The Marine (Black Hawke Security #3)

CHAPTER TEN

AIDAN

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“B ullshit. This year it’ll be the Yankees. Mark my words,” Marshall says, straightening his black cap.

He’s got a rifle in his arms and is working security tonight while we have this pre-wedding dinner at Savannah and Ryder’s.

Well, technically it’s Savannah's mansion. I’m not sure where the two of them plan to live after they marry next week. They both have luxury properties in Los Angeles.

Maybe they will just keep the status quo and live between the two properties.

Not that it’s my business.

My security team will go wherever they’re needed.

People can do what they like as far as I’m concerned. I know a married couple who sleeps in separate bedrooms for different reasons. Snoring being one of those reasons. I guess they fuck, then get into their pajamas and head off to their bedrooms.

Whatever works.

I think about how I was lying in Briar’s bed the other night. I was tempted to close my eyes and let her snuggle up and spend the entire night there.

Too dangerous.

For all I know, her husband has a key. I probably should have asked. But then again, I had a Glock tucked into my jeans.

And my fist.

Briar is his wife, so I had no right being there.

My jaw grinds every time I fucking think about her belonging to someone else.

Yet she lives alone. She doesn’t wear a ring. And she still uses her maiden name. It’s hardly screaming marital bliss.

That and the fact she let me stick my cock inside her. Twice.

And enjoyed every minute of it.

Since I discovered her husband was hurting her, I’ve had my team dig into Kael West. He’s a real estate agent and is twenty-nine years old. Averagely successful and has a clean record.

Not a scratch.

Not even a speeding ticket or the use of marijuana.

More importantly, not a single sign of domestic abuse. Which means Briar hasn’t reported anything.

I know from the look of that bruise on her neck that it wasn’t the first time.

I sent one of my guys to follow him and he sent me some photos, but yesterday it got the better of me and I decided to go for a little drive myself. I ended up in the lobby of Kael’s building a few minutes before he started work.

I sat in the lobby, reading a newspaper in my Tom Ford suit and a pair of reading glasses I don’t need.

Kael walked in. Six foot one at a stretch. Average looking.

Small cock.

I could take him down in under nine seconds.

Four if I was warmed up.

I watched him flirt with a few of the office girls and wink at one as she stepped into the elevator before him.

He’s cheated on her.

I’m not saying that to appease my own guilt. I know men. You don’t spend years in the military without learning something about your fellow men.

I could point out a player in a lineup of thirty men.

Kael West is a player.

But there was something else.

When I dropped the paper and met his eyes as the elevator doors closed, I saw a man who loves to be in control and to hurt others.

I’d immediately rung James. “Do not let him out of your sight. I don’t care how you do it.”

Call it instinct.

Something wasn’t right about him.

“Whatever, New York.” I roll my eyes at Marshall, grinning, and push off the side of my Porche where I’d been leaning.

We both turn as the gates to Savannah's property open.

This might, or might not be, why I’m outside talking about baseball with the cockiest Green Beret in our company.

The Yankees might win, but I’m here to see Briar drive up and get a moment with her alone. So that’s why my brows shoot up when I see she has a car full of people.

The hell?

“Well, well, well.” Marshall snickers beside me as the car is parked and the loud music coming from it suddenly shuts down.

Then the doors open.

“Holy shit.” A tall, long-legged woman climbs out of Briar’s Toyota.

If she was my wife, she’d be driving a Maserati.

Just saying.

“Well hello, ladies.” Marshall smirks, and I’m pretty sure he’s holding his weapon higher.

Dick.

“Oh, wow.” A redheaded girl climbs out of the other side as Briar pulls her bag onto her shoulder and shoots me a glance.

My lip twitches as the chemistry between us flares to life. She can try to ignore it all she likes, but it's as big as Texas.

“Gosh, there’s a lot of security,” the redhead adds.

“Don’t worry darlin’. I’ll save you from any baddies,” Marshall tells her, but his eyes are on the tall brunette’s legs.

“Eyes up here, soldier,” she says.

I snort.

Clearly he doesn’t obey, so she strides over to him, stopping a foot away and crossing her arms. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t realize she’s just made her cleavage a whole lot...well, more.

Marshall is smirking down at the wild creature like it’s Christmas Day.

“Rude much?” the woman snaps.

“Trina.” Briar scoffs and marches over, dragging Trina away. “Do not play with the soldiers.”

I rub a hand over my mouth, trying not to laugh.

Marshall glances at me, his eyes glowing with excitement.

“She can stay and play. I’m not scared.” He grins as he watches them.

“You will be!” Trina calls out over her shoulder.

I’m starting to think she might be right.

Help, Briar mouths at me.

I shake my head as they walk up the steps to the house and start laughing. God no. It’s far too amusing watching a woman not fall at Marshall’s stupidly handsome feet. The huge blond warrior is a chick magnet, as they say, and he knows it.

Seeing him be taken down a few pegs is something I’d pay good money for.

“Behave,” I say instead.

“Just doing God’s work.” Marshall shrugs up his shoulders and straightens his gun, knowing his biceps just bunched up.

Trina glares at him one last time as she disappears inside.

“Hot damn,” I hear him say as he wanders off to do what I assume is a perimeter check. His mind is more likely still in her cleavage than the job.

I see the redhead lifting plates out of the car, so go to help.

“Hi, I’m Alice.” She smiles.

“Aidan,” I reply and take a large charcuterie board. It’s heavy as fuck.

“What is on this thing?”

“Everything.” Alice chuckles.

Inside I immediately seek Briar out. She’s wearing a white sundress that ends just above her knees. She looks innocent and pure. Unlike when she was spread open with her glistening pussy on display.

I put the plates on the counter while Savannah and the girls do a whole lot of introductions. Josh and Ryder join us, and I can hear the other guests in the living room chatting.

“This is my fiancé,” Savannah says as Ryder wraps an arm around her lower back.

“Nice to meet you both.” Ryder greets the new arrivals. “Let’s get everyone some drinks.”

A server appears and takes their orders. Meanwhile, I watch Briar like some creepy stalker.

“I’m a huge fan,” Alice tells Savannah.

“That kiss in the second movie. Hot as hell,” Trina says, waving her hand over her face.

We have become accustomed to watching Savannah with her fans, and I know that they wouldn’t be standing here if my team hadn’t already done checks on them and had them sign all the appropriate forms.

“We don’t talk about that,” Ryder deadpans, then winks at the girls.

Even Trina giggles and I have a feeling she’s not much of a giggler.

She looks like trouble to me.

“Cassy. Scarlet!” Briar turns with a little excited jump as the two women walk in, both of them holding wine glasses.

Speaking of...

Scarlet and Trina together? We’re going to need more security.

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T WO HOURS LATER I know I’m right.

“I have a porn name. Don’t you?” Trina asks, sucking the lime and tossing back her tequila.

“Girl, I have three.” Scarlet rips the flesh off the lime and swallows it.

Of course she does.

The hairdresser works for Cassy, Josh’s wife, and she’s potentially a bigger troublemaker than Trina. Yet to be seen, but the fact we’ve arrived at this conversation is good evidence.

Marshall groans from the doorway. Apparently, he needs to keep a closer eye on...I’m picking Trina. We have a full security team here tonight, so I let it go.

Plus, I know how he feels.

All night I’ve felt like a robot going through the motions, saying all the things, when all I want to do is drag Briar away and kiss her.

Liar. You want to fuck her.

Her little glances and the way she licks her lips are driving my cock insane. Do you know how much energy it takes to keep an erection at bay?

A damn lot.

Right now I’m appeased, and that’s only because she’s sitting next to me. My arm somehow made its way along the back of the sofa and her hair is brushing my hand.

I haven’t moved a muscle in ten long minutes.

“I don’t have a porn name,” Savannah says, her arm resting on her baby belly.

“You must have one. Let’s create one!” Trina calls out.

“Nope.” Ryder shakes his head, and all the girls laugh.

“Do you have one?” I ask quietly, dipping my face to Briar.

“I mean...”

“That’s a yes.” I growl quietly, faking my unhappiness. She’s drunk and slaps me on the thigh playfully.

“Yes, but I’m obviously not a porn star.”

“We can play cameraman and porn star later if you want.” I wink.

She blushes in response, and I can feel the invisible chemistry flowing between us. She’s aroused, and that’s making me restless.

Briar glances at the group as if remembering where we are.

No one heard.

Well, maybe they did. I’ve had at least five bourbons, so I don’t care. When I catch Trina watching us, my eyes dip and I realize Briar still has her hand on my thigh.

She hasn’t realized.

Trina’s eyes connect with mine and when I glance back, I hold her stare. I don’t know if she understands me, but if she needs a translation, it would be this: Your friend is mine. Whether you know who I am or not, Briar belongs to me. And I can tell you’re the kind of girl who would be a little wildebeest if your friend needed protection, but she doesn’t.

Not from me.

And no one is taking her from me again.

Trina blinks.

“Briar,” she says, then looks away. “Bathroom break.”

“I don’t...wait, I do need to go.” Briar giggles and begins to stand.

“I’ll go.” I say and follow her across the room as Savannah and Scarlett make up porno names and Ryder vetoes them all.

“That was a good one!”

“Nope.”

Trina stands and glares as we pass.

“Hurt her and I will kill you.” She sneers under her breath.

“Good. I’ll deserve it if I do.” Also, you’re ten years too late.

Which means she doesn’t know our history.

Interesting.

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brIAR

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“O OPS, WRONG WAY.” I giggle and turn, slamming into Aidan’s chest.

Such a nice big strong chest.

The moment I saw him on the driveway I had to have words with my body. In long tan shorts and a white shirt, with his tan and a peak of his tattoos, he looks good enough to eat.

Hmmm, he is good enough to eat. I know from experience.

I smile up at him and wobble. He grabs my arms, and I draw in a gasp.

“Do I need to carry you?”

His smirk makes my body all fuzzy, and I want him to kiss me. I want to snuggle into him and pretend he’s mine like all the other loved-up couples tonight.

“Okay.” I chuckle, thinking he’s joking. But I should know better with this man. I let out a cry and another giggle as he lifts me up into his arms, and I loop mine around his neck.

Damn tequila.

“You are crazy, Aidan Black.”

“For you,” he mutters.

“What are you going to do? Hold me while I go for a pee?” I play with the dark stubble on his cheek.

He magically opens the bathroom door and locks it. Maybe he has three arms.

I giggle again as he places me back on my feet.

Imagine how much more pleasure we could have if he did have three arms.

Okay, that might be weird.

No more tequila.

I lean back against the door as he palms the wood above my head.

“I had something more fun in mind.” His beautiful blue eyes land on my lips.

I lick them.

“Fuck, Briar. I’m hard as hell. Kiss me right now, would you.”

I keep trying to remember that I shouldn’t be doing this. This man was responsible for my father’s death. My mother hates him. And the last thing I need is to encourage him, when in a few days we will be in the same room as my violent, soon-to-be ex-husband.

If I mess this up, I don’t know what Kael will do. Or what he’s capable of.

This is a dangerous game I’m playing.

But my body is in charge, and I tiptoe up and let my lips touch his. Fire rockets through me as I grab his face.

His powerful arm wraps around my body.

“Jesus, I’ve wanted to do this all night.” He lifts me up and I wrap my legs around him.

“I need you inside me.” I moan. “Now.”

“We don’t have time.” He growls.

“Please, I need your cock.” I beg, and unable to say no to me, Aidan lets out a huge moan as his mouth dominates mine.

I could kiss this man forever.

He tastes like bourbon and the strawberries he’s been nibbling on all night since dinner. Delicious.

Suddenly, my dress is tossed over my head, my panties disappear, and Aidan’s long shorts are at his ankles as he plunges inside me.

It takes my breath away. “Aidan, god.”

“Rub your clit.” He orders me, and I slide my hand between our bodies as he lifts me up and down his cock.

What strength this man has!

Awkwardly, I tug his shirt over his head so I can touch his gorgeous muscular chest.

“Like what you see?” He licks at my mouth as he sits down on the edge of the monster tub.

I cry out as I take his cock deeper.

“That’s it, sweetheart. Take all of me and come like a good little girl.”

Oh fuck.

I rub my clit harder and stare down into his eyes as we fuck like rabbits.

“Briar,” he rasps.

“Aidan.”

“You are mine. Remember that.”

“No.” I shake my head as I ride his swollen erection.

“Yes.” His hands grip my hips and speed up the movement. “Divorce that asshole, and I’m making you mine.”

Oh god.

It can never happen.

Doesn’t he understand?

I would lose my mother if I even contemplated that.

I know some part of me still loves Aidan. The part I’ve kept hidden for a long time. But to lose both my parents for this man...that’s asking too much.

I need him to stop making me regret all my choices.

Suddenly, he explodes inside me and his mouth slides down my neck. Pleasure plows through my shuddering body and I let go, completely giving up all control of my senses.

All I feel is him.

In every single one of my cells.

Aidan.

The love of my life.

The one love I can never have.