No Holds Barred (5 page)

She licked her lips. “Nathan?” she whispered.

His eyes flared, and he nodded. “Whatever you want.” His voice was deep, hoarse with need.

“You’re sure?” She could barely get the words out. The pleasure was growing so fast, the thought of what she wanted to do pushing her higher.

A fierce smile formed on his face. “Go ahead, baby. Give me a show.”

An answering rush of heat swept through her. Give him a show. Her pussy squeezed in reaction. Did she really want to do this? Cross this line? Yes, she realized, she really did. Knowing Nathan would watch this made her hot enough to incinerate. Firming her grip around Liam, she turned back to him and eased away until she could bend at the waist. With her free hand braced on his thigh to steady herself, she licked her lips and lowered her head toward his straining erection.

For a moment Liam was sure he hadn’t heard Nate right.

Liam had seen him have sex with lovers before, but Nate had never been like this with any of them. He was totally focused on Cait, watching her every reaction, each movement and caress filled with a shocking tenderness. His concern for her wellbeing was palpable. The protective vibe coming off him was so strong, it practically hummed in the air around them. And still he’d given her the go ahead to—

He tensed when she stroked him again. Cait’s hand felt like satin against his straining cock, cool and delicious. Then she leaned down, and Liam held his breath as her silky hair brushed his thighs. Eyes closed, she bent and rubbed her cheek against the aching length of him. Her skin was soft and smooth against his heated flesh.

He shuddered. Suppressing a growl, he threaded one hand into her thick auburn hair and squeezed. Hard enough to assert his dominance, but not enough to hurt.

She sighed in response, parting her lips to let her tongue flick against the tender underside of his cock. He murmured in approval and brought her head closer, rubbing his cock against her lips until they closed delicately around the swollen head. A low groan tore out of his lungs when her tongue swirled around him.

Damn, it felt incredible. If he’d sensed she was doing this out of obligation or gratitude he’d have stopped her, but staring down at her now he knew the truth. The expression on her face was pure, sublime enjoyment as she sucked on him, her little moans vibrating against his cock as Nate fucked her from behind. A fine quiver rippled through her body, and her eyes closed in bliss when Nate reached around to caress her clit.

Liam swallowed at the memory of licking between her thighs, drawing those beautiful cries from her as she came against his mouth. Christ, he’d never imagined he’d have the chance to be with her like this. Nate couldn’t have shocked him more when he’d brought up the idea of a threesome earlier tonight.

Cait whimpered around his cock and took him deeper, her mouth drawing on him as her tongue stroked over the most sensitive spot. He groaned and tightened his grip on her hair, holding her in place to increase her arousal. He knew what Nate was like when it came to sex, so he wasn’t surprised Cait loved being dominated. But feeling her melt like that when they’d restrained her between them…holy hell, he’d never forget that flash of raw lust beneath the uncertainty in her wide blue eyes.

She whimpered as she drew on him, helpless little sounds he now knew meant she was getting close to the edge. When Nate put a hand on her hip to hold her steady, Liam reached down to cradle her breast and squeezed the taut nipple. Her breath caught on a soft cry. She began to rock between them, eyes closed tight, lost in her pleasure. So uninhibited and sensual, he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

Liam felt his own release building inside and gritted his teeth to hold back. “Sweetheart, you’re gonna make me come if you don’t stop,” he warned in a strained voice. She obviously loved being controlled during sex, but he wouldn’t force her to finish him off if she didn’t want to, let alone with her mouth.

But she surprised him again by making a mewling sound and taking all of him between her lips. He sucked in a breath and threw back his head, fighting for control. Behind her, Nate’s face grew taut as he thrust into her, harder now, nearing his own release.

Cait moved back and forth between them, her body rocking in a sinuous, hypnotic rhythm, her expression reverent. So damn beautiful. She made him ache. The feel of her mouth and tongue was incredible. But he wasn’t going to last.

“Cait,” he warned again, his control fraying.

She didn’t stop. If anything she drew on him harder, her little tongue caressing him so sweetly. Then a plaintive wail tore out of her throat as the orgasm rushed through her.

Liam hissed in a breath and released her hair, but she kept working him as the shudders wracked her. The pleasure built higher. He felt a low, primitive rumble in his chest as she took him, and then the climax exploded. His hand fisted in her hair again, holding her close as his hips jerked toward her. He barely heard Nathan’s hard groans over the blood roaring in his ears.

When he opened his eyes and looked down, Cait was still sucking him gently, hands splayed on his thighs to steady herself. He relaxed his death grip on her hair and stroked it tenderly, reverently. Blinking up at him with those pretty blue eyes, she sighed and gently released him, pressing her cheek to his stomach as she rested. If it had been any other woman he would have gathered her up against his body, but this was Cait—he didn’t want to overstep his bounds. She was Nate’s to comfort and take care of, and he couldn’t forget that.

“C’mere, baby.”

He looked up as Nate zipped his jeans and reached for her. Cait immediately turned toward him without a word and didn’t protest when he lifted her into his arms and headed for the master bedroom. Her head tucked trustingly into the curve of his shoulder, and her arms wound tight around his neck. Nate acknowledged him with a grateful nod, his eyes glowing with pride and male satisfaction. As they damn well should. Cait was an incredible woman.

Watching them, an empty ache blossomed in Liam’s chest. What would it be like to be loved like that? To be trusted so deeply and accepted for who he truly was? God knew he’d never found it. Probably never would.

As Nate walked past, the adoring look on his friend’s face eased something inside Liam. He was glad Nate realized he was holding a treasure.

Cait couldn’t look at Nathan as she lounged in his strong arms. She was afraid she might see hurt or reproach in his face. Her body was sated, tired, but she didn’t want to think about what she’d just done. Couldn’t face it yet.

He laid her on the bed and a moment later she heard water running in the bathroom. Her conscience started to prick at her, but she forced it back into her subconscious. There would be plenty of time to analyze and freak out over what she’d done later. Right now she only wanted to savor the satisfied glow humming through her body and bask in Nathan’s care. He was always attentive and caring after they made love, but tonight even more so.

Hard arms slid beneath her and lifted her again. “Into the bath with you.” He’d left the lights off, and she appreciated the added privacy it gave her. She slid into the hot water and closed her eyes while he sat beside the tub and stroked her hair. His tenderness comforted her. He didn’t seem jealous or mad, and he stayed silent as he touched her, maintaining the link between them and letting her process everything in her own time. She was grateful he wasn’t trying to talk about it yet. Tomorrow…she’d cross that bridge when she came to it.

After he helped her out of the bath and dried her off she brushed her teeth and crawled into bed. He slid in beside her and pulled her flush against his naked body. Cait sighed and burrowed in close, craving the contact and the feel of his warm, strong frame cradling her. Right now, she desperately needed his reassurance and approval. She needed to know he loved her as much as ever. His hands moved gently over her back, her buttocks, soothing and calming.

She fought back a yawn.

“Tired?” he murmured against the crown of her head.

“Mmm.” She loved the feel of his arms around her. Would never get tired of this.

“Love you.”

Tension she hadn’t even realized she been holding released from the muscles in her shoulders. “Love you too.” With her head cradled on his shoulder, she allowed herself to slide into sleep.

The next morning, Cait tensed when she heard footsteps coming down the hall. Bracing herself for the ensuing confrontation, she placed the coffee carafe back on the machine as Liam came into the kitchen.

“Got any more of that for me?”

A blush crept into her cheeks.
Act normal. Pretend like it never happened.
“Sure.” She took another mug down from the cupboard and filled it for him. “Here you go.” She set it on the counter without meeting his eyes. This was so damn awkward. Her facial muscles felt stiff.

“Sleep okay?” he asked.

“Yes, you?”

“Great.”

The pitiful attempt at conversation was starting to wear on her. Next they’d start talking about the weather. She wanted to leave before that happened. “Well, I guess I should go see if—”

Liam stepped in front of her, blocking her from moving the sink. “Hey. I don’t want to lose your friendship over this.”

Cait pressed her lips together and closed her eyes. “I know, and you won’t. It’s just…hard for me.”

“Do you regret it?”

Blushing harder, she shook her head. Maybe it made her depraved, but she couldn’t deny she’d been fully into what they’d done last night. So much it scared her. No one had forced her. That was the hardest part to face in the cold light of day when she’d first opened her eyes. They’d both been considerate and generous with her. So tender, it made her ache when she thought about it. She’d never dreamed she could be that uninhibited, go that far.

At least Nathan didn’t seem to be holding it against her. He’d kept her tight against him all night, snuggled with her all morning before she’d found the will to drag herself out of bed and confront this. He’d told her he loved her more than ever, and that was the only thing that made her feel okay about it.

Liam cradled his mug in his big hands. “I’m glad. But you know why he allowed it, right?”

When she didn’t answer, he put a finger under her chin and forced her head up. It took all her strength to meet his gaze, but this time there was no heat there. Just tenderness and empathy.

She relaxed and swallowed past the dryness in her throat, glad Nathan wasn’t there, because she needed to have this conversation with Liam in private. “He did it for me.”

Liam shook his head. “That’s not the whole reason, honey. He adores you, would do anything for you. But if you were going to go through with it, he wanted it to be with someone who loved you to death. That’s why he asked me.”

“Do you still, after last night?” She couldn’t help the note of insecurity in her voice. God, the things he’d done to her. The things she’d done to
him
. The flush burned hotter.

Liam chuckled. “Of course,
still
. I’ll admit I was surprised at first, but I’m glad he trusted me enough to ask. I just want to make sure you and I are still okay.”

A lump settled in her throat. If he and Nathan were mature enough to deal with it and act like everything was normal, then she would too. “We’re okay,” she said softly. “I’m just…embarrassed, I guess. I’ve never…you know.”

“Yes, I do know,” he said with a trace of amusement. “But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I never kiss and tell.” He had the audacity to wink as he raised the mug to his lips.

Cait couldn’t help but grin in reply. Handsome, charming Liam, who now knew her as intimately as Nathan. She wasn’t sure how she was supposed to feel about that. “I’m glad to hear that.” Not that she’d ever worried about him telling anyone. He had way too much integrity to do that. She waved a hand as she reached for her own mug. “Sorry if I haven’t handled this very well.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He slapped her ass on his way past her into the family room.

She jumped and narrowed her eyes at him in a mock glare, but secretly the playful gesture eased the guilt and embarrassment that kept eating at her. He was back to acting like just her buddy again, and for that she was grateful.

When Nathan walked into the kitchen, she kissed him and handed him some coffee. Together they all settled on the couch to watch the news. No one said anything, and neither of the guys seemed to want to talk about what had happened. Which was fine with her. She wasn’t sure what she had to say for herself anyway. The rest of that discussion would take place later, when she and Nathan were alone. She knew she couldn’t hide from it forever.

The last segment of the broadcast showed a report on the latest military casualties in Afghanistan. Cait’s stomach dropped at the thought of Liam heading back there. Aside from his parents and older sister, he’d have no one back home waiting for him when he returned. She wished he did. He deserved to be loved the way she loved Nathan.

When Nathan picked up the remote and turned the TV off, Liam stood and stretched. “Better get going if I want to clear security and make my flight.”

She and Nathan rose while he gathered his bags and coat. When he was at the door Nathan walked up and clapped him on the back, gave him a brief guy hug. “Take care, man. Call us when you can.”

“Will do.” As Nathan took their cups into the kitchen, Liam looked at her expectantly, but she stayed next to the couch and folded her arms over her chest.

God, she didn’t know what to say, what to do. She struggled to find her voice. “Bye. Take care of yourself.”

Liam hesitated another moment, then put on a smile and reached for the doorknob. “Bye.” The flash of hurt in his eyes before he turned away tore at her heart. The door opened.

He was leaving, heading to a warzone. Might never come back.

Fear gripped her. “Wait.” The word burst from her lips.

Before she realized what she was doing, she dodged past him and pushed the door shut. Liam watched her in silence, his eyes full of surprise that she’d stopped him. She couldn’t let him leave like this. Not after what they’d shared together. He deserved better than that. He meant too much to her.

Glancing over her shoulder, she looked at Nathan over by the kitchen sink to gauge his response, silently asking for his consent. She wouldn’t dare touch Liam this way without Nathan’s permission. His lips quirked, and his eyes warmed as he nodded in assent.

Turning back to Liam, she stepped close and wound her arms around his broad shoulders. He immediately put his hands on her waist, but his expression was full of curiosity. Staring into his dark eyes, Cait smiled as she eased her hands into his hair and tugged his head down. This was the goodbye she wanted to give him.

She kissed him tenderly, allowing her lips to part, and touched his tongue with hers. Liam made a low sound and cradled the back of her head with one hand, returning the kiss. It was nothing like the kisses they’d shared last night. This was soft, poignant, lacking the heat it had before. Her wordless thank-you for the pleasure he’d given and a way to mark the end of that link. When she pulled back, she saw the deep affection she felt between them mirrored in his dark gaze.

Cait stroked the back of his hair. “Promise me you’ll come back safe and sound.”

“I will, I promise.” He slid his thumb across her cheek, then looked over at Liam. “You lucky bastard. You better take good care of her.”

“Damn right I will.”

Liam grinned, met her eyes briefly and left.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Cait drew a deep breath and turned to face the man she would spend the rest of her life with.

Nate slowly unclenched his fingers from the edge of the countertop when the door closed and Cait turned around. For some reason watching her kiss Liam goodbye had been a thousand times harder than watching her go down on him last night.

Cait stayed frozen by the door, watching him. Her lower lip was caught between her teeth and her blue eyes were shadowed with worry. “Are you mad?” she asked quietly.

“No.” Not mad.

But he couldn’t deny he’d felt a twinge of jealousy when she’d kissed Liam. He knew he had no right to be jealous when he’d given his consent, especially after what they’d shared together last night, but he couldn’t help how he felt. She was
his
. He understood she cared about Liam, and that it was the only reason she’d been able to go through with it last night, but the dominant male in him demanded he claim her. Take her right now. Strip her naked right there on the foyer rug, drive his cock into her as deep as he could and remind her exactly who she belonged to. The intense bolt of possessiveness shocked him.

Holding his gaze, Cait walked up and set her hands on his tight shoulders. Pressed her breasts against his chest, making his cock twitch to life. Her guileless blue eyes stared up at him, seeking reassurance. “Are you sure?”

He lifted a hand to stroke his thumb back and forth over her damp lower lip. Slowly, carefully removing any traces of Liam’s kiss. Maybe it was territorial of him, but he didn’t care. Her lips parted, and her tongue stole out to lick seductively at his skin. He sucked in a breath and looked into her eyes. They glowed with arousal. And a deep, abiding love that was all for him.

The residual tension in his gut eased. He threaded his hands into her hair and tilted her head back. Her swift intake of breath filled him with primal satisfaction as he lowered his head to kiss her. Deep, thorough and hard. A mate’s claiming.

She moaned and softened in his arms, met each demanding stroke of his tongue, making him insane with the need to be inside her.

“You’re mine.” The words came out a rough growl against her lips.

A slow, naughty smile curved her mouth as she leaned into him. “Yes.”

Her hands slid over his ass and squeezed as she pressed her hips against his straining erection. “But you’re mine too. And right now I need to feel how much you want me.” She lowered her voice to an intimate whisper. “Take me to bed and hold me down really tight while you fuck me.”

Her bold words shocked a laugh out of him, but she didn’t have to ask him twice. Smiling in anticipation, he lifted her off her feet and started for the bedroom. “Careful what you wish for, baby.”