Do Not Forsake Me(28)

“Who do you belong to?” he asked softly as he licked behind her ear.

“Jake Harkner.”

The man knew damn well how to make a woman want him, and her desire had not waned with the years. The first time they’d done this satiated an almost violent desire for each other. Perhaps it was because back then, Randy knew deep down this man was forbidden, just as he knew he had no business bringing her into his life—yet neither of them could resist the other and had never been able to since then.

He moved inside of her with a deep groan, and she arched up to greet him. There was always a kind of desperation to their lovemaking, as though they needed to make sure this was still real and perhaps cling to the moment in case this never happened again. She thought Jake seemed more ardent and a bit more demanding than usual, ramming himself deep and hard in a faster than normal rhythm while holding her bottom in a tight grip.

She relished the masterful way he had of making a woman feel ravished and adored, but again came the pain. She said nothing because she knew with secret dread what his urgent lovemaking meant. There could be trouble today. She didn’t want to think about it herself, but it was there between them…always. His life surged into her with more force than normal, and he relaxed on top of her then, keeping hold of her bottom. “I’d like to stay here all day,” he told her.

“Then stay,” she answered. She grasped him around the neck. “I love you so, Jake. Stay here today.”

I’m scared, but not just for you. I’m scared of this pain.

He sighed as he kissed her deeply before moving off of her and settling beside her. “If I stay, someone might come to the door, and you’d be embarrassed to be caught still in bed.”

Randy nestled against him. “I don’t care.”

Jake frowned, leaning up to study her eyes. “What’s wrong? You seem upset about more than me going out this morning. Is there something you aren’t telling me?”

Randy looked away. “No,” she lied. “It’s just that you’ve been back only two days, and already I can see there is going to be more trouble.”

“And you don’t usually talk this way. You know I can take care of myself. What else is wrong?”

“Nothing.”

Jake leaned down and kissed her eyes. “You don’t fool me, Randy Harkner. I know you too well. I have to leave now, but I want some answers when I get home later.” He kissed her again, a long, soft, delicious kiss of promise and devotion.

Tell him, a little voice nudged her. Tell him. He needs to know.

No! came a reply. Don’t get him upset before he leaves. It will go away. At least wait until he gets home.

“Yo te amo, mi querida,” Jake said softly.

“Make love to me again,” she asked. She wished his gaze were not so discerning.

“Randy—”

“Just make love to me again. Something doesn’t feel right about today. If you won’t stay home, then make love to me again.”

Jake sighed, leaning down to kiss her near her ear. “Randy, tell me what’s wrong.”

“Just that. I’m scared for you.”

He kissed her again, and in moments he moved inside of her again. For Randy, it was like a joining of the souls. Every thrust seemed to claim her, body and soul, reaching into her deepest places and branding her from the inside out. She returned his kisses desperately. How would she ever live without him? In spite of another pain gripping her belly, she pulled at him as she felt his release, then wrapped her arms tightly around his neck yet again and clung to him.

“Don’t go, Jake. Don’t go to the jail today.”

“It’s all right.”

“Get Lloyd first. I don’t trust the Bryants.”

“Randy, I’ve handled a lot worse. I’ll be fine.”

“Hold me a little longer.”

He moved his arms under her back, staying on top of her. “I’ll press the air out of you.”

“I’m okay. I love being this close, love your arms around me. I want to keep you right here today.”

He kissed her several times over. “I’ll be back before you know it. I really have to go, baby. This damn job requires it.”

A tear slipped out of her eye. How could she tell him about this pain…or tell him how afraid she was of what it could be? He needed all his wits about him.

He put a hand to the side of her face. “I love you, Randy. I wonder sometimes if you truly know how much.”

“And I love you more than that.”

He kissed the tear. “I wish you’d tell me what’s really wrong.”

“I guess I’m just used to Lloyd always being with you. Don’t go out there alone.”