Claiming His Bride Read online

  “Kent Kingston’s a douche. He’s been after me for years. I’ve never given him the time of day, so then he tried to buy out my contract with my label. They didn’t play ball, thank God. But ever since, he’s been stalking me. Before we came out here, he’d spread several vicious rumors about me. Drugs, escorting, stupid crap like that. The press ate it up. And I just—” She sighs and puts the oven mitts back in their drawer. “I just had to get away from all of it, you know?” She shrugs and opens the fridge.

  I think of all the ways I could kill Kent Kingston. There are so many to choose from. I make a mental note to research him sooner rather than later. I want to know where he is, what his next plan is, and whether he’s hired someone else to do the job.

  She hums as she grabs another mixing bowl, then she starts singing in earnest as she drops two sticks of butter into the silver bowl.

  I’ve never heard a voice like hers. It’s so clear. Like the notes are made of air, like the sound is just as natural as a bird. She does it effortlessly, but it affects me deeply. Soothing and strong, her voice almost makes me believe that my dream of her could come true. Almost.

  Pushing the bowl away, she turns to me. “Now we’ll just wait for the cake to cool and the butter to melt, then we’ll ice.” With a sly smile, she looks over at me. “Oh, what could we possibly do to pass the time?”

  I have a few ideas. Actually, I have a lot of ideas. All of them revolve around my teeth-marks on her ass and my cock deep in her pussy. But that’s not smart. Not when it comes to a woman like her. If I did that, if I just went fucking caveman on her and bent her over the counter—I run a hand down my face at the thought—I’d be lost. My heart would belong to this little songbird forevermore, but she’d leave. After all, I’m a scarred giant, not fit for someone like her.

  No, she’ll be gone as soon as the snow clears and the roads thaw. And if I went as far as I want to with her, she’d take my heart with her. Or worse, I’d never, ever let her leave.

  “You have the strangest look in your eyes.” She walks over and hops up on the counter in front of me. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

  “No.”

  Her pink lips turn down in a cute pout. “Keep this up, and you’re not getting any cake. Not even a tiny slice.”

  I wet my lips. “I want all of it, Aurora. The whole thing.”

  Her eyes widen, and she reaches for me, grabbing my shirt and pulling me close to her. “What if I told you I want you have it? Icing and all? Every last crumb?”

  I swallow hard, my hands shaking as I grip the counter next to her, caging her in. “That’s dangerous.”

  “Oh?” She leans closer, her lips so close to mine. “How’s that?”

  I reach up and grab her hair, the silky strands on my rough fingers. “Because if I get everything I want, I’ll never let you go. You’ll be my songbird, caged forever.”

  She scoots her hips to the edge of the counter, and when I feel the heat between her thighs on my cock, I groan. “Is that supposed to be a threat?”

  “Aurora, I’m warning you.” I grip her hair harder and crush my mouth to hers, fiercely claiming her innocent mouth with mine.

  She clutches my shirt, her little fists against my chest as she pulls me closer, closer, closer. I can’t get enough of her, the way her tongue toys with mine, the scent of her, now with an added pinch of vanilla and chocolate from the cake. She’s irresistible. A sugary confection that could bring a man like me to his knees.

  But my heart. My heart. What happens when she leaves, and she breaks it? What happens when I catch a headline about her seeing someone else?

  I pull back, and she gasps in a breath and tries to pull me to her again.

  “Aurora.” I shake my head, my mind at war with my heart. “We can’t.”

  “Why not?” She wraps her legs around me.

  Holy fuck, she’s holding on to me like she’s a panda and I’m her favorite tree.

  “I told you why.” I can’t stop myself. Not when she’s wrapped around me like this. Instead of being smart, I press my lips to her neck and suck her sweet skin.

  She moans and presses her cunt against me, moving slightly, looking for friction. “I don’t care about your stupid reasons. I don’t care about any of it. I just want you, Diego.”

  I stare into her beautiful eyes. “You can’t mean that.” My voice is suddenly hoarse, unexpected emotion rising inside me.

  “I mean every word.” She stares at me, iron in her words. “I’ve been throwing myself at you since we got here. I’ve never done that. I’ve never done—” Her cheeks pinken. “Any of the things I’ve done with you, and I’ve certainly never done the one thing I’m dying to do with you.” She moves her hips, that friction between her body and mine setting off a brand-new ache in my balls.

  Virgins. Both of us.

  When I kiss her this time, I stop fighting it, stop trying to figure out how to save my heart. It’s gone. She already has it in her soft hands, and she’s had it from the moment I saw her. I only hope that she keeps it safe and doesn’t regret giving herself to me, the brute who would do anything just to kiss her lips or hear her sing.

  “You’re mine now, songbird.” I turn and carry her to our room, my lips never leaving hers and my intentions perfectly clear.

  7

  Aurora

  He drops me onto the bed. I stare up at the beast of the man that looms over me. He’s easily twice my size, but for some reason I’ve never been afraid of him. He’s more of a gentle giant when it comes to me. I think it has something to do with the way he looks at me. He thinks he is this monster of a man, but every time his eyes are on me, they soften. I can see the want for me in them.

  It had drawn me to him. He is so different from the people I’ve met in my past. He has nothing to gain from wanting me. He doesn’t have an ulterior motive. He wants me for me. Not for my money, or fame, or any other thing that people have tried to get close to me for in the past.

  “So…” I ask, not sure what to do next. I thought he might take the lead. I’ve never done this before, and I’m pretty sure we’re going all the way this time. “Should I get naked?” I suggest. I sit up on my knees and pull my shirt off then toss it away. My bra is the next article of clothing to go. I watch as Diego’s breathing gets heavier. It pushes me on. I lean back, taking my pants off next, which leaves me naked in his bed.

  He still doesn’t make a move. He continues to stand at the edge of the bed and stare at me. His eyes roam over my body. I’ve had plenty of men watch me perform onstage in the past. But Diego's eyes are like a touch. I can feel them on my skin.

  “Your turn.” I smile at him.

  Being naked is natural for me. I’m comfortable in my own skin. I’ve never done a nude scene or anything like that, but sometimes you have to change outfits during shows. There’s no time for me to be modest or shy then. I usually only have a few minutes before I’m due back on stage.

  “I’m not as flawless as you.”

  I crawl over to the side of the bed. “I want you.”

  He lets me pull his shirt off over his head. Multiple scars mar his body. I stare in amazement at him. “You look like a true warrior,” I tell him. I kiss one scar and then another. His eyes fall closed, but one of his hands tangles into my hair. He tightens his grip, causing my eyes to meet his.

  “What have I done to deserve you, my little songbird?” I place one last kiss to his chest before I answer.

  “You caught me.” I lick my lips. “Maybe I’ve been searching for an owner. Maybe I want you to keep me here as if this were a cage. Maybe I’ve finally found one I want to be kept in.”

  A deep rumble comes from him. His arm comes around me, and he lifts me, easily putting me in the center of the bed. I lock my legs around him as we kiss.

  I think I could kiss him forever, but my body has other ideas. I work my hips back and forth, trying to get the friction I need. I know Diego isn't putting all his weight on me, but when I try to dr
y hump him, he presses down to stop me. Ugh. I whimper in need.

  I swear I watch as his eyes darken. It dawns on me what my beast needs. “Diego. I need you. Please,” I beg him, letting him know I desire him as much as he does me.

  “I want to taste you again.” His words are growled out, and I barely understand him. He moves down my body, stopping at my breasts. He sucks one nipple into his mouth while his hand gently tugs on the other. He’s trying to be careful. He’s trying to take his time and savor me, but I want more.

  “I won't break, Diego. I’m starting to think I was made to be all yours, which means I can handle whatever is it that you’re going to do to me.”

  “You shouldn't say such things.”

  “Why? Because you might tie me to the bed and keep me?” I give him a wicked smile. My hips rise up, my body getting turned on by the idea of Diego doing just that. I’d bet my life that in doing so, he wouldn't even take pleasure for himself. He’d probably bury his face between my thighs until I beg him to fuck me.

  “I want to feel all of you. Skin to skin.” He pushes down his gym shorts and his boxer briefs. I suck in a breath. I know how big he is. I’ve had my mouth wrapped around him, but this is going to be a tight fit.

  He keeps working his way down my body. I think he’s trying to drive me insane, but his mouth is making sure he gets a taste of every part of me.

  “Yes!” I half shout when he finally gets his mouth on my clit. I know I’m already drenched in need. I go off the second he pushes two fingers inside me. He teased me too long with that mouth of his.

  He doesn't stop, though. His tongue continues to circle my clit as he pumps his fingers inside me. My hips move in rhythm with him as he adds another. I whimper when I feel myself about to come again. I know what he’s doing. He’s getting me ready to take him so he can claim me. It’s such a barbaric thought. I don’t know where it comes from.

  I cry out his name. I grip the sheets, needing something to hold on to as I come once again. He kisses my clit one last time, making me jerk because I’m too sensitive there. Next he kisses my thighs before he moves back up my body. He rests his elbows on each side of my head. The head of his cock doesn't need to be guided into me. He pushes in easily, small thrusts back and forth. I groan as I feel his warmth fill me. It makes me wetter. I want more of him.

  “I’ll only do this so I won’t cause you pain. I can lick your pussy, and you take a little of me.”

  “Do you only want a little of me?”

  I see the understanding dawn in his eyes at my question. Slowly, he pushes more into me. He stops when he feels the barrier of my virginity.

  “Kiss me.”

  He doesn't need to be asked twice. His mouth comes down on mine. I thrust my hips up, wrapping my legs around him. I cry out at the sharp pain I caused myself. Now, he has nothing to feel bad about. I think my Diego has had enough pain in his life.

  His mouth lifts from mine. “I might have to tie you to the bed.”

  “I wouldn't stop you.”

  He pushes more inside of me. I let out a gasp. “Don’t stop. It feels good.” He begins to thrust a little more. I can tell he’s still trying to hold back.

  “I don’t think I can stop.” I start to meet his thrusts. I can tell from those sexy grunts he’s making that he’s about to come. He reaches between us, his thumb going to my clit.

  My breath shatters. We both come together this time. I wrap my arms and legs around him, holding him tight. The pleasure is like nothing I’ve ever felt before.

  This connection to him is so different than any others I’ve ever had. He rolls, taking me with him so that I’m sprawled against his chest.

  “You made my first time perfect,” I tell him.

  “Mine too, little songbird.” I lift my head to look at him, surprised at his revelation. I smile. “I like this idea that we are each other's first.”

  “And last,” he says. “I warned you.”

  He did. I just sigh and close my eyes. I have this need to be owned by him and him alone. Being locked in his cage might be like a taste of heaven.

  8

  Diego

  She sleeps so peacefully in my arms, her cheek resting against my scars, her small frame light as a feather on me. A beauty. One with the voice of an angel.

  I don’t deserve this. I will never deserve this. She’s already given me the best few days of my life. If I died right this second, I’d go with a heart full of gratefulness.

  As she dozes, my thoughts go back to the assassin who’d been sent to kill her. He was a freelance merc. Not with the Brotherhood or any other outfit I know. That means Kent Kingston is putting out offers somewhere on the black market instead of going to the heavy hitters. Fucking amateur.

  Without jiggling Aurora too much, I grab my phone from the nightstand and shoot off a message to one of my old associates. I want to know who else might be coming after my songbird. I’ll break their necks before they get anywhere near her.

  Settling back in, I stroke her soft hair.

  It’s done. Locked in. I already knew the truth, but it whispers with every single heartbeat of mine—I will never let her go. This songbird is mine and mine alone. The taste of her, the feeling of being one with her… I never thought I’d have anything so sweet. And now that I’ve had it? I’ll kill anyone who tries to take it from me.

  “Tense.” She looks up at me. “You just turned into a rock. What’s going on?” she asks sleepily.

  “Just thinking.”

  She snuggles against my chest again. “Sounds dangerous.”

  I smile. “You’re the one that’s dangerous.”

  “Me?” I feel her blinking against me, her eyelashes tickling my skin. “I’m dangerous?”

  “Very.” I pull her on top of me, her legs parting so she straddles me.

  “You’re the killer guy, right? I mean, I saw what you did to that jerk who came here to kill me. And you haven’t really talked about your past, but I can guess you weren’t loading groceries or working in an office when you got those scars.”

  I shake my head. “No. Not at all.”

  “Want to tell me about it?” She props her chin on my chest, and when she squirms closer, her hot pussy comes into contact with my cock.

  I hiss and grip her hips. “No. I want to feel you again.”

  She nibbles her lip and moves her hips against me. “I want that, too.” Then she cups my cheek. “But I want to know you, all of you, everything.”

  I sigh and pull her up my body, hating to lose the heat of her from where I want it most. But this conversation requires focus. And I can barely even think as it is. She’s on top of me. The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen is trusting me with her body, her mind, her heart.

  “Bad childhood.” I throw that out there. “You don’t need details. But my father had fists and liked to use them.”

  Her face falls. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t be. It was a long time ago. I forgave him even though he never asked me to. I had to. If I didn’t, I’d be full of hate and looking for death. Forgiving him also saved me.”

  Her lips tip up in a sad smile. “You don’t talk much, but when you do, you get your point across beautifully.”

  I grunt a low laugh. “I left home young, made my way all across the country. Got into a fight in NYC when I saw a guy trying to abduct a young woman. He got away. I got arrested.”

  “Oh no.” She tries to wrap her arms around me, but I’m too big for her to get far. “Of course you were someone’s hero.”

  “She was just a kid, you know? He was following her and grabbed her. I stopped him, but the cops actually showed up for once, so I got tossed in jail. While I was waiting for everything to get settled, someone from a clandestine mercenary group came to see me. They’d seen me fighting on some closed-circuit video from the incident. They recruited me right then and there. Got me out of lockup. Trained me. Put me through hell. Then put me to work.”

  “What kind
of work?” She traces her finger around my nipple, then strays to one of the long scars across my chest.

  “Dirty work. Nothing good. Private security for bad men. That’s how I met Tiernan.”

  “He was private security, too?”

  I smirk. “No, he was one of the bad men.”

  “Oh.”

  “I did my job. Lots of fights and assignments that never made the news. Settling scores for underworld players. Bad things, songbird. Things I’ll never give you specifics about.” Just the thought of confessing my sins to her makes my skin crawl. “I’ve put that life behind me. I’ll have to pay one day. I have no doubt of that. But until then, I’m here. I’ve kept my head down and my nose clean. Then one day a beautiful songbird fluttered into my hands.”

  She sings an octave in perfect notes. “Guilty.”

  “And now I’ll never let her go.”

  She runs her fingers along my brow, noting the scars there. “So now you’re back on your bullshit?”

  I snort a laugh. “If you can call killing assassins and hunting down the man who’s targeting you as ‘back on my bullshit,’ then yes.”

  “Good.” She edges closer until our lips meet. We kiss softly, slowly, my hands roving her back and cupping her ass as she unwinds on top of me.

  “I don’t judge you, Diego.” She drops a kiss on the tip of my nose. “Not even a little bit. I’m pretty bad, too.”

  My eyebrows rise to my hairline. “Oh?”

  “Yep.” She gives me a solemn nod. “One time, I found out one of my favorite songwriters had written a great piece that was absolutely perfect for me. But then I heard Ariana Grande wanted that song for herself. So, instead of letting her take it out from under me, I …” She hesitates.

  “What did you do?” I try to think back about whether I’d heard Ariana Grande had been killed or if some songwriter had been tortured, but nothing comes to mind. Not that I keep up with pop music, but murder and torture would interest me.