Fire and Flames

STORY EXCERPT

“Where is it, Walt?”

The driver, Walt Hinkman, a veteran of the force, kept his attention on the road as he maneuvered the fire truck in and out of traffic. “Deserted house fire. Around the corner.”

That was Walt. During a run, he was so focused, he dropped down to short sentences. Any other time, he’d talk a girl’s ears off, chatting about everything from his family to how birds fly. As a devoted father of two boys and a loving husband, he was one of the good guys.

Marlee glanced behind her, catching a scowl from Jack Haant. Too bad the same couldn’t be said of Jack. She tried not to hate anyone, especially not a fellow firefighter, but Jack made it tough not to. He’d been on her, riding her ass from the first day she’d come onto the job, as green as any recruit. Although she’d already run into some of the “boys’ club” mentality, saying a woman wasn’t strong enough, good enough to fight fires, most of the time, the men would come around. She’d proven her worth several times over. But no matter what she did, no matter how many times she’d tried to win him over, Jack was still steadfastly against “females” on the squad. She’d finally given up, recognizing he was a lost cause.

Some people were just too closed-minded to face the truth. She could hold her own with any man.

“Let’s go.” Walt pulled the engine to the curb. Thankfully, there was a hydrant nearby.

Marlee slammed her shoulder against the door and slid to the ground. The bulk of her suit and equipment had her landing hard, but she was used to it. She took off, her mind going on autopilot as she went to work.

Fighting fires was never easy and always dangerous. Once a firefighter started taking it easy, relaxing on her training, she was putting not only herself but her crew in danger. Marlee was careful, doing things by the number, making sure she stayed safe. Putting herself into a position where another firefighter had to risk his life to save hers would make her physically ill. They’d do everything they could to save one of their own, and she felt the same way.

She dragged in air. Her facemask clouded over briefly then cleared. Signaling to Ray Kait, another veteran, she entered the house, determined to make certain no one was inside. Sometimes the homeless would break into a deserted house to find shelter. As luck would have it, the fire had been contained to one bedroom.

She went through the rest of the place, methodically checking the rooms on the right. Following their training, Ray took the other side. Sweat beaded on her face and at her hairline, but she was used to it. A girl couldn’t jump into a fire without getting a little hot.

Hurrying, yet taking care to be thorough, she checked first one room then another. By the time she’d made her way to the bedroom where the fire was still blazing, she was sure the house was empty. The voices of her squad flowed through her headset.

“Hendrickson, check in.”

“All clear.” She glanced to her left to find Ray motioning for her to follow him. He’d found a back door out of the house. Instead of returning the way she’d come, she’d get out faster by following him. Nodding, she started after him.

As exciting as it was to be inside a burning house, she still let out a breath of relief as she stepped out into the open. Ray checked to see that she’d made it out then disappeared around the corner, heading toward the front of the yard. Instead of following him, she turned to the left. She’d see if she could help the guys still fighting the blaze.

Without warning, flames burst from the window in front of her as the fire jumped from one room to the next. She ducked, but not fast enough. From the corner of her eye, she saw part of the house break away, boards alight with fire, and fall toward her.

She didn’t have time to react. Her mind blanked, realizing the futility of her situation. Only a miracle would save her from getting hit.

And then, it seemed as though a miracle happened.

A gust of something—wind?—struck her from behind, knocking her several feet from the spot. The burning wood fell, narrowly missing her as she landed on her face. Slowly, she rolled over onto her back.

Had Ray come back? Had one of the others pushed her out of the way?

And yet, there was no one.

She felt the heat from the fire ebbing as her gaze slid to the darkened sky overhead. Had she been there long enough for the sun to set?

The darkness, however, lightened, giving way to the clouds and smoke above her. The air shimmered above her. She blinked, trying to see better, clearer.

What the hell is that?

She moaned but didn’t move, intent on understanding what she was seeing. Something was floating above her as through it was hovering in the air. The shimmers solidified a little until an outline formed. She studied it as she’d study clouds drifting across a sky, trying to distinguish a form, but what she saw didn’t make sense.

Is that a…dragon?

Wow. I must’ve whacked my head good and hard when I landed.

She squinted, her mind trying to tell her eyes they were wrong.

Am I knocked out? Do people dream in comas?

Suddenly, the outline grew thicker, the darkness of the form changing into a blue hue. Puffs of warm breath struck her mask as she remained as motionless as she could. Before long, her crazy mind took her over the edge, revealing the impossible. Although she could see the sky through the body, she could now make out what the outline had formed.

It is. It’s a fucking dragon.

ADULT EXCERPT

Marlee sucked in a breath and almost dropped her champagne flute. The night air grew steamier. Glancing around, she couldn’t find any other boats near them.

I can do this. I want to do this. I’m going to do this.

Biting her lower lip, she placed her hand on top of Adam’s hard crotch. He’s so big. So firm.

“Go on, girl.”

With fumbling hands, she undid the top of his jeans. He shucked his shirt, revealing dark blond hair running from one pec to the other then down to lead the way for her hand. She heard his zipper and eased her hand between the flaps of his jeans.

No underwear.

She let out a breath of relief filled with anticipation then jolted when Colter’s hands found their way between her legs. He feathered his fingers over the seam of her pussy lips.

“Easy, babe. We’re in control. Trust me. We’ll do right by you.” Colter caught her skirt between his teeth and brought it toward her waist. The corners of his mouth lifted just enough to tell her how much he liked what he saw. Bending over, he snagged her lacy undies in his mouth, stilling her heart as he tore them away. “No need for underwear. In fact, never wear them again.”

“He’s right.” Ridge toed off his shoes then undid his jeans and let them join his shirt. His body was steel and flesh combined into one amazing form. His cock, long and curved at the end, pointed at her, teasing her to taste the glistening wetness on the tip.

Adam shoved his jeans off then bent over her. His mouth hovered a few inches away from hers, tempting her, as he took hold of her dress and pulled it up. She held up her arms, losing sight of him as he took her dress off and tossed it aside.

His hungry gaze dropped to her breasts. “Your tits are amazing.”

Colter spread her legs. Giving her a wickedly steamy look, he bent down and shoved his face between her thighs.

She sucked in a quick breath as his mouth crushed against her pussy. “Oh God.”

“Not God, but definitely Heaven,” whispered Adam. Cupping one breast, he took the other nipple into his mouth, catching it between his teeth.

Pain stabbed into her, but it soon morphed into something more pleasurable. His teeth gave way to his tongue as he flicked it over and over, around and around, matching the twists he gave to her other nipple.

Colter went to town on her pussy, lapping at her juices as he snaked a hand over her ass and fondled her butt cheek. His tongue was faster than she’d have imagined any tongue could be, whipping over her clit then plunging into her sheath. She closed her eyes, unable to do anything more than clutch Adam’s hair with one hand and Colter’s with the other.

When she opened her eyes, she found Ridge next to her, his glittering gaze sweeping over her body, enjoying what his cousin and his friend were doing. He palmed his cock, slowly stroking his length.

“Do you like what they’re doing to you, baby?”

“Yes. Oh yes.”

“Tell Colter to suck you harder.”

She’d do anything, say anything, as long as they didn’t stop. “Suck me harder, Colter.”

Colter obeyed her, making her feel powerful.

“Tell Adam to use his teeth more. And to pull your tit. I want to see it stretched.”

“Adam, pull my tit.” Pain hit her again as he hollowed his mouth around her nipple and sucked.

“That’s good.” Ridge grabbed a hunk of her hair, giving her a different kind of pain to enjoy. He studied her face. “Do you like it rough, Marlee?”

“I don’t know.”

“Then let’s find out.” He crushed his mouth to hers, his tongue plunging into her mouth.

She kissed him back, trying to give as good as she got. Her breath hitched in her throat, but she’d pass out from lack of air before she ended the kiss. His tongue took control of her mouth, tasting every curve, playing with her tongue.

Her body was alive as it had never been before. The heat of a fire was never as hot. Her body was scorched from the inside out as though they’d ignited a flame deep inside her that would never burn out.

She bucked as Colter captured her clit and sucked.

She moaned as Adam tortured her tits with his teeth and fingers.

She grew wetter as Ridge claimed her mouth with his.

If it had been within her power, she would’ve stayed there, floating blissfully in the water, forever. When Ridge ended the kiss, she cried out, feeling alone and lost.

“If you’re going to stop us, it better be now.” Colter’s voice had dropped, his expression intense, his eyes burning with desire, hot enough to have bits of red flaring in them.

Or was that her imagination again?

“Who says I want to stop you?” She gave them a sultry smile. “Do your best, guys.”

Dragon's Heart

STORY EXCERPT

They watched for several minutes. Jumper was such a vibrant, happy child that it was difficult for her to believe he was ill. But he was better. At least, for now.

“Hey, Jumper, time’s up. Give Winder to Mr. Bob.”

The employee holding the reins helped the boy off. Jumper dashed over to the fence then climbed to the top of it and sat on the top railing. Hank and Grant positioned themselves on either side of the young boy, ready to grab him should he fall.

“Am I going to see the dragons now?”

Dragons? Cinda glanced from Hank to Grant but stayed quiet.

“Soon enough, little man. Soon enough.”

Jumper’s bright brown eyes locked onto Cinda. “I’m going to see real, live dragons.”

“Really?” She wasn’t sure what was going on, but she hoped the guys weren’t lying to the boy. “Do you mean the dinosaurs at the exhibit?” A traveling exhibit of dinosaur bones and recreations had come to Atlantic Station in Atlanta. She couldn’t think of anything else they could mean.

“Not dumb dinosaurs. Dragons. With real fire.” Jumper roared, his hands wide open and his fingers flexed, simulating fire coming out of his mouth.

Hank pretended to be frightened and dodged the flames. Grant laughed, but Cinda wasn’t laughing along with him. Why were they building up the boy’s hopes?

“Jumper, if it’s all right with Mr. Hank and Mr. Grant, can you come help me put Winder back in his stall?”

Cinda wouldn’t have believed the boy could get more exited, but he almost fell off the fence trying to twist toward Mr. Bob.

“Can I go, Mr. Hank?”

Hank lifted him off the fence. “Sure. But be careful and listen to Mr. Bob.”

“Okay!” Jumper squeezed in between the boards then dashed over to the gate where the worker waited with Winder.

“He’s a good kid. If we can get him to stop jumping, we’ll have performed a minor miracle.”

As soon as Jumper wasn’t looking any longer, she whirled toward Grant. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Hank hooked her by the arm and pulled her away from the corral. “Better watch your language, babe. There are children within earshot.”

She lowered her voice but not her anger. “How can you make such a ridiculous promise? Dragons? Really? What are you planning on doing? Showing him some kind of mechanical dragon and telling him it’s real. I don’t think that’s going to work. He’s a smart kid. How can you lie to him?”

Hank crossed his arms as Grant pulled his hat lower. “We’re not lying.”

“Of course you are. You can’t show him a real dragon.”

“Hank’s telling you the truth, darlin’. We keep our promises.”

She’d thought they were such great guys, but great guys didn’t tell lies. Had they told lies to the other children? Or lies to other people? Like how they thought she was pretty? Or had she overheard the real truth last night? She couldn’t get them straight, their actions not matching their words. Yet all that didn’t matter any longer. Only Jumper and his eventual disappointment did.

“Why would you ever promise he could see dragons?”

“It’s his wish. Sure, he’s in remission, but we still do our best to fulfill a child’s dreams.”

“But telling him he’ll get to see a dragon? Are you nuts?”

“Cinda, calm down. Now.”

The color of Grant’s eyes seemed to change, adding bits of red. She would’ve asked about it, but she was too intent on getting answers about their so-called dragons.

“I will when you tell me how you’re going to show Jumper a real, live, fire-breathing dragon. Because if you can do that, I’d sure as hell—” She paused and glanced around, making sure none of the kids had heard her. “I’d really like to see a dragon. Are you going to show me, too?”

“If you want, sure.”

“Grant,” warned Hank.

Grant backed off, but she didn’t want to let it go. “Okay. When and how are you going to fulfill this little boy’s fantasy? Tell me and I’ll be there.”

“What’s going on? There are too many people around.”

She kept her attention on Grant, even as Walken rejoined them. “Hank and Grant are going to show me a real, live dragon.”

Walken stopped. Yet instead of laughing, he stared hard at the other two men. “Jumper?”

“Yeah.” Hank eased back. “I’m done talking about this. Walken’s right. Too many people might hear us.”

Grant turned on his heel, along with Hank. “Stick around, Cinda. You wouldn’t want to break your promise to Penny.”

She fumed as she watched Hank and Grant storm off. “And what about you, Walken? Can you produce a dragon, too?”

He smiled, but there wasn’t warmth in the gesture. “I may or may not know anything about dragons, but I do know one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“I know when to walk away.” And he did, eating up the ground between himself and his friends.

“I’m not leaving until this is settled.” As soon as she’d finished shouting, she noticed how many of the others were watching. Embarrassed and not a little ashamed, she lowered her gaze and took off for the house.

Real dragons, my ass.

ADULT EXCERPT

For the first time since receiving the awful news, Cinda felt alive. Better than she’d ever felt. And as turned on as a woman could get. The thickening of the air, along with her need swelling up inside her chest, caused her to drag in each breath. These weren’t ordinary men. In fact, they were as far from ordinary as men could get.

Extra ordinary. That’s it. They’re beyond great. They’re super great.

“It means she wants time to think. Not that she needs the time, but that she wants it. She wants to be sure. Am I right, babe?”

She blew out a breath. “Exactly. Give me a few days.”

“So you’re putting us on a probationary period? Isn’t the employer supposed to put the employee on a trial basis?”

“Who the hell cares, Walken, as long as she’s staying?” Hank kissed the curve of her neck.

Steam billowed around her, and although a part of her mind wondered where it had come from, she didn’t have the faculties to care. What was happening? Suddenly, she’d gone from accepting a new job to something more.

They skimmed their hands along her body, strangely making her feel both turned on and relaxed. She moaned and closed her eyes as Hank kissed the curve of her neck on one side while Grant kissed the other side. As though they’d struck a match to kindling, she was alight with a craving so strong she couldn’t have fought it even if she’d wanted to.

“I don’t think—”

“Hush, babe. Just enjoy. I’ve waited a year to have you.” Hank’s fingers trailed down the front of her shirt.

“Hank told us about you, but I didn’t really believe him.” Walken pulled off her shoes. “Now I do.”

“Please. This is going so fast.” Fast and yet not fast enough.

“We want you, Cinda. Now.”

She gave into them as they deftly removed their clothing and hers. Each piece of material fell away from her, floating in the air as though suspended in the fog then gently drifting to the floor. Her body sizzled as though electric currents flowed over her skin with every touch and every kiss.

“I don’t know what’s happening,” she murmured. Yet all she really cared was that they wouldn’t stop. A layer of steam formed around them, like a warm cocoon that would keep them together forever.

“We’re what’s happening. Let us make every minute of the rest of your life pleasurable.” Walken’s voice sounded far away, yet somehow inside her head.

She lay back on the desk. “What are you going to do?”

“Hush, darlin’. Let us make you feel good.”

For the first time since getting her diagnosis, she let herself fully relax. Worn out from yesterday and from a night of fitful sleep, she was weary. If they wanted to please her without getting anything in return, then she was ready and willing to accept it.

She sighed then suddenly realized that she was naked. They’d removed every stitch of her clothing.

Realization that they could see every dimple, every ounce of flab, struck her, and for a moment of absolute clarity, she burst free of the magical spell they’d put her in. She tried to sit up. “No. I—”

“You’re beautiful.”

Could she believe Walken? Or was he only saying what he had to say so he and his friends could have their way with her? After years of being self-conscious about her body, her insecurity screamed at her to grab her clothes and cover her body. Yet another part of her, the part of her they had taken over, was willing to believe the lies, if only for the time being. If only to feel joy and pleasure for a few more minutes.

Hands skimmed over her naked body. Kisses pressed against her skin. Murmurs of sweet words drifted to her ears.

She kept her eyes shut, determined not to break the spell. Determined to let them give to her what she’d never had. If they rejected her later, if they told her they no longer found her attractive later, she’d be all right with it. At least she would’ve had this time together. After all, fantasies were never intended to last forever.

A mouth covered each nipple, one nipping at her taut bud while the other lashed a tongue over and around the peak. She moaned and reached for them, but strong arms forced her to move her arms above her head.

Hands pushed her legs apart. She sucked in a quick breath, ready to feel the raw hardness of a cock at her pussy. Instead, she gasped again as pressure struck her pussy. Spread wide, a tongue slicked along her wet seam, driving her insane as it brushed over her clit.

An orgasm, fast and furious, slashed through her at the slight touch. She cried out, and a hand covered her mouth. The man between her legs sucked on her clit and drank her juices, the noise of his thirst giving her a delighted satisfaction.

“Easy, babe. People, kids, might hear you.”