl! You need to lead with that next time.”

Moving the bowls of omelet makings by the stove, she nudged Krissy Mae to the side. “Stop. A child peed on him.”

“And what? He needed you to hold his cock so he could clean off his leg?”

There was no point in even attempting to stop the snort. “Stop it. And I’m so glad you seem to be better today.”

Krissy Mae had no intention of doing that or apparently, commenting on her full recovery as she waved that away. The teasing continued as they cooked breakfast.

Five minutes to five, she’d plated the food and both claimed a seat across from one another. Salting her omelet, she took a deep breath before reaching for her knife and fork.

Eyes closed in pleasure as she chewed, Krissy Mae was content in chewing and so Rayla dug in.

The second, and she did mean the second, the first bite crossed her tongue, Krissy Mae snapped open her gaze and slammed it on her.

“What’s this I hear about you going hiking with Cole after being naked with Ryker.”

It’s to early for this.

Despite the early hour of her day and the Krissy Mae headed Spanish Inquisition she had to endure, Rayla was fairly energized as she meandered through Hallelujah Crossing. Did it have anything to do with the several cups of coffee and other sugary drinks?

Quite possibly. But she wasn’t looking a gift horse in the mouth. She had energy and she had a day off. Lost in thought, mostly ones she shouldn’t be indulging in while out in public because they had nothing to do with the town and everything to do with Ryker, she nearly collided with a woman who came rushing around the corner.

As it was, the dark-skinned woman dropped her binder and a slew of laminated sheets flew across the ground.

“Shit!”

“I’m so sorry,” Rayla said, hitting her knees and reaching for the ones she could grab.

“Totally my fault.” The woman joined her and together they shoved the sheets into a pile, that she slipped back into the hot pink binder with Tinkerbell stickers all over it. She lifted her head and Rayla gave her an apologetic smile. “My husband is always on me about rushing and not looking where I’m going. Are you okay?”

Not seeing anything other than honest concern in the rich chestnut gaze, Rayla nodded. “Fine.”

A shadow fell over them. “Not the only reason I’m always on you, Tink.” A low, slow southern drawl surrounded her.

A wry smirk twisted the woman’s lips as she was plucked off the ground and lifted to her feet.

Damn. And he calls her Tink. Her heart melted a bit. Rayla began to get up and the tall man who’d lifted the one he called Tink up offered her a tanned hand. She met his sea green gaze and took in the shaggy hair artfully styled with its varying shades of blond.

Accepting his assistance, she was pleased he didn’t seem put out she’d been responsible for her knocking down his wife’s stuff. He released her and slid his arm around the woman with thick ringlets that fell around her face.

“Hi,” she said, holding out her hand as he also plucked the binder from her. “I’m Tink.”

“Rayla.” They shook. “Again. Sorry about that.”

She waved it off. “My fault. I was hurrying and didn’t pay attention.”

His chuckle tinged something in the back of her mind and Rayla canted her head to the left and snuck another look in his direction. He watched her.

A solemn nod. “Good to see you again, Rayla.”

Tink looked between them both, eyebrows up. “You know her? You two know each other?”

He finished putting the items back in the binder before he looked up. “I met her at a fundraiser in DC, her parents were putting on.”

Ice slithered into her veins.

“I’m Xavier Strauss.”

It all clicked at once. Billionaire of DarkStrike Security, a cybersecurity tech business.

Pasting on the smile, she nodded. “I’m sorry, yes. Good to see you again, sir.”

Fuck, the last thing I need is to piss off someone my parents constantly try to get money from because I knocked down his wife.

Logically she knew it was an accident and she didn’t actually knock down Mrs. Strauss but given how her family viewed her, it would be one hundred percent her fault.

“Xavier.” The man’s expression was one she couldn’t read, but she didn’t think he was angry. She wasn’t positive though, billionaires she knew were brutal.

A strong arm curved around her side and two fingers tipped up her chin. Before Rayla could say anything, Ryker kissed her.

This wasn’t a light brushing of lips. No, of course not. It was claiming, possessive and hungry. His taste burst through her mouth and she could barely keep her legs from giving out. fingers curling into his shirt, she leaned into him, trusting him to hold her up.

“You okay, baby?” His lips had barely lifted from hers as he posed his question.

“Fine.” She went to step back from him as embarrassment found her, only his hold on her tightened, keeping her flush to him.

“You okay, ma’am?” He skimmed his fingers up and down her side as he gave the other woman a brief look.

Tink smiled. “I’m fine. I’m the one at fault here, rushing around without paying attention to my surroundings. Rayla and I were about to grab a drink and pastry.” She took the binder back and tapped it. “Business. If you’ll excuse us.”

Business? I met her like two seconds ago.

Xavier kissed his wife. “Take your time, the helicopter will be on standby.”

“You’re not following me there?” Tink lifted an eyebrow.

“I’m giving you the illusion, wife .” Another kiss and he stepped back.

Rayla glanced up at the man who continued to hold her tight. “Excuse me, we have to get going.”

One finger. That’s all it took for her to turn back into mush. He released her then put that damn finger under her chin. If she were a cartoon, she would have heart bubbles and her feet would be off the ground as she floated with dreamy eyes.

“See you soon,” he murmured.

Somehow, she got her feet to cooperate and she walked away with Tink.

“Ryker Owens.” He offered his hand to the suited man looking like he belonged in a boardroom instead of in small rural Tennessee.

“Xavier Strauss.”

Holy shit. He knew the name. They shook hands briefly. “Your wife okay?”

“She’s fine, gets lost in her work and doesn’t pay much attention to things around her. They didn’t hit, she merely dropped her binder.” His sharp green eyes moved from the retreating duo and landed on him. “How do you know Rayla?”

Possessiveness swarmed like a colony of pissed off bees. How dare this man speak her name like he was okay to do so. Reining in his temper, he slid his hands into the pockets of his shorts and rocked back on his heels.

“She’s mine.”

“Interesting.”

His control on the possessiveness slipped a few notches. “If you say so.”

“I saw so. I know her and I know her family. You don’t strike me as someone who has political aspirations but I’m not about to let you hurt her.”

While still angry about the implied implication that he couldn’t or wouldn’t protect her his rage soothed as he recognized the brotherly stance the man took. His gaze followed the path the women had taken and found them dipping inside a small café, Merry Delights .

Together, they headed in that direction.

“I have zero political aspirations.” He made a mental note to look her up. Apparently, his little woman had one a bang up job of hiding her true identity. “And I have absolutely no intention of hurting her.”

Xavier moved the toothpick in his mouth from one side to the other. “Good. If you do, I will ruin you.”

Mentioned in a casual way like he would have discussed the weather. There was no posturing, nothing that showed he was trying to frighten Ryker. And for that reason alone, he believed the man would do exactly as he stated.

The man’s cell rang and he stepped to the side to answer it. Ryker gazed around the town. Even in the late morning, it bustled with activity. He had the first part of the day off and was pulling an extra half shift.

Who knew being Santa took so much energy? He was figuring that out.

He lifted his head when Rayla stepped outside of the café, phone to her ear. Moving before it even registered to him, he slowed when he approached her from behind.

“I don’t care what’s going on Grant. I need you to call me.” She gulped. “I’m worried about you. Please, call me.”

His skin prickled at the mention of his brother’s middle name. It wasn’t like Grant was that uncommon of a name but being as he was on the alert for anything relating to his brother, he latched onto it. Sure, it could be fantasy on his part but he was desperate for news of his sibling.

The vibration of his own phone yanked his attention from the woman he wanted nothing more to do than walk up behind and wrap his arms around her. Tuck her close to his chest, burrow his nose in her soft hair and allow the scent she had surround him. Soothe him. Instead, he stepped back, not far enough to be unable to hear her side of the conversation but enough he could take his call as well.

“Yeah?”

“Hello to you too, handsome.” Preston Marks, fellow parajumper had humor in his voice. “You good?” Despite the levity in the man’s tone, Ryker picked up on the undercurrent of seriousness.

Expelling a harsh breath, he pinched the bridge of his nose and stepped farther away from Rayla. Not what he wanted to do but it was needed.

“Not really.”

“Fuck. Not finding any sign of him then?”

“Not a one. Not since his ass was here about a week before this thing happened. Then he falls off the grid. No card activity, no phone and no image of him popping up anywhere. You know we have this damn country wired with more cameras than ever. He shouldn’t be able to go a day without popping up on some recording.”

It frustrated the fuck out of him.

“What do you need from me?”

“No way man. You just got your woman back and you’re about to have a baby. The last thing you need to do is be running out here to help me.” He tracked Xavier as he strode by him and paused by Rayla before escorting her back inside. The man looked at him with his green eyes, shrewd and more than a bit unsettling. “How are you? And how is the lovely Bryanna?”

“My woman is fine,” he rumbled. “Keep that affection out of your tone when you say her name.”

“What can I say? I like her more than you.”

Preston laughed. “I like her more than me, too.” He cleared his throat. “We’re still looking here, man. You need me and I’ll be there.”

“I appreciate it, man. Honest, I do.”

They’d seen some shit while they served side by side. Preston was a man he would love to have at his side any day of the week.

“Good, you should. I’m fucking spectacular. Now, enough about my praise and dick stroking. I want to know about this woman who has you wrapped up in knots there?”

“Who the fuck told you?” he snapped.

“You just did.”

Laughter poured over the line and he rolled his eyes.

When he ended the call with Preston, he felt better. Still wanted to know what was going on with his brother, but his mood had improved. Rayla remained inside the café and he knew that, whatever her past with Xavier, he would keep her safe.

Christ, it’s not like she is in danger in a Christmas town.

Across the street, he spied a man he did need to have a chat with. Pushing his phone back in his pocket, he strode to the fit man, with messy styled black hair, and blue-green eyes he could see a lot of women falling for.

“Bartender,” he called out as he neared him.

The man looked up from his phone as he continued leaning against a pillar. Those sharp eyes zeroed in on him in seconds.

“Santa.” His tone didn’t change, didn’t sound threatening, neither did his body language but Ryker saw the difference.

I thought it before and I continue to think this man has seen action.

He moved closer to the man and took a breath, counting to not come off with a solid right hook to knock him on his ass.

“Something on your mind?” Like he wasn’t in a threatening situation, the man swiped one more thing on his phone and slid it into his pocket then crossed his ankles once more. Not looking the slightest bit uncomfortable.

“Yeah.” Anger and a need to claim pushed hard. “Leave my woman alone.”

Cool and calm, his gaze moved over Ryker. “Who’s your woman? I’m a bartender, I see a lot of women. Beautiful, sexy, cute. All kinds.”

“We both know who my woman is.”

A slight, definitely mocking shrug. “Nope. I have no clue.” He narrowed his gaze. “Why don’t you spell it out for me, parachute boy.”