Catching Her Mates Page 24

  A clank rang through the house. “Son of a bitch.”

  John raised his brows. He leaned to the right. Logan pushed a metal box away from him before he climbed out of the closet and turned back. Wood thunked against wood, probably the closing of the access door. Logan put the few things that had been in the bottom of the closet back. Not normal procedure, but not surprising. Her mate might be involved in the conspiracy, but sympathy was high because of the relatives who’d been poisoned.

  “Thank you for your cooperation. I hope your relatives will be all right.” John stepped over and shook her hand.

  “That’s what we all hope.” The woman nodded and got to her feet. She walked with them to the door.

  John stopped beside his car and turned to Logan. “How heavy is that case?”

  “Very, very light. I can hear one thing sliding around in there. I’d be surprised if there’s more than the phone.” Logan tilted the box. Something swished over the inside of the metal box and clanged as it hit the other end.

  They took the box to a room in the garage behind to the station. He did a final walk through, looking into the bathroom to make sure everyone was out. He had the bomb squad check the container. Maybe overkill, but better safe than someone dead. They found a phone in a protective case. He sent it off so that the techs could get the recordings from it and then headed home. Retrieving and analyzing the evidence would take a while.

  He took a deep breath. Now, the waiting began. Maybe the recording would offer the evidence they needed, but it could be worthless or only another small clue.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Thunk. Leslie lifted her head and put her computer on standby before setting it on the couch. That came from Archer’s office. The second thud in two minutes. Either he’d decided to redecorate, or he’d thrown a couple things.

  She glanced at the clock. Eleven o’clock. He’d been in there for a couple hours. If it hadn’t been for those thuds, she’d leave him alone so he could get some work done.

  Something was happening in there. She bit her lip. Maybe she should peek in to see if he might need something. She strolled to the door and knocked lightly before she pushed it open.

  “Hi, Archer, is something wrong? I’ve heard some thudding. It didn’t sound as if work is going smoothly today.” She tentatively stepped into the office and smoothed her palms down her jeans.

  “I’ve lost two papers, and while I was looking, I knocked off a couple things. Not exactly a bad day, but I can’t seem to get organized. It’s frustrating me because I need to finish this.” He glared at the piles of paper on the floor. He rolled his shoulders, and a muscle flexed along his jaw.

  “Sounds like you’re frustrated.” She nodded. Finding the papers was the least of his problems. He needed to relax. “Maybe we should do something to get your mind off it for a short time, and then come back to the problem at hand.”

  “I don’t have time to play today.” He narrowed his eyes at her.

  “Your frustration isn’t letting you get much done. Would you rather stew and search and get very little done? If you relax, everything will seem so much easier.” She folded her arms across her chest. The aggravation was only going to get worse.

  “I need to find those papers first.” Archer’s shoulders lifted as he took a deep breath. “You might be right about the frustration.”

  “Tell me what you’re looking for, and I’ll help you find it.” She tilted her head. Piles of papers covered the top of the desk.

  Now that was a mess. Unusual for him. When he did work on paper, he kept neat piles. He wouldn’t make any progress with this mess.

  “There are two invoices for equipment I purchased. Most of these things aren’t invoices so it should be easy to find them, but I haven’t had any luck.” Archer ran his fingers through his hair.

  Leslie picked up the papers on the floor. She slowly thumbed through them. She stopped at a thinner sheet with a company name at the top. Below that were two columns, one a list of items and the prices across from it. She pulled it free and passed it to Archer.

  “Is that one of them?” She tilted her head.

  “Yes, there’s still one more.” He put the paper under the wireless keyboard and picked up a pile.

  She finished her stack and placed it aside before grabbing another one. The second invoice nestled, on its side, about halfway into the stack. She handed it over. Would he pick up his work, or try to work the annoyance out of his system? If she had any say, she’d go for the second option.

  “That simple.” He shook his head and stared. “I’ve been looking for that for thirty minutes.”

  “Well, are you going back to work, or are you going to spend some time working out your frustrations with me?” She moved the papers out of her way and eased up onto the desk.

  “That’s so tempting.” He stepped closer. He skimmed his palms up her thighs. Tingles danced over her skin. She widened her thighs. He stroked his fingers up and down before easing inside.

  “I meant it to be. I love spending time with you.” She unbuttoned his shirt. Heat curled in her stomach.

  “I like spending time with you, too.” He leaned down and kissed her. Without hesitation, he cupped her breast. “I should get rid of the lingering frustration before I try to get back to work.”

  She smiled as she pushed the shirt wide. “I’ll be glad to help you with it. A pleasure for both of us.”

  “Let’s see how much I need to excite you.” He slid one hand up to her pussy. “I think you need a little work here, and you’re overdressed.”

  Warmth seeped through her jeans. Her breath caught. Her thighs tightened, but his body kept her from closing them. The heat pricked over sensitive skin.

  “I can take care of that.” She slid off the desk.

  Her body brushed up against his. Sparks zipped through her. She gathered her shirt and pulled it over her head, releasing it once she was free. The garment fell to the ground. She toed out of the shoes and unbuttoned her jeans.

  His gaze remained on her, almost a physical weight. Her nipples tightened. His eyes ran down her body, lingering on her breasts and then trailing down to her thighs.

  With a quick flick of her wrist, she lowered the zipper and pushed the fabric down her thighs. As soon as the fabric slid down to her calves, she stepped out of the confining clothing. He straightened. She took a deep breath. Her gaze drifted over his chest. She shook her head. Still wearing pants, too.

  “Now, I’d say that you’re the one who has on too many clothes.” She raised an eyebrow.

  Cool wood pressed against her buttocks as she slid onto the desk. A shiver ran down her spine. Her gaze swept over his body. His black shirt and black slacks gave him an imposing air, but tingles pricked over her fingertips. She inhaled and exhaled, fighting the urge to explore the V of his exposed chest.

  “That’s easily taken care of, but first, I’ll touch and taste.” Archer eased in closer.

  “I was going to get you ready.” She frowned at him. Though she was a little slower, her body already tingled and urgency built.

  “Angel, when you’re sitting there naked and waiting for me, I’m ready.” He ran his hand down her hip.

  “But I was going to use my lips to make sure.” She swept her tongue out. A blatant tease.

  “Angel, we’ll play like that some other time when I can devote the energy and attention to you that you deserve.” He leaned and nibbled at her shoulder. “Damn, you taste good. Now, time to get you ready. When I take my pants off, it will be only moments before I sink deep into your heat. If I even get them all the way off.”

  He lowered to his knees and pushed her thighs wide. Intensity flared in those hazel eyes. Her breath caught. With that look, all he had to do was ask. He leaned in and licked the inside of her thigh. She rocked forward, but he pulled back. Such a tease.

  His tongue swiped over the lips, gathering the juices. Prickling heat followed the path of his wicked tongue. She ran her fingers t
hrough his hair. He hummed low, the light rumble vibrating her flesh. His grip tightened on her thighs, as if he was afraid that she’d pull back from him. He didn’t have to worry about that.

  “You taste so good.” He barely lifted his head.

  He parted the lips and leaned in. She held her breath. His tongue swept across her clit. Heat washed through her. Her thighs tightened. She lifted into the stroke of his tongue.

  His mouth moved down to her opening. He lapped at the juices spilling from her. Fierce sparks shot through her with each lash. She wriggled. His tongue flicked and lapped as if he couldn’t get enough of her taste.

  She moaned. He lashed the bud again and again. She cupped the back of his head. If only she could reach more than the back of his head. Her body tightened. A knot of tension coiled in her stomach, and her clit throbbed with each beat of her heart.

  Her nipples ached, desperate for a little attention. She lifted one hand and tweaked at one hardened peak. He gathered her juices and then stroked over her clit. Her inner muscles tightened. She moaned at the emptiness. Fuck, he had to slide into her soon.

  “Archer, more, I need more.” She tugged at his hair.

  He lifted his head and watched her playing with her nipple. “What do you need, Leslie? Do you want me to play with your nipples?”

  “No, I want you inside of me.” She gritted her teeth. Her hips lifted in demand. She still burned for him.

  “Like this?” Two fingers slipped into her channel.

  “No.” She clenched his hair. Her head flailed back and forth. Not on his fingers.

  A moan ripped from her. He thrust them deep and pulled back before repeating the motion. The urgency pulsed through her body pushed at her. As her muscles tightened, she shivered. She balled her fists. Not without him.

  “Are you sure? From the way you’re lifting against my hand, I’d say you want this.” He leaned down and swept his tongue over the lips in a slow deliberate movement.

  “Your cock. I want your cock.” She clenched her jaw. Damn tease. She’d pay him back for the tormenting her.

  “And I want to feel your wet heat tightening on my cock as you come.” He smiled as he straightened.

  He unbuttoned his pants and pushed them down. They fell at his feet, and he stepped out. The muscles in his thighs flexed. He stepped forward. His shaft brushed against her. Tingles raced over her skin. He reached between them and guided the rounded head to the opening. His hips rolled forward. She caught her breath as his thick length pushed into her.

  “Fuck, your muscles are clenching on me.” He pressed his lips to her shoulder.

  Sharp sensation speared through her as he pushed deeper. Her breath locked in her throat. She grabbed his shoulders. He cupped her buttocks, pulling her closer to him.

  Her breasts brushed against his chest. Piercing sensation streaked straight to her core at the light brush. She tensed, and her hips jerked against his.

  “I need you to move.” She nipped at his shoulder.

  He scraped his teeth on hers. He was going to drive her crazy. He remained motionless within her for a moment too long. She strained up against him. Her heart raced. She needed. He pulled back, and his hips rocked forward.

  Her nails sank into his shoulders. She trembled. His shaft once again sank deep. She tightened her legs around him. Slow wasn’t enough. Almost ready to take him to the ground and mount him, she dug her nails into his skin. He clasped her hips. She writhed, but he kept her from quickening the pace.

  “The pink washing over your cheeks and breasts as the desire rises higher within you is so damn hot.” He lifted his head and dropped a quick kiss on her shoulder.

  She growled low. Now was not the time to play. “Fuck me.”

  “Angel, why don’t you take what you need?” A slow smile played on his lips as he lifted her off the desk. He strode to the low couch and dropped onto it.

  She straddled him, adjusting her position minutely. He wouldn’t control her this time. Her legs tightened around his hips as she rose. Before his cock slid from her, she lowered back down on him. The low ache spiraled into a tighter ball. Her head fell back.

  He groaned, and cupped her ass, the grip tightening. After that first stroke, her pace quickened. She ground down onto him. Her clit pressed against him. A pang zinged to her core. Shivers ripped over her body. Not yet, he had to ache as she did.

  She gripped his shoulders and kissed his shoulder. Her gaze locked on the skin where the big muscle of his shoulders joined with his neck. Hers. He had to wear her mark. She circled her hips with each downward stroke.

  “Do it, Leslie. I need you to do it.” Archer pulled her hard against him. “I want to feel you come.”

  “You first.” She drew in a rasping breath. Her hips undulated against his. She clenched her teeth. Too damn close to hold out long.

  “No, you, sweet cat.” He forced her hips in a circle as she sank down onto him.

  Her breath caught. The grinding contact with her clit sent a wave surging through her. She went right over the edge. Her teeth sank into his flesh, claiming him. Shivers ripped over her body as pleasure slammed through her. He groaned and urged her against him. His hips surged upward. He stiffened and came on a loud roar.

  She opened her mouth, her teeth sliding free. She lapped at the spot. She gasped and held onto him. With each breath, logic returned. He’d pushed her to that.

  “A little impatient, aren’t we?” She lifted her head.

  “No, I’ve been more than patient with you, but you’ve dallied about giving me what I needed, what my cat needed. We were both in agreement that you might need a little push to get what we craved.” Archer tightened his arms around her and held her.

  “If you’d said something, I would have done it before.” She frowned. How had she not realized that it was bothering him? With Judge and John, it happened because the urge hit her then. With the strength of their mating, there hadn’t been a rush at all.

  “I know you would, and today, it came to a head before I had to.” He brushed a hand down her back. “And I’m teasing you a little.”

  “You’re a wicked man for doing it.” She poked her finger into his chest.

  “I’ll make it up to you.” He grinned. “I have to get back to work though. I should be able to give you my thorough complete attention in a few hours though.”

  “I’ll hold you to that.” She picked up her clothes, but didn’t bother putting them on.

  His undivided attention. She shivered. Maybe John or Judge could join in on that.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  John shut the door to his SUV and stepped onto the sidewalk in front of Cunningham’s home. He glanced to the right. Two unmarked cars sat there, but the officers had already gotten out of the vehicles. His heart raced in his chest. The DA finally signed off on the warrant to arrest and search Cunningham’s home and office. The recording of Cunningham’s conversation with the conspirator pushed it over.

  Cunningham left for his office at seven thirty every morning. His reaction to being arrested was still up in the air. Cunningham might resist, but the man hadn’t gotten his hands dirty yet.

  He lifted his wrist to check his watch and frowned. Just at seven thirty. Cunningham should be coming out of the house.

  John stood by his car until he saw the front door open. He rested his palm on the grip of his gun, but left it in the holster. Logan stepped up beside him. They walked forward to meet Cunningham. A grin pulled at his lips. He couldn’t wait to slap the cuffs on that man.

  Cunningham stepped from the house. John’s eyes widened. Cunningham clutched something black. John’s heart slammed against his chest, and his stomach jumped up into his throat.

  “Gun!” He drew his as he scrambled. Fuck, there wasn’t much cover in the large open yard.

  Cunningham turned. The black muzzle followed John’s dash. A flare of light flashed from the end of the barrel. Pain lanced through his arm even as the shot cracked in the early morning air
. A loud report boomed from John’s right. Logan, it had to be Logan.

  Cunningham jerked, but raised his gun. John fired, dived, and came to his knee. One more shot pealed. Cunningham crumpled to the ground. John rose to his feet. He drew in a slow breath and cautiously crept over to Cunningham. Still alive.

  Cunningham groaned and writhed on the ground. One shot had caught him in the upper right chest. Two others tore into his abdomen and left shoulder.

  “We need an ambulance rolling.” John clenched his fist. Cunningham wouldn’t escape justice through death. His wounds probably weren’t life-threatening, especially to a whyr.

  He cleared the gun from Cunningham’s reach. Cunningham groaned. He blinked up at John, and his lashes lowered, almost hiding his eyes. Hate blazed from the narrow slits.

  “You may have won this, but you’ll still lose everything.” Cunningham rolled to his side.

  “We won’t lose anything.” John shook his head. Such a vague threat. Probably just trying to get some type of reaction.

  “Can’t wait until you get the news.” Cunningham relaxed back on the sidewalk.

  The ambulance arrived. The crew hesitated until an officer waved them forward. They dug into their equipment to stop the bleeding. Logan stepped up beside their prisoner. John turned toward the house as his men began to enter. His heart raced. Was it just an empty threat?

  He pulled out his phone and swiped to unlock it. It wouldn’t hurt to call and make sure.

  As he tapped three to call Archer, the phone rang. Archer’s name and number flashed across the screen. He answered without hesitation.

  “What’s up, Archer?” John drew in a slow breath and glanced around the scene.

  “There’s a van parked two houses down, and they have binoculars. They’re looking this way,” Archer’s voice was calm, but the strain was obvious.

  “I’ll send men immediately and am on the way. Get Leslie down to the basement and in an interior room.” John’s heart jumped and slammed against his chest. At least, they’d have a way out since the basement opened into the backyard.