Alpha Male

ALPHA MALE A REAL MAN, 14

JENIKA SNOW

ALPHA MALE (A REAL MAN, 14) By Jenika Snow www.JenikaSnow.com [email protected] Copyright © June 2017 by Jenika Snow First E-book Publication: June 2017

Photographer: Wander Aguiar :: Photography Cover model: Jase Dean Photo provided by: Wander Book Club

Editor: Kasi Alexander Line Editor: Lea Schafer

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: The unauthorized reproduction, transmission, or distribution of any part of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. This literary work is fiction. Any name, places, characters and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or establishments is solely coincidental. Please respect the author and do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials that would violate the author’s rights.

Book 1: Lumberjack Book 2: Virgin Book 3: Baby Fever Book 3.5: A Real Man: Volume One Book 4: Experienced Book 5: Roommate Book 6: Arrogant Book 7: Feral Book 8: Dirty Book 9: Viking Book 10: Blacksmith Book 11: Brutal Book 12: Kilt Me Book 13: Mine Book 14: Alpha Male

Layla For the last two years Lachlan has been my personal bodyguard. Although I don’t feel in danger and don’t need someone constantly watching me, because it’s Lachlan, I can’t help but feel safe. I love him. He is big and strong, with training that makes him deadly. Anyone who is stupid enough to cross him learns that swiftly. But I’m too afraid to tell him how much I want him. I’m too afraid to tell him that I crave him.

Lachlan I was hired to be her bodyguard, to make sure she was safe because her father is a senator. But even if her father hadn’t hired me, I wouldn’t have been able to leave her alone. I love her, want her as mine, and I need to show Layla that she was meant for me. I need to show her that if anyone looks at her, speaks to her, or thinks they have a right to touch her, I’ll lay them out and not think twice. She is my world, and no one but me will have her. I’m done waiting. It’s time I make Layla mine.

Warning: Have a neck brace on hand because this story will give you whiplash. It’s short and to the point, but that’s how we like them. It’s not lacking in the heat department, has an over-the-top alpha hero, and a sweet virgin heroine. No worries, though; you get a safe read with a Happily Ever After and some baby making in the process.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Epilogue One Epilogue Two Newsletter Coming Next Excerpt: Mine (A Real Man, 13) About the Author

1

Lachlan

I

watched Layla. Always. But it wasn't just because that was my job. It was because I wanted her, fucking badly. I wanted her to be mine, to never know the touch of another man, to look into my eyes and know I’d take care of her. “Lachlan, location check-in.” Rocco’s voice came through in my earpiece. “South building of Pearson Hall. Layla should be heading back to the estate within the next ten minutes. I’ll check in once en route.” “Copy that.” I leaned against a tree and watched as Layla spoke to some little asshole that I knew was in her economics class. The possessive side of me wanted to come out and stake its claim right then and there. Hell, I didn’t want anyone looking at her, let alone speaking with her. I clenched my jaw as I watched him reach out and brush a strand of her hair from her shoulder. I wanted to go over there and beat the little fucker to the ground, but I had self-control, was trained to only make a move if absolutely necessary. Me going over there and being a caveman, throwing her over my shoulder and stalking away to make my claim, was a bad fucking idea. But even that small touch the asshole gives her pissed me the fuck off. She was my job, or at least that’s what I tried to tell myself to make it easier to be around her. But being her bodyguard for the last two years made that an impossible task. Her father, Jonathan Lancaster, was a senator. Even before that, his connections and social standings had made the wealthy tycoon take extra precautions to protect his family, which resulted in him hiring bodyguards twenty-

four hours a day, seven days a week. I’d been Layla Lancaster’s—Jonathan’s daughter—personal bodyguard for the last two years, before her father took office. I’d already deemed her as mine, even if I hadn’t been a man and told her. She’d been eighteen at the time I was assigned to her, freshly graduated from high school and starting her first year of college. And from the moment I saw her, she was all I wanted. From the moment I saw her, I knew she would be mine. And I’d made sure during that whole time that she was always my priority, my permanent station. The very thought of somebody else protecting her, didn't sit well with me. I wanted to be the one that looked after her. She ended up walking away from the douche and heading to her car. Layla was stubborn, but I fucking loved that about her. She was independent, which drove her father insane. That included her refusing to have a driver, which was what Jonathan Lancaster wanted. Instead she drove herself wherever she felt like going. She could be a force to be reckoned with, and it made me want her more. But the one thing her father would not budge on was her having a bodyguard. And I was always here, because fuck all to hell if anything happened to her on my watch.

Layla I FELT HIM WATCHING ME. I always felt him watching me. Lachlan was always close to me, always making sure I was protected. He was this big, imposing man, intimidating and powerful, the bodyguard my father insisted I needed. At first it had infuriated me, made me feel dependent, not like myself. But the truth was that feeling quickly diminished. For the last two years I’d been in love with Lachlan. I also knew nothing would ever come of it. I couldn’t be with him, not without causing issues with my father. It was that uncertainty that had me keeping my mouth shut and never telling anyone how I felt. It took a few minutes to get away from Dean, one of the guys in my economics class, who was insistent I go out with him. He’d been pushing me for a date for the last month. I headed to my car, knowing he was following me, feeling his gaze on me. When I got to my vehicle, I stopped at the driver’s side door and turned to look around. Although I knew he was out there, Lachlan was very good at keeping

himself hidden. Maybe he thought his presence was unwanted, or he was trying to be professional. Truth was I wanted him close, but I was too afraid to actually admit that to anybody but myself. Telling anyone that I had feelings for Lachlan, that I loved him wouldn't be good in the long run. My father would have issues with it for one thing. I loved my family, my father as well, but his standards and morals were old-school. Lachlan and anyone who worked for him were his employees, the help. Although we had money, my father saw us as more than we were. I hated that about him. I climbed into my car but didn't start it right away. I sat there for a few minutes just watching the students go in and out of the main building. I had insisted that I didn't want nor need a driver, even though my father wanted me to have one. But I’d agreed to have a bodyguard, as long as he didn’t interfere with my life. That was before I realized I’d fallen in love with mine. I finally started the car and headed toward the estate. I’d wanted to stay in the dorm, but again, my father had been too paranoid about that. I didn't fight him on everything, because I knew in his heart he was just worried and looking out for me. I glanced in my rearview mirror a couple minutes into the drive and saw a dark SUV following closely behind. My heart beat harder, faster. Lachlan. He had this effect on me, this pull, this magnetism. God, if he were to ever touch me, pull me under his big, hard body, make me come… I wasn’t ashamed to admit I fantasized about him more times than not. I’d touched myself, envisioned what it would feel like for him to take my virginity, to pop my cherry … make me his. I wanted all of that. So much.

2

Layla

I

used my fork to push the last of my dinner around on the plate. My mother and father were busy talking about a current campaign he was involved with, and my younger sister, Sophie, was busy on her phone texting her boyfriend. Truth was I felt out of place most times. The estate was massive, reeked of money, and the security was ridiculous. Cameras were stationed outside of the property, taking in every angle, and there were usually a few guards posted around the entrances. When I was in my room, I was truly alone, the only privacy I really got. “I think I'm finished,” I said and glanced up at my mom. It was seven in the evening, a time when most people were relaxed, wearing comfortable clothing and winding down for the evening. But not my mother or father. He was in a suit, and she was dressed up with pearls and a full face of makeup, her hair meticulously done. “You don't want any dessert?” my mother asked, but she wasn't looking at me. After my father became a senator, she changed. More of a socialite now, she went to garden parties, visited with other political spouses, and tended to be more of a presence in our lives instead of a mother figure. But with Sophie being seventeen and about to graduate high school, and me turning twenty-one in a few short months, it wasn't like we were children that needed to be coddled. Once I graduated, I planned on moving away, starting my life and new profession away from the political and controlling aspects of my family. “No, I’m fine.” I stood and left the dining room, and once in my room I shut the door. I stood there for a second, my thoughts instantly going toward Lachlan.

During the evenings he wasn't on the clock. We had enough security detail while at the house that it wasn't necessary for him to be here. But I wanted him here. God, I wanted him here so badly. Even just thinking of him made my body hot. I felt my nipples harden, my pussy become wet. I walked over to the window and pushed the curtains aside. With summer coming the sun hadn’t set yet, so I could see the guard stationed at the front of the wrought-iron gate. I could leave if I wanted to, be bold and risqué and find Lachlan and tell him I wanted him. But as soon as I thought that, I immediately pushed the idea aside. No, I wasn’t going to be brazen and contact Lachlan and spill my heart to him. I needed to just forget about it, forget about what I wanted—needed—in my life, and focus on what I did have. I needed to focus on what I could actually acquire, because Lachlan Stone certainly wasn’t one of the things that I could have as mine.

Lachlan The next day S HE WAS SITTING ALL ALONE, the book in front of her, the wind blowing her hair around. I curled my hands into fists, wanting to go to her so damn badly. I had incredible self-control, needed to in order to perform my job with solid composure and a clear head. But when it came to Layla, I wanted to say fuck the control and just go get her. I was transfixed by the way she looked, by the way she put a strand of hair behind her ear. Her fingers were long and delicate. I was a dirty fucking bastard for imagining those fingers wrapped around my cock. My dick became stiff then, this massive rod between my thighs that was pressing against my black cargo pants. Fuck, I wanted her so damn badly. I was surprised I was able to restrain myself as long as I had. Truth was I didn't think I could last much longer. I wanted to taste her, feel her. I wanted her under me, her legs spread, my cock deep in her pussy. I reached out and adjusted myself so my erection wasn't noticeable. And then I saw that motherfucker from yesterday walking up to her. This slow sound came out of me, animalistic in quality, possessive in need. He sat across from her, the smile on his face pathetic. He wanted in her pants

pretty badly. If I could tell, I had no doubt Layla could as well. She was shaking her head at something he said, and I found myself going closer to her, wanting to position myself between her and that fucker. And then he reached out and touched her hand. She jerked it back, shaking her head even harder. I moved forward then. My legs were long, strong, and I ate up the distance in no time. I was standing right behind her now, this looming shadow being cast along the table, and the prick stared up at me wide-eyed. “I think it's time you moved the fuck along and found something else to do.” My voice was hard, harsh. I didn't keep the guttural sound out of it. I didn't even give a shit if this little asshole was afraid. Hell, I wanted him to be afraid. I wanted him to picture me standing behind Layla every time he decided to come up and talk to her. Even though I saw Layla turn and look up at me, I didn’t stop staring at the fucker in front of me. He didn't say anything, but I could see the way his throat moved as he swallowed, the fear and nervousness coming off him in waves. He finally grabbed his bag off the ground and left without a backward glance. Good, he wasn't as stupid as I’d thought he was. I took several steps back, meaning to just leave and give Layla her privacy again, but I found myself rooted to the spot. She stood and looked up at me, her frame so small compared to my six-foot-four height. She was delicate and fragile, like this flower I wanted to keep in a glass jar so it didn't get damaged. I didn't say anything for long seconds, but neither did she. Although my job was to protect her, intervening when one of her little asshole classmates put his hand on her, albeit maybe innocently, wasn't exactly in my job description. Willing my control to come forward again, I gave a slight nod and turned to leave, to give her some privacy, all the while still watching her. “Wait. Lachlan?” My entire body tightened at the way she said my name. Over the last two years our conversations had been short, professional. It wasn't my job to make small talk with her, even though I wanted to. But I could count the number of times she'd actually said my first name, and every single time my body reacted like it had been set on fire. I turned around and faced her, wanting to say a hell of a lot more, wanting to just pull her close and keep her tight against my body. My hands were in tight fists at my sides, my blunt nails digging into my palms. The pain was intense from how tightly I had them clenched, but I welcomed it. It was a good distraction for the need of coming inside of me, of marking her, making her mine.

“Miss Lancaster?” I clenched my jaw tightly, wanting to say her first name, wanting it to roll off my tongue. That would be stepping over boundaries, crossing lines, though. I could see the expression on her face, the way she shook her head and glanced away. Whatever she had been about to say, she changed her mind. “Thanks,” she said, looking at me. She picked up her bag off the ground and started walking away. I would always stay close, and always have her back. But what I really wanted was her heart.

Layla ROBIN : Wanna come to a party tonight? I stared at the text message I’d gotten from one of my friends. I was about to reply that I'd rather just stay in tonight, that I could always work on some studying, but the sound of my phone dinging with another incoming text came through. Robin: I need a wing woman. I started laughing, imagining Robin trying to get her crush to notice her. I kind of just thought about staying in tonight. Robin: Please? Jack will be there and I'm hoping a little support behind me will give me those balls of steel. I couldn't stop the grin from spreading across my face. I couldn't say no to her. Besides, staying at home wasn't really what I wanted to do, just what I’d planned on doing. I was going to mope about on what—who—I’d never have. Lachlan. Ok. Where's the party at? Once Robin gave me the address, I got ready, knowing that when I told my father I was going to go, he’d insist on having somebody take me. I wouldn't fight him on this, though, because it was late, and I'd rather be safe than sorry, especially concerning a bunch of drunk people. I found my father in his study going over papers. “I’m going to head out to go to a party.” He glanced up at me, his glasses perched on his nose, his focus trained on me. He didn’t say anything as he glanced at the clock. “It’s late, Layla.” “It’s not that late, Dad, but I’ll be back at a decent time.” Although he could have asked me to stay in, I was an adult. “I’m responsible, an adult, and I have no doubt you’ll have one of the guards come with me.”

It took him a moment, maybe internal debating, but finally he nodded and picked up his phone. “I’ll bring Lachlan back in.” My heart started beating fast and hard at the very idea that the man I wanted would be coming here, taking me to a frat party, and seeing me get drunk. At that thought I wondered if maybe this was a good idea. Maybe Robin could be my wing woman, and a little bit of liquid courage could help me finally reveal how I felt for him. Or maybe I would keep my mouth shut and hide my emotions deep down. I seemed to be good at that anyways.

3

Lachlan

L

ayla was sitting right next to me, and the way I felt her presence, the heat from her body was even more intense than I could imagine. I curled my hands tightly around the steering wheel, trying to calm my breathing and steady myself. But she smells so damn good. Like warmed vanilla, sweet and sugary. My mouth watered; my throat tightened. I wanted to drag my tongue along every inch of her, memorizing every dip and hollow of her body. I wanted to taste her pussy, see how wet she got for me. I shifted in the seat uncomfortably, my dick hard, my balls drawn up tight. I didn't look at her, though, not full on. I could see her out of the corner of my eye, her focus out the passenger-side window. Her body was stiff, her hands in her lap twisting together. She was nervous; I could practically smell it coming off her. We arrived at the house the party was being held at far too soon. Even if we sat there in silence, having her that close to me, smelling so fucking good, was better than anything else. “I'll be close.” She glanced at me then, the blue of her eyes so startling that even the darkness of the interior of the car couldn’t dim them. And when she licked her lips and nodded, I was transfixed by the sight. My cock jerked painfully, almost violently. She nodded and climbed out of the car, and I watched her walk into the house. I was out of the vehicle a few seconds later, scanning the surroundings, taking in the people. I was strapped and loaded, always prepared with a weapon in case I needed to react. The little assholes that looked at me were already drunk, the beers and cups in

their hands already overflowing, about to be consumed, so they had no common sense or rationalization. I scoped out the sides and the exterior of the house, taking in all the exits and vantage points. Chances were I wouldn't have to do anything, just watch Layla and make sure some drunk asshole didn't put his hands on her. But I was always prepared, always willing to throw down when it came to her. The truth was I would die for Layla, and it had nothing to do with me being employed by her father.

Layla THE RED PLASTIC cup in my hand was filled with chilled beer I’d just gotten from the keg. It was my second cup of the night, and although I was only halfway finished with this one, I did feel a little buzz going on. I normally didn't drink, so my tolerance was next to zero. I watched as Robin flirted with her crush, and although I kept a close distance in case she needed her wing woman, I also stayed back. I really didn't want to hear what they were talking about, especially given the fact her crush was saying something that made Robin turn bright red and giggle. I brought the cup to my mouth again and took a long drink. My thoughts retuned to Lachlan, as they always seemed to do. Knowing that he was just outside, waiting, making sure I was safe, made me feel very much alive. I knew if I'd asked him to come inside, to stay right beside me, he would have in a heartbeat. Just thinking about him made me wet. Given the fact I was in a roomful of people and extremely aroused, I felt highly uncomfortable and embarrassed. Even if nobody knew the thoughts that ran through my head, I knew how filthy they were. Lachlan was quite the looker, but not in a handsome kind of way. He was brutal and savage, his attractiveness coming from the fact I knew he could kill a man with his bare hands if he wanted to. He was alpha all the way, big and muscular, and put all these other guys to shame. I was about to finish off the beer when somebody bumped into me from behind, causing me to spill the alcohol down the front of my shirt. I gasped from how cold it was, the wet material of my shirt now sticking to my skin. I turned around, more than annoyed at what had just happened, but not surprised. I was at a party with a bunch of drunken people, so this was obviously

bound to happen at some point. Of course I just happened to be that person. “Oh shit.” The guy who’d bumped into me slurred but sounded genuine. “Here, let me help clean you up.” He reached out, maybe trying to brush the liquid off me, but I shook my head and took a step back. “I'm fine. No help needed.” Was he that drunk that he would've just smoothed his hands down the front of my shirt? I walked away before he tried to help me again, and went into the bathroom. I had to wait five minutes for the couple inside to quit having sex, but once they were finished, I went inside and locked the door. I stared at myself in the mirror, the whole front of my shirt drenched with beer. I picked up the material, pulling it away for my chest, the scent of alcohol wafting up around me. No way I could stay here. There was a hand towel on the rack beside me, and I grabbed it and dampened it with water. I started patting my shirt, but it was useless. Although I didn't really want to leave since I hadn’t been here very long, I also didn’t want to walk around smelling like a brewery. Pretty much all the people here already smell like that. I put the towel aside and stared at myself in the mirror. I pushed the long strands of my dark hair over my shoulder and smoothed my finger under my eye, the slight dark circles intensified by the harsh fluorescent lighting. Was this what—who—Lachlan saw? Did he see me as a silly young girl? Was he aware of how I felt? A part of me had to assume he knew, given the fact he was with me constantly, and nothing got by him. He was trained to pick up on slight subtleties, in the way someone shifted, in the way they looked. The very fact that he possibly knew how I felt for him should have embarrassed me, but instead I felt this sting of disappointment over it. If he did know how I felt, he certainly didn't act like it, didn't reciprocate the feelings. I closed my eyes and exhaled, but jumped, a surprised sound leaving me when somebody pounded on the door. A second later I heard a female giggle. “Are you done in there or what?” a deep male voice called out. I opened the door, and the couple all but pushed me out. The door was slammed shut, and I instantly heard a female moan. All I could do was shake my head, knowing this was so not my scene. I needed to hunt down Robin and tell her I was leaving. Once I found her, she was making out with her crush. I asked her if she wanted me to take her home. She was sober, not really the drinking type, and I was glad she was at least in her right frame of mind. “I’m actually heading home anyway,” she said and winked, and I didn’t need to ask what she meant by that.

After I said my good-byes, I pushed my way through the crowd of people and left out the front door. The scent of cigarettes, weed, and liquor filled my nose. I made my way down the front steps but immediately was pushed to the side by a drunken guy who stumbled forward. “Fuck, girl, I'm sorry,” he slurred out. He grabbed my arm—maybe to steady me—but his grip was a little too forceful and I yelped in pain. He stumbled forward again, causing me to go with him because he still held on to my arm. And then he started getting really touchy. He took hold of my other arm and pulled me close to him. I tried to push him off me and knee him in the balls, but before I could even do that, he was wrenched from me and tossed to the ground. Lachlan had his body in front of mine, this big wall of muscle that protected me, blocking me from any harm. I glanced down and saw the gun strapped to his waist. I shouldn’t have felt turned on by seeing that weapon, but I was. I did. His hands were curled into tight fists on either side of him, and I heard this low growl leave him. That sound had a chill racing up my spine. Lachlan took a step forward, but I reached out and grabbed hold of his hand, stopping him. He looked over his shoulder at me, the shadows covering his face partially but his expression clear. He was enraged over the situation. “Let's just leave, please.” Even in the dark I could see the way his jaw clenched tightly. I could feel the energy coming from him in angry, hot waves. “You're lucky I don't beat your fucking ass for touching her.” And then Lachlan was the one curling his fingers around mine and pulling me forward toward the car. He opened the passenger-side door and gently pushed me in. I knew he was trying to keep me safe, that his gruff demeanor and rough attitude were his way of showing that he cared, that he was protecting me. My hands shook a little bit, and adrenaline rushed through my bloodstream. Once he was in the car and the engine was cranked, he took off. I could tell he was heading back to my father’s house by the scenery that passed us. But I didn’t want to go back there, not yet at least. I glanced over at him and could see how tense his entire body was. I wondered if me even saying anything was worth it … was a good idea. But I couldn’t have stopped myself anyway. “Lachlan, I don’t want to go home.” He glanced at me for only a second. “Take me to your place?” Maybe asking him that was crossing a line, I knew that, but that’s where I wanted to go … with him. Maybe it was the little bit of alcohol I’d drunk, or maybe I was tired of just hiding my feelings for Lachlan. I thought he’d decline, but when he started heading away from where I lived, I

felt heat consume me. He was taking me back to his place, and there I would tell him how I felt. I grabbed my cell, and sent a text to my parents saying I was staying at a friend’s house. This would happen tonight with Lachlan. Damn the consequences.

4

Lachlan

T

his was a bad fucking idea, yet here I was, the dumbass who’d brought Layla—my ward—to my damn house. I stood back and watched as she looked around the sparse decor in the living room. This was just a place I rented, a house I slept in. This wasn’t my home, wasn’t a place I felt particularly comfortable at either. It was just a place. But having Layla in here made it feel so much warmer. It made it feel so much … more. “I should say this out loud.” I waited until she looked at me. “Having you here isn’t the best idea I’ve had.” She smiled, and it lit up my entire fucking place. “Noted, but I didn’t want to go back home, and I didn’t want to stay at that party.” Yeah, I didn’t want her at that fucking party either. She moved over and sat on the couch, still looking around. “This place is pretty barren of … anything.” I grunted in response and walked over to the breakfast counter to start unarming myself. I disconnected my earpiece, the knife I kept at my waist, the other one I kept at my ankle, and took off my gun from the holster at my side. I pulled the clip out and set both pieces on the counter. When I turned around, I saw Layla watching me. “You wear that stuff every day?” She didn’t sound afraid at the notion I was strapped with weapons when around her. I was glad, because they were to keep her safe. I nodded and moved over to where she was, but didn’t sit down. Instead I leaned against the wall, crossed my arms, and looked at her. I didn’t know why

she’d wanted to come back to my place, and even though her father would have my balls for this if he found out, I couldn’t deny her. “I want to learn how to shoot one of these days.” I cocked my head to the side, curious about what she’d just said. “Why? You’ll always have me there to protect you.” I saw the way her cheeks turned pink. She glanced away. “Maybe one day you won’t be there. I should learn how to defend myself.” Pride welled up in me that she wanted to be strong, that she wanted to protect herself, but I also wanted to be the one to take care of her. The male side of me, the alpha side, wanted to make sure she was safe. “That's real good, Layla.” We stared at each other for long seconds, and as much as I wanted to go over there and hold her, I kept my distance. It was better that way. It was smarter that way. That’s what I told myself anyway. “You know you can come sit next to me. I don't bite.” She smiled, but it seemed a little hesitant, a little uncomfortable. She was nervous. I could see by the way she kept shifting on the seat, and by the way she kept twisting her fingers together. I should've stayed where I was by the wall, but I was the stupid fucking fool and I found myself walking toward her. I sat on the couch, willing myself to stay calm. But having her so close ... being so close to her made me feel like a fiend. She just smelled so good, and I felt her body heat radiate from her and into me. I glanced over and looked at her, and saw she was already watching me. And then I watched as her body reacted to me, saw the changes right in front of me. Her pupils dilated, and her respirations became harder. Her mouth parted, her lush, pink lips opening just slightly, making me think of all kinds of filthy things. Her breath came out in short, fast pants. This is a bad idea. I found myself moving closer to her. This is a really bad fucking idea. I reached out and curled my hand around her neck, pulling her closer. But I can't stop myself. I won't.

Layla I COULDN ’ T BREATHE, couldn’t even think straight. The feeling of Lachlan’s hand on the back of my neck had my blood pressure rising. I felt light-headed, my blood

rushing through my veins, my heart pounding hard and painfully against my ribs. “I want you,” he said, his voice low, deep. This was a dream, or at least it felt like one. I’d wanted this for far longer than I’d ever actually admit, and it was right here. He wanted me, the same way I wanted him. He pulled me in closer and our mouths were only inches apart now, his warm breath moving along my lips, making me shiver in anticipation. I didn’t know what to say, how to react. I felt frozen, my emotions and arousal so strong they suffocated me, held me down so I was unable to even think clearly. And then he was kissing me, his lips pressed right to mine, the feel of pressure making my heart jump. I was wet, my nipples hard, my need strong. He pulled away, and I knew he was holding back, knew he was doing this to be sweet and gentle with me. I didn’t want sweet and gentle. I wanted the alpha male I knew Lachlan was. I needed it. But before I could lean in and kiss him, be the one who went after what I wanted, he was up and moving away from me. I stood, my hands shaking, not sure if he was having second thoughts or maybe feeling guilt. But I didn’t want to stop. “Lachlan?” He didn’t turn to face me, just walked over to the kitchen and grabbed a glass and a bottle of alcohol out of the cupboard. I watched as he poured himself that shot. I knew I was feeling more loose than normal because of the almost two beers I’d had earlier, and assumed he might need one as well. This situation was pretty heavy. He turned and faced me, lifting the bottle in a nonverbal question. I shook my head, knowing if I took some hard alcohol, I wouldn’t be able to go through with tonight. I didn’t want to be drunk. I wanted to know what I was doing, who I was doing it with. I wasn’t a drinker anyway, and if two beers made me feel this good, I didn’t want to go over the line with the hard stuff. “Are you okay?” I asked, because it seemed Lachlan was struggling with this. “This isn’t wrong, Lachlan.” He exhaled and hung his head for a second. “No, it’s not wrong, Layla.” He turned and faced me then. “It’s really fucking right.” He walked toward me then, this wild expression on his face, this need radiating from him. I felt myself retreating, not because I was afraid, but because I wanted this. God, I anticipated this.

5

Lachlan

I

stalked her like this fucking animal, so damn hungry for her, so insatiable for the need to feel her under me. She stopped, the wall forcing her to cease escaping. She braced her hands behind her, her chest rising and falling almost violently. She was aroused, her pupils dilated, her breasts pressing against the material of her shirt every time she inhaled. I lowered my gaze to her throat, saw her pulse beating hard, fast. She was nervous, but I had no doubt she was wet for me, so fucking soaked. “Tell me you want me touching you, owning you … making you mine.” I kept my focus on her. Her lips were slightly parted, the air moving fast and hard between them. “I want you,” she whispered. I was only a foot from her, the sweet scent of her desire making me drunk. My cock was so fucking hard, this lead pipe between my thighs. Hell, the tip of my shaft was wet with pre-cum. “Tell me what you want. Tell me how much you want this,” I demanded slowly, my voice low, thick. I needed—wanted—to hear her admit she wanted this, that she wanted me. I was aching to hear those words come from her mouth. I had no doubt she’d surrender to me, be mine in every way. I stepped closer, my chest right up against hers now, her breasts pressing into mine every time she breathed. I was good at picking up body language, how others acted, what they were thinking by the way they reacted to me, to my presence. And I could see that my presence made her wet, needy. I reached out and ran my finger along her bottom lip, pulling the lush pink flesh

down. I lifted my gaze and stared at her face. The sound she made was a little bit of pleasure, maybe even uncertainty. I lowered my hand, sliding my finger along the collar of her shirt, wanting to tear the fucking thing from her, just tear the material from her body. Then do it. Make her feel good. The anticipation and excitement of what I was about to do raced through my veins. I needed this—her—so damn badly I could taste it. “Anything you want is yours,” I said on a groan. “I want you,” she said, her words heated, whispered. I went for the button of her pants and had them undone and pushed down her thighs a second later. She made this noise that turned me on even more. “Take all of it off. All of it.” She obeyed me instantly, and my cock jerked at that knowledge, at the fact she was so receptive to me. Once she was naked, I didn’t stop myself from doing the same, getting out of the irritating garments that hid me from Layla. I needed to be just as naked as she was, needed her to see how much I wanted her. I wanted her to see how ready I was. She was breathing so hard, her large breasts rising and falling, her nipples hard, puckered from the air and her arousal. “Do you want me to touch you?” She licked her lips and nodded. I was surprised she’d understood me. My voice was so hoarse, so guttural that the words had sounded distorted. I was in front of her seconds later, letting my fingers skim over the bare flesh of her belly, along the slight indentation of her navel. “Ask me for it.” I desperately needed her to tell me she wanted this, to show me verbally how much she needed me. “I need you, Lachlan,” she whispered. Fuck, I’d never get tired of hearing her say that. All these filthy fucking images slammed into my head, all the things I wanted to do to her, do with her. I touched her softly and swirled my finger along her belly button as I stared into her eyes. I wanted to be her reality. “I want this.” Her eyes were so big, so expressive. “I want to be with you in every way.” She reached up and gripped my biceps, her nails digging into my arms, the sting feeling so fucking good. I clenched my jaw, a deep sound of pleasure leaving me. “I want you to be my first.” She swallowed, the sound audible, her breathing harsh. “I’ll be your only, Layla.”

She was a virgin, and I’d be the one to claim her cherry, to own it. No other man would ever know what she felt like, would ever know the sounds she made when she was stretched and filled. I ran the tip of my nose up the arch of her neck, inhaling the scent of her, feeling like some primitive, wild fucking animal for what I was doing, for how I felt. The little moan she made, her little inhalation of air, speared right to my dick and had my balls drawing up. I wanted to fill her up with my cum, make her so full of my seed that I could see it slipping from her sweet pussy. “Kiss me,” she begged, whispered. I slammed my mouth down on hers, slipping my tongue into her mouth, fucking her the way I wanted to do between her legs. While kissing her I slid my hand along the back of her knee, her skin so smooth. I bent slightly, lifting her leg, urging her to wrap it around my waist. And fuck, when she did that and I felt her wet, hot pussy press to my cock, the fucker jerked in response. I grabbed her ass, squeezing the lush mounds, pulling her closer to me. I wanted to be a virgin for her, wanted to say she was my first, too. But even if I wasn’t, I hadn’t been with a woman in years. This felt so new, so incredible. I wanted my mouth on hers, on her flesh, on her pussy. I wanted to lick, to lap up her cream, to drink it until I was drunk. I’d never get enough of her, never stop wanting her. And because I was so far gone with my need, I didn’t stop myself from getting onto my haunches, her pussy now right in front of me. Her legs were slightly parted, and all I could smell was the sugary scent of her. She was ready for me. I bet she was so pink between her thighs, nice and ready for me, her clit engorged and demanding to be sucked on. I wanted to lap at her right now, but instead I rose back up, needing to look into her face when I finally touched her pussy. I slipped my hand between her legs and placed it right over her pussy. I couldn’t help myself. “You, this…” I added just the smallest amount of pressure right on her pussy so she knew exactly what I meant. “This will be mine, only mine.” She was so wet for me, making my fingers soaked, making me soaked, hungry for her. “No other man will have you, will know how you feel … will know how you taste.” “Oh. God,” she gasped out, rising on her toes, her mouth parted. “I want to lick you, taste and devour you until my lips are numb.” “Lachlan.” She whispered my name so softly.

I ran a finger up and down her center, gathering her pussy cream. I pulled my hand up so she could see just how wet the digits were, so she could watch what I was going to do. I licked those fingers until they were clean, swallowing the oh-so-sweet flavor of her, memorizing the flavor, imprinting it in my body. I’d make sure Layla knew what she meant to me, what it meant to be mine.

6

Lachlan

“G

od, Lachlan.” I loved hearing her say my name, fucking loved how it rolled off her tongue. “I need you,” she moaned, and I almost lost it right then, nearly came without even being inside of her. And fuck, did I want to be inside of her. “It’s been years since I was with anyone, Layla,” I admitted. “Even before you came into my life, I only wanted you.” I couldn’t stop myself anymore. I wanted her. Only her. “I have no self-control where it concerns you.” All I wanted to do was devour every part of her, to show her how good we could be together, how much we were meant to be together. I didn’t care what her father said or if he didn’t want this relationship to happen. I wanted her no matter what. My cock jerked at the thought of finally having her, claiming her. And after this was all said and done, she’d know that she was mine. I saw her throat work as she swallowed, and knew how much she needed this … how much I needed this. I knew once I had her under me, was inside of her, I wouldn’t last. “Tell me what you want, baby.” “You,” she said breathlessly. I groaned. I could have come from that word alone. I moved closer, pressed my chest right up against hers, and felt how hard her nipples were. I wanted to hear her scream it out as she came for me, wanted to watch the ecstasy as it rolled over her body. I wanted my big, thick cock in her, wanted to claim her virgin

cherry, make it mine, only mine. “Lachlan.” The way she said my name was an auditory orgasm. Christ. It took all my control not to get off right then and there. She licked her lips, and I was riveted to the sight. Filthy thoughts of her on her knees in front of me, grabbing my shaft, bringing it to her mouth, filled my head. I was a dirty bastard for the things I wanted to do to her. “I want you so fucking badly, baby.” I couldn’t hold in the words, didn’t even try to. I leaned forward and ran my tongue along the seam of her lips. I was already addicted to her. She had her head resting back on the wall, her mouth parted, and her eyes halfclosed as her pleasure clearly washed through her. “You make me so damn hard.” I grabbed her nape, curled my fingers around her neck, and held her, just looking into her face. “You make me feel so damn good. Do I make you feel good?” She nodded. “Yes. God, yes.” “I want you as mine,” I growled out low. “Say you’re mine, that you’ll only ever be mine.” I could have held her all night. “I’m yours, Lachlan.” I thrust my cock against her belly, needing that friction, needing to be inside of her. I forced myself to take a step back so I could look my fill of Layla, loving that she was bared for me, innocent, but so vulnerable that she was primed. I stared at the trimmed thatch of her pussy hair making my cock jerk. I loved this woman, was getting drunk on the very sight of her. I lifted my gaze to her breasts, staring at the large mounds, the pink tips, and felt my mouth water. I reached down and took hold of my cock once more, stroked the fucker again and again, and heard this growl leave me on its own. “I want my cock in you, want to stretch you, see your virgin blood cover my dick,” I said crudely. My balls were drawn up and ready to explode, ready to fill her with cum. I groaned out loud from that thought and image. “I want to pop your cherry, make it mine.” “Lachlan, I need you.” “And you’ll get more than you can handle.” “Oh God,” she moaned. I grabbed the cheeks of her ass, squeezing the mounds. I slid my hand up her spine, gripped a chunk of her hair, and pulled her head back, exposing her throat. I leaned forward and ran my tongue along it, loving the sweet flavor of her. I didn’t want to let her go. Not ever. “I need you in my bed, need you spread for me, ready for me.” And then I did just that, took her to my room where I could devour her properly.

Once in the room I put her on the bed, and like a good girl she obeyed me. She was on the mattress, her legs slightly spread, her pussy peeking out, her wetness glistening. My arousal for her had been building from the moment I saw her, from the very second I knew I wanted her as mine. And even though I wanted this to last, wanted to make it go on all night, I also knew I couldn’t hold out. “Spread wider for me, Layla. I want to see how wet that virgin cunt is for me. I want to see what I’ll be devouring tonight.” When she spread those pretty, creamy thighs for me, I groaned, my mouth watered, and my cock jerked. She was so fucking soaked for me. “Touch yourself for me, Lachlan.” The air left me on a whoosh at her command. She was being dirty as well. Fuck, I loved it. I started stroking myself from root to tip, my balls swinging slightly beneath my length from my motions. My bicep clenched from how strung tight my muscles were. Here I was jerking off while she touched herself. And it was hot as hell. Her pussy was this pretty pink color, her clit nice and swollen for me. I ran my palm over the tip of my dick, smearing the pre-cum around, getting my dick nice and lubed up for what was to come. I didn’t care if jerking off in front of her was amateurish. She liked looking at me doing it, and I fucking loved her watching. Her body shook, maybe from her nerves, maybe because she was just too damn worked up. Either way she wouldn’t deny me. “Put your hand between your thighs and touch yourself. Let me see—watch— as you work yourself over for my viewing pleasure.” I grabbed my cock, stroking that fucker like my life depended on it. “Rub that engorged little clit of yours, show me how good you can make yourself feel.” My focus was right between her thighs. She took in a stuttering breath, her body mine now for the taking, her need as strong as my own. The scent of her filled my head. And when I watched her do what I said, I knew there was no going back. Not now, not ever.

7

Layla

H

e wanted to watch me touch myself, to watch me play with myself. And I wanted to show it all to him, even though I was nervous. I was so aroused, too, so damn excited, anticipating this, needing this like I needed to breathe. “Spread your legs wider; let me see all of you.” I felt my heart beat faster. It seemed like it would burst through my ribs. I parted my legs even wider, showing him the part of me no other person had seen. I couldn’t help but stare at him, watch as he touched himself, stroked himself for my viewing pleasure. I was so wet, my inner muscles clenching hard, needing that substance only he could give me. The long, thick length of him was impressive, if albeit a bit frightening. He was huge. “Go on. Do it.” I slipped my hand down my belly and ran my finger along my clit, teasing the bud, gasping at the sensitivity I felt. I rubbed my clit harder, and a moan left me at the pleasure that consumed me. “So fucking hot, Layla.” He beat off faster, running his hand up and down his shaft until it was almost a blur. My pussy was so slick. He used the pre-cum that dotted the tip of his dick to lube his shaft, to make his stroking easier. “Does it feel good, baby?” I nodded, my throat tight, my mouth too dry to speak. “Go on, rub that clit faster; come for me.” I moved my finger to my clit and rubbed the bud faster. I couldn’t help but arch my back, my breasts thrusting out, my nipples getting harder. A gasp left me as the

pleasure slammed into me. For long minutes all we did was watch each other jerk off, the pleasure mounting between us, the air in the room growing hotter, thicker. Before I knew what he was doing, he was in front of me, his hands on my knees, parting my legs. He ran his finger over the tip of his dick, gathered the cum on the digit and brought it to my mouth. He shoved the pad between my lips, forcing me to taste him. He didn’t need to tell me what he wanted me to do. I ran my tongue along his thumb, lapping at the saltiness that covered the pad. He was manly, clean and fresh. He tasted like he was all for me. I got even wetter. He made me lick every last drop of cum from the digit. He stared right into my eyes the whole time. “You like how I taste?” I nodded, unable to speak. “As much as I like teasing you, I need to be in you.” He smoothed his thumb along my bottom lip for just a second. “I hope you’re ready, because there’s no stopping you from being mine.” As much as I enjoyed this foreplay, I needed Lachlan inside of me. He used his massive chest to push me back on the mattress, the scent of him wafting around me, making me feel drunk. I loved the masculine, woodsy scent of him. I wanted to touch him, to run my hands over his hard body, take in the definition. Instead I lifted my hand and ran my fingers along his cheek, the scruff slightly abrasive. His gaze was focused on me, his arousal matching mine. “I’m going to be your first.” He cupped the side of my face, his palm slightly calloused … like a real man. He touched me like he owned me, like he’d possess every single inch of my body and then some. “So perfect,” he seemed to say to himself as he looked his fill of me. “You’re going to be my only,” I found myself saying, needing to get the words out, needing him to know how much I meant them. He cupped my chin in his big hand, stared into my eyes, and for a second time stood still. “I’ve been in love with you from the moment I saw you.” My breath caught, and I felt him smooth his thumb over my cheek. “I’ll be your one and only. I’ll be the man who takes care of you, the man who shows you what being worshipped, loved in every sense of the word, means.” He slipped his hand right between my legs, over my pussy. “I own this. I’ll always own this.” He added a bit of pressure. “You’ll soon realize that because you’re mine, no other man will have you. No other fucker will look at you, think about you, hell, assume they can talk to you.” I wanted to agree with him, but the words stuck in my throat, the pleasure and

pressure he gave me between my thighs too much to even handle. He ran his finger up my slit and leaned in, his lips right by mine. “And one day I’ll fill you up with my cum, make you big with my baby, make us a family.” I should have been stunned but his words, at the severity—certainty—in which he said them. But they turned me on, and made me fall in love with this man even more. He started slowly grinding his dick against me, my body heat increasing, my pussy getting wetter. “Beg me for it all. All of it.” “I want everything you can give me. I want it all.” I stared right in his eyes, showing him I meant every damn word. He tilted my head to the side and started sucking at the base of my throat, having shivers race up my arms and legs. I knew without a doubt I could come from this alone. “You’re so gorgeous. I don’t know how I got so fucking lucky.” “Kiss me.” I didn’t care if I sounded like I was begging. And thank God, he had his mouth on mine seconds later, not making me wait, not making me beg any more. He made this animalistic sound that told me he’d gone over the edge, that he was going to give me exactly what I’d always craved, what I’d fantasized about. “You feel what you do to me?” He thrust his big cock against me again. I nodded, not sure what to say, because right now I felt lost. The feeling of his big body on mine, of his heat seeping into me, had me arching up to him. I shifted, spreading my legs even wider, his cock now pressed right to my cleft, teasing me, tormenting me. He moved his hips back and forth, slow, easy, working me up to a fever pitch. We were both so sweaty, so ready. I wasn’t in control right now. But that was okay. I wanted Lachlan in charge. I heard him hiss and wondered if he was about to come … just like me. He thrust against me hard, pressing on my clit, having me cry out. “How much do you want me?” He thrust again and again. “How much do you want my big dick deep in your pussy?” “No more talking, Lachlan. Just fuck me already.” He chuckled low, deep. “I’ll give you anything you want. I’ll give you the fucking world.” I moaned when he pressed his weight down on me further, sandwiching me between him and the mattress, holding me captive to his desires. He reached between our bodies, grabbed his cock, and placed the tip at the entrance of my pussy. Everything inside of me stilled, became tense, ready. I was so primed for him, so prepared for this moment that I shook. “Relax, baby. Let me do the work. Let me make you feel good.”

“You’re already making me feel so good.” He groaned, seemingly in pain. “There’s no going back.” God, yes. “I don’t want to go back. I want it all, and I want it now.” I was surprised at how forward I was. “I want it the way you want to give it to me.” I felt how wide the head of his dick was, pressed against me, foretelling what was to come. In one deep, hard thrust, he shoved all those huge inches into me, having me gasp, making me want to beg him to stop but ask him for more. I couldn’t help the way my back arched or how my breasts thrust out. He’d taken my virginity and had me crying out because it hurt so good. Tears leaked out the corner of my eyes, and in a swift move he was bent over me and licking at the tears, kissing away my pain. “It’s okay, baby. It’ll be okay. I’m here.” “I love you,” I said, the feelings and emotions that I had overwhelming. “God, I love you too,” he groaned. He rose up from me, beads of sweat lining his forehead, making me thirsty. “Tell me to fuck you; ask me for more.” I parted my lips, catching my breath, suffocating from the pleasure. “Fuck me, Lachlan.” He groaned deeply. Then he started pulling out and shoving back into me, making me moan, making me need more. Lachlan was frantic, his motions becoming fiercer, more determined. His focus was trained right on me. Always on me. “Fuck, baby. You feel so damn good.” He thrust into me deep, so deep that I gasped and gripped the sheets, tugging at the material. He plunged back in, over and over, stretching me, claiming my virginity, letting me know there was no one else for me but him. “I want you to watch as I fuck you, as I tunnel my big cock into your virgin pussy.” I gasped when he slammed into me, thrusting his massive cock into my body, making me take all of him. “Tell me you want more,” he ground out. I wanted to say that, to tell him that, but the words were lodged in my throat. The best I could do was open my mouth and suck air in. “That’s okay, baby, just feel what I’m doing to you, just fucking enjoy it all.” He slammed into me again, and again and again. I held on to his biceps at the same time he rose up, bracing his massive weight above me, fucking me into abandon. “Oh. Fuck,” he said softly, his eyes closed and beads of sweat dotting his temple. “Watch as I fuck you, as I take you as mine.”

I rose up, bracing my upper body on the bed, and looked between us so I could see what he was doing to me. The sight of him moving his hips back and forth, plowing me, thrusting that massive appendage into my wet, tight body made me nearly come right then and there. God, it was hot. His body shook atop mine, his muscles strained, his form tense. I looked into his face, saw the strain, knew he was holding back, wanting me to get off before him. And then he went fierce on me, fucking me like he was a madman, like I was his vessel for pleasure. But before I could ask for more, he pulled out of me, making me wish he was plunged back into me. I lay on my back, my legs spread, my pussy swollen, sore from his fucking. I wanted so much more I couldn’t stand it. “Ready for more?” he said, low, harsh, reading my mind. “God, yes.” “As much as I like you like this, I want you on your fucking hands and knees. I want to see your ass in the air as I fuck you from behind.” My heart jumped to my throat, but of course I did what he said, because at the end of the day his pleasure was mine. I wanted him back in me, wanted him stretching my pussy, reminding me that he’d been deep in my body. When I was in position, he pushed my legs farther apart and brought his hand down on my ass. I felt the flesh jiggling slightly from the action. The sting was there, the burn feeling so good. Did he know how much I liked that? Did he know him being rough made this even better for me? For a second all he did was smooth his hand over my ass, stroking it, rubbing the sting away. “Mine.” I’d never get sick of hearing him say that, or feeling that truth fill me. He grabbed my hair and pulled my head back gently, growling like this damn animal. I loved it. He then shoved back into me in one fluid, swift move. “Fucking hell.” He started slamming his cock deep in me, over and over again. He grabbed my waist, curled his fingers into my flesh hard enough it hurt, and fucked me like he was dying for it. I was dying for it, dying to be filled up by him constantly, owned by him irrevocably. He pumped into me like a madman, his balls slapping on my flesh, my wetness

back, his movements slick. “God, yes, Layla. Fuck. Yes.” I felt myself climax. “I’m coming, Layla baby.” He slammed into me once, twice, and on the third time buried his dick deep in my body. I felt him pumping his seed into me, marking me. It seemed like our orgasms went on forever, and I never wanted it to end. I gasped as the sensitivity slammed into me, and Lachlan rested atop me. His cock was semi-hard in my body, his breathing haggard. Lachlan gave me this slow, sensual kiss, then pulled out of me with a grunt. I rolled over to face him, the sheets smelling like our combined passion. Before I came down from my euphoria, Lachlan had his hand between my legs, teasing me, bringing me to that peak once more. “You’re mine,” he said in this distorted voice, this harsh whisper. He lifted his hand and licked his fingers, his focus trained right on me. I couldn’t even think, let alone respond. Lachlan was breathing so hard, his hot, fast pants bathing my flesh, making my arousal climb higher. This moment, right here with Lachlan, was right. This was exactly where I should be. I shifted so I could look at his face, see the posteuphoric expression he held as well. “When I say I’m not letting you go, I mean it, Layla.” He looked into my eyes. “I want you, Lachlan. I want to be yours forever.” “I don’t care what anyone says, not your father, not anyone. I’ll fight for you.” He cupped my cheek and stared into my eyes, the heat from his body spearing right into me. I’d wanted him for years, but the truth was I hadn’t realized exactly how much I’d needed him in my life. It hadn’t been about the sex, and that’s not how I understood this emptiness he’d filled in me. It had been about so much more. It was about the connection we had, the way he held me, touched me … spoke to me. “Your father might kill me.” I laughed softly. “What a way to die,” I teased. I hoped my father would be happy for me, even if he was strict and paranoid at times. I wouldn’t back down from what I wanted, not now or ever. No one would dictate who I loved or who I was with. This was my life. I didn’t want to let that go. I wouldn’t. When I was with Lachlan, I felt alive.

Layla One week later I STARED AT MY FATHER, not sure what his reaction would be. “You want to be with my daughter?” my father asked Lachlan. My mother stood beside him and my sister beside her, the expression on both of their faces a little stunned. Lachlan pulled me slightly behind him, and I couldn’t help but feel warmth that he was always trying to protect me. “Yes, sir,” Lachlan responded, still holding on to the side of my waist, making it known he wasn’t going to budge on being my human shield, even from a verbal attack my father might launch. “And as much as I respect you as a man and my employer, I also have to say that I won’t walk away from her.” My heart was thundering, my body starting to become tense, tight. What would my father say? How could he react? Would he fire Lachlan, force him to leave, make it impossible for me to see him? I wasn’t a child, and nothing short of throwing me into a cell would keep me from getting to the man I loved. I also knew Lachlan wouldn’t stop, wouldn’t just let me go. I could be in a bricked-up building, no entrance in sight, and he’d still find me, still get to me. “I love her, sir, and she loves me.” Lachlan turned and looked at me, the love in his expression, in his eyes there, real. “I’ll protect her with my life. Always.” And I knew he would. We stared at my father again, waiting for him to say something, anything. He exhaled sharply, then nodded. “I’m your father, Daisy, not someone who will stop you from going after what you want.” Shock filled me. “And if I were to pick a man to be with you, it would be Lachlan. I know he’ll always look after you.” “You’re okay with this?” Was I hearing this correctly? He moved closer, and Lachlan stepped back, probably seeing the fatherly expression on his face. My dad took my hand in his, and the smile he gave me was sincere, sweet even. “I’m protective, Layla, but I won’t keep you from being happy, and I can see on your face that you are.” “I am,” I said and smiled up at him. “Then I’m happy for you, and Lachlan,” my father said and looked over at him. “You treat her well and put her before all others.”

“Always, sir.” And just like that things were right in the world. I had the man I loved beside me, and my father’s support.

EPILOGUE ONE

Lachlan Two years later

I

’d been waiting for this moment since I first saw Layla, since I knew she would be mine. I would have married her right from the beginning, would have told her how I felt if I’d had the balls. But the truth was I was the luckiest man on this planet, no matter how long it had taken for me to get to this point. When it came to the woman I loved, I was a possessive and territorial motherfucker, but I knew she liked that. I knew she wouldn’t have it any other way. I was a protector, her protector. I stared at the guests who’d come to watch us get married, the majority of them Layla’s family and friends. When the music started playing, everything and everyone faded away. I focused on the aisle, on where my bride would be walking down. Then I saw her with her father on her other side. God, I loved her, would marry her over and over again. They started walking closer, and I held in the tears of happiness that were starting to form. I was an alpha male, but hell, I could have cried like a fucking baby at that moment. I held her hand as we said our vows, and we proclaimed our love and loyalty to everyone. God, never had I felt as happy, as complete as I did when I was with Layla. “I do,” she said as she stared into my eyes. “I do,” I said with everything I had in me.

I pulled Layla into an embrace and kissed her until she was breathless, until she was clinging to me and softly making those sweet sounds I fucking loved. She’ll always be mine.

EPILOGUE TWO

Lachlan Two years later

I

was going to be a father. My heart jackknifed in my chest, the very knowledge that my woman, my wife was pregnant with our baby filling me with so much excitement and love that I suffocated from it. But I wanted to drown in that emotion, because what a way to die. I squeezed Layla’s hand. She was so fucking strong, so beautiful. God, I love this woman so much. We stayed silent as the ultrasound technician did her thing, running the wand device over Layla’s slightly rounded belly. She pointed out the heart, the little fingers, and showed us the legs and arms. “Do you want to know the sex?” the technician asked, a smile on her face as she looked over at us. “Yes,” Layla and I said at the same time. I looked at my wife, lifted her hand and kissed it, and glanced at the ultrasound screen once more. The tech started moving the wand, the baby seeming to jump around in Layla’s belly. I had this perpetual smile on my face, the fact that my baby grew inside the woman I loved making me feel pretty fucking proud. She finally pointed to the screen and glanced over at us. “It’s a little girl.” She typed that announcement on the screen, and a second later I heard the slight buzz of the printer spitting out the image for us. A baby girl. “Oh man,” Layla said. “You’ll be even more protective than you were.” She

was smiling as she said this, and I saw tears in her eyes. The tech laughed softly after that. “A baby girl,” I whispered and brought her hand up to kiss her knuckles again. “And damn right I’ll be protective of her. Boys looking to take her out better come with their background check in hand.” The tech and Layla started laughing. I was only half joking. I’d already have their background checks done before they even knocked on the front door. Once the tech left us alone, I helped Layla to sit up and immediately embraced her. I pulled away to cup her cheeks, stared into her eyes, and smiled. “I love you.” I leaned in and kissed her softly, taking this moment to really appreciate all I had in this life. “I love you, too, Lachlan.” This was what it felt like to be the luckiest man in the world.

The End

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EXCERPT: MINE (A REAL MAN, 13)

Chapter One

Jana “WELL, let me bring Mr. Savage in here to go over your résumé.” I stared at the woman whose name was Poppy or Pippy or something equally fake sounding. I just nodded, not about to be a smart-ass and ask why I needed to speak with the owner of the club when I was applying to strip for them. Did he need to know where I’d gone to school before I took my clothes off? Pippy or Poppy, or whatever the hell her name was, got up and left me in the swanky office alone. I had to give the place credit; it was high-class, like men had to fork over a shitload of money just to get into the VIP room. I started picking at lint on my shirt. Although there probably was nothing there, I felt my nerves grow higher. The seconds moved at an agonizing rate. And then I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. The room became hotter, the air thicker. My skin felt tight, and despite facing the desk and not hearing anyone enter, I knew someone had come into the room. I turned around in my chair, and there he was, this imposing figure over six feet tall, wearing a dark three-piece suit, and having authority written all over him. His hair was coal colored, short. His eyes were this deep blue, so dark they almost could've been black. And I could see tattoos peeking out from under the collar of his shirt and jacket and creeping down his hands. But it was his expression, his focus on me that had me sitting up straighter. He walked closer, not saying anything, never taking his gaze off me. He sat behind the desk, finally looking away from me and staring down at the folder with my résumé. For long moments he did nothing but look at those forms, at my qualifications. I didn't know what he was trying to figure out, seeing as I was here to take my clothes off. “I’m Cole Savage, the owner of the club. Tell me, Miss Banks, why would you want to work here?” Was he serious? Did he want some long, drawn-out explanation of why I wanted to stand in front of a roomful of men, their gazes raking over my partially nude body, right before I twisted around on a silver pole? Instead of lying and making up some excuse on why I needed the money, I just told him the truth. “I used to dance.” When all he did was stare at me, I continued. “I did ballet, but I hurt my ankle and wasn't able to do it anymore. Instead of working a deadend job, cleaning tables or serving people their food, I figured the fastest way for me to pay off my debts is to strip.”

He didn't say anything, just leaned back in the leather chair, his arms folded over his broad chest, his gaze intense. I shifted on my seat, feeling this uncomfortable tightness in my whole body. I didn’t know what it was about this man. Having him only five feet from me, his expression making me feel like he could see right through me, knew my every secret, made me feel unhinged. He closed the folder, blocking out my résumé, making me feel like this was the end of the story. Maybe he didn't like what he saw? I wasn't well-endowed in the chest department, didn't have curves that went on for miles. I certainly wasn’t made like the women I saw dancing at his club. I was a ballet dancer down to my very core, even if I was sitting in front of a strip club owner asking him to give me a job to get naked in front of strangers. I was graceful, thin. But I knew I danced beautifully. If he wanted me to demonstrate what I had to offer, I'd be more than willing to give him a show he’d never forget. He leaned forward then, his hands clasped on the table. I stared at his fingers, how long and strong they were. The backs of his hands had tattoos, his knuckles sporting the same ink. How much of this man was covered? How much of his golden, hard skin was painted in abstract, seemingly dangerous lines of black? Strangely enough, I wanted to know that. I wanted to see for myself. I don't know what it was about him, but he made me feel like I walked on a tightrope, the ground beneath me an endless void of the unknown. But I felt like falling off that rope into the abyss wouldn't be the worst thing that ever happened to me.

Cole S HE’ D LEFT the office only five minutes ago, yet my entire body was still on fire. My cock was still a lead pipe between my thighs, aching, needing to be buried deep in her pussy. The moment I saw her sitting there, her long black hair this wave of spilled ink along her shoulders and back, this possessiveness slammed into me. Never had I felt my body grow so hard, so tight. I hadn't even seen her face yet, but I knew she would be mine. I’d fucking make that a reality. And then I walked around the desk and stared at her delicate features: big blue

eyes staring up at me, wide, unsure, unknowing. She seemed a little hesitant, almost afraid. Good. She was smart. I was a man who was used to seeing fear in people's eyes the moment they saw me. It was who I was, how I've lived my life. I never claimed to be a good man. I made my living on what others saw as taboo, wrong even. Jana Banks. Even her name got my dick hard. Although she was gorgeous, the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen, the very idea of having her get naked in front of a bunch of horny bastards made me furious. I was surrounded by superficial beauty daily. I had tits and asses all up in my face. But this was a business, and I looked at it as such. I didn’t fuck my employees, no matter how much they came on to me. But for Jana I’d bend the rules until they fucking broke in two. I had no doubt she'd make me a lot of money stripping, grinding her glorious body along that silver pole. But in the five minutes I’d been in her presence, she was all I wanted. I knew, without a doubt, that I would make her mine. I held on to that possessiveness, that domineering nature that had gotten me through life. If Jana wanted to work here, I'd hire her. But what she'd soon come to realize was the only person she'd be stripping for was me.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Find Jenika at: www.jenikasnow.com [email protected]