Untamed Hunger Page 4

  7

  Claire stood for a moment, listening to the shower running. She wanted Gunner just as much as he wanted her. It was intense and undeniable and overwhelming. But it felt right.

  A search of her duffel turned up nothing remotely sexy. In packing for life on the run, alluring and sexy hadn’t figured in any of her choices. The best she could do was a search of the only closet in the cabin, unearthing a black T-shirt she assumed belonged to Gunner.

  Stripping off everything, but her panties, she dragged the T-shirt over her head and then ran her fingers through her hair. Afterward, she walked over and stood by the big window. Claire looked out over the darkness, rubbing her arms with her hands. A full moon had risen, outlining the trees on the ridge, casting them in black against an indigo sky. It was beautiful.

  The sound of the shower stopped and after a moment, the bathroom door opened. In the reflection of the window, she saw the room behind her. A slice of yellow light cut across the floor. Gunner walked into that slice of light. She noticed that he was naked and it made her heart race.

  Gunner came up behind her and slid his arms around her waist.

  “Nice view,” she said breathlessly as they both stared out into the darkness.

  “Outside? Yeah, it’s nice. Inside…” He dropped his head, his breath warm on her neck. “It’s spectacular.”

  She closed her eyes.

  His hands grabbed the edge of the T-shirt, fingers brushing against the tops of her thighs. The butterflies that had gathered in her stomach exploded, and she shivered. There was a murmur against her neck as his lips trailed across her skin and his hands moved higher. He pulled the fabric up, exposing her breasts and began kneading them with hands, that were still warm and slightly dame from the shower. He pressed against her from behind, molding her against his muscular chest as his hands explored. Down below, she felt his excitement pressing against her and it made her sex clench with need.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.

  Claire closed her eyes as one hand began a slow return trip back down her stomach, slipping beneath the elastic of her panties. His hands were doing some fairly interesting things to her body and her hips began to take on a life of their own. She rocked gently, back and forth, seeking more contact from his hand. Parting her legs wider, she gave him better access, a blatant invitation to explore anywhere he wanted.

  Encouraged, Gunner’s fingers slipped lower until he was touching her most intimate spot, making her writhe and moan.

  “Gunner,” she said breathlessly.

  His lips went back to her neck, this time kissing her with more urgency as he began playing her like a guitar.

  Claire moaned, wanting him inside of her as his hands continued to pleasure her under the moonlight. In the reflection of the window, her body was a pale image against midnight black. She felt beautiful in a way she’d never thought possible. Sexy, voluptuous, and wanton. And, truth be told, she liked what she saw. It turned her on even more.

  Panting, Gunner pulled her back against him and away from the window. The bed was a few short steps to the right, and he steered her toward it. They collapsed into a tangle of arms and legs and then he pinned her to the bed. His damp hair was a mess and his eyes were alive with hunger, making him look more like a wild, untamed animal as his mouth came down on hers. He parted her lips with his unyielding tongue and explored her mouth.

  Returning his kisses just as fervently, Claire ran her hands through his hair, twisting and pulling it with her fingers. He growled against her mouth and palmed her breasts through the T-shirt. The growl deepened and was followed by the sound of ripping fabric.

  Excited, Claire writhed beneath him as Gunner began kissing and licking her breasts. Her hardened nipples tingled as he flicked his tongue around one and then moved to the other, sucking and teasing her into a frenzy. Her body was on fire, arching against him… against this man… this beautiful… stranger.

  A stranger.

  “Gunner…” Claire said, stiffening up.

  “Hmm?” he murmured, his lips still exploring her soft curves.

  “Gunner…stop.” She pushed against him.

  He looked up at her with his heavy-lidded eyes and looked so sexy, she almost took it back.

  “Stop? Oh…yeah.” He pushed up from her breasts, eyes finally focusing on her.

  Claire’s heart, already thudding away at racehorse speed, skipped a few critical beats. She met his gaze, expecting…she wasn’t sure what to expect. Disappointment, probably? Anger? Hopefully not.

  “What is it?” He rolled onto his side, propping up his head with one hand, the other resting on her stomach. Fortunately, he didn’t look angry. Just, disappointed.

  She stared off into the darkness. “I…just can’t. It’s not you…”

  “It sure as hell isn’t me.” An outrageous statement, but it was softened by his gentle laugh. He made a slow circle across her stomach with his fingers. “If it’s not me, then what is it?”

  “It’s too soon…too much…everything…” Claire shook her head.

  She’d never cried over Adrian, over any of this, but tears threatened to fall now. That scared her more than Adrian, being tracked and chased, all of it. And now there was Gunner, opening up a whole new can of emotions.

  “I don’t know you well enough…yet…for this.” She waved her hand over the bed. “I led you on. I’m sorry.”

  He reached up, caught her hand with his, and squeezed hard. “I’m not Adrian, Claire.” Still holding her hand, he went on. “It’s a trust issue. I’m a stranger, you don’t even know my middle name. You don’t want to get hurt. It makes perfect sense.” Still holding her hand, he rested both back on her stomach.

  She stared at him with relief.

  Gunner’s eyes searched hers. “You’re scared. Adrian’s an ass, a mean ass. And I understand why you’re scared.” He raised himself up and leaned over her. “And, you didn’t lead me on.”

  “I thought it’s what I wanted. And, I do. Just… not right now,” Claire said. “I hope you’re not too disappointed.”

  “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t because…well…” His eyes did a slow tour over her body, and everything he wanted—and he clearly wanted her—was reflected in his eyes. “I mean, who wouldn’t want you?”

  Her breath drew up short, as he brought his gaze back to her face. The smile that played over his lips was all kinds of charming and disarming. “You’re everything a guy could want in a woman.”

  “You’re sweet,” she whispered.

  “Let’s go to sleep. Just one more kiss and then you’re going to have to keep your hands to yourself if you know what’s good for you,” he joked. “I might be naked, but that doesn’t make me easy.”

  Claire giggled. “Okay, one more kiss and I’ll try to control myself.”

  His lips on hers were soft and gentle, unlike the hard, demanding ones from earlier. He was so tender, that it took her completely off guard. Claire’s eyes filled with tears and they slid down from the corners of her eyes. She silently cursed her over-emotional state of mind.

  “Hey.” Gunner pulled back, looking down at her, confusion and concern flashing in his eyes. “What’s wrong? I don’t have to kiss you, if it’s making you cry.”

  “It’s okay. That’s not why I’m crying,” she said, wiping her tears. “It’s just… I don’t even know why I’m being a baby.”

  “You’re not being a baby. Come, here.”

  He gathered her in his arms and held her against his chest, rocking her slowly.

  Claire wanted to stop crying but instead, gave in to her tears, letting Gunner’s body absorb all of the fear and pain that had been locked deep inside of her. Finally, she pushed him away, sniffling her way through the last of her tears.

  “I’m okay, now,” she said, wiping her tears. She was embarrassed and wondered what he really thought of her now. “Thanks.”

  He smiled gently. “It was my pleasure. So, how about we get so
me sleep then?”

  Claire struggled to sit up. “Sure. I’ll just…” She swung her legs over the edge of the mattress, thinking she’d head somewhere other than the bed she was sharing with Gunner. But Gunner’s arm went around her waist, holding her on the edge of the bed.

  “There’s only one bed. We sleep here.”

  “But you’re…um…isn’t that going to be hard for you?”

  Gunner coughed, unsuccessfully trying to cover a laugh. “Pun intended? Yeah, it’ll probably be hard for me. But there’s no other place to sleep except for the floor. I’m too much of a gentleman to make you sleep there. And…”

  He pulled her back onto the bed. “I’m not sleeping on the floor either.”

  She lay back on the bed, and Gunner turned away, flicked off the light, then rolled back, pulling her against his chest. He was warm, solid, and still obviously aroused. Claire gingerly tried to pull away, and put a little space between the two of them, giving him—and her—a little breathing room. A chance to cool off.

  “Where are you going?” His voice was a low growl, and both arms tightened around her.

  “Isn’t this uncomfortable for you?”

  “I’d rather spend an uncomfortable night and let you learn to trust me, than give up the chance to spend the night with you.”

  “Oh…” There was a beat of silence.

  “You know, sex isn’t everything,” he murmured.

  Claire burst into laughter. “That’s not something I’d expect to hear from a guy. But, I’m glad you said it.”

  He rubbed her arm, the gesture at first comforting, but as his movements slowed, the touching turned to a caress. Claire felt the underlying sexual tension between them rising up again on both sides of the bed.

  “Gunner…”

  The hand stopped. “Yeah, I know. Sorry for pushing the envelope. I’ll behave now. You can relax.”

  She settled her head on his shoulder. She had to admit, he made her feel safe, even if he was a pain in the ass. His promise to let her take her time, with whatever this was between them, did far more to set her at ease than the head butt he had given Adrian. Or even the mad dash on the motorcycle.

  Gunner’s breathing eventually slowed and deepened. Claire listened to the sounds of the man falling asleep and found it comforting. After a long time, she finally let her body relax, and drifted off herself.

  8

  Gunner woke up to the chirp of his cell phone. He knew that he should answer it because Reece was probably worried sick. Especially since he hadn’t showed up for work and had left so abruptly yesterday. But, he wasn’t ready to talk. After a few more seconds, the ringing stopped, and he rolled onto his side.

  Stretching, eyes still closed, he reached across the bed, encountering soft, warm flesh. Her hip. Now, a choice: slide his hand down that long, lovely thigh, or move upward, dip into the hollow of her waist, brushing against the heavy weight of her breast…

  Or…neither. He sighed. He’d made a promise to her, and come hell or high water, he’d keep it. But he kept his hand where it was.

  Given the unusual circumstances of the night before, he’d fallen asleep almost instantly, waking only half a dozen times or so. Claire had been there each time, some part of her anatomy, warm and soft, pressed against a very sensitive part of his. Gritting his teeth in a few instances, he’d managed to fall back asleep. Toughing it out now until she grew to trust him, was the only thing he could do.

  The phone started up again, and Claire stirred beneath his hand.

  “Yours or mine?” Her voice was sharp, with no sign of morning grogginess.

  “Mine. Probably my boss.”

  Gunner leaned over the edge of the bed, fishing the phone out of the pocket of his jeans. He answered it. “Yeah.”

  “Gunner? Where the hell are you? And what the hell have you done now?” barked Reece.

  “I’m…out of town. Vacation day.”

  Claire was sitting up beside him now, knees pulled up to her chest, sheet wrapped tightly around her body.

  “I repeat - what the hell have you done?”

  “I haven’t done anything.”

  “Some asshole with a broken nose was here, yesterday, looking for you. Said you took something that belongs to him.”

  Gunner frowned and beside him, Claire tensed. He glanced at her, frown deepening. She’d either picked up on his body language, or she could hear Reece’s side of the conversation. Being a shifter, he bet it was both.

  “Took what?”

  “Damn it, Gunner, stop playing games!” Reece’s voice dropped. “He was a shifter. You know exactly what the hell I’m talking about.”

  “Yeah. Well, it’s complicated, okay? How did he find the shop, anyway?”

  “He said someone at the diner recognized you, remembered the bike, then he tracked you back here.”

  Gunner sighed. “Great. What else did he say?”

  “He said you were a dead man.” Reece laughed coldly.

  “And why is that funny?” Gunner asked dryly.

  “It’s just that he was such a cocky, little bastard, all covered in blood and wearing that damn sissy suit. Couldn’t really take him seriously right then. I actually kicked his ass out of the shop.” The laughter trailed off. “Of course, now appears that you’re going to be in deep shit with Malone.”

  Reece’s stomach dropped. “He knows?”

  “I believe so. And, when your Alpha finds out you’ve pissed off another clan’s Alpha, or at least that Alpha’s son, nothing good can come out of that. I’m gonna ask you again, Gunner, what did you do?”

  Gunner turned to Claire, who looked worried. “I helped someone who needed me, Reece. And… I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

  “Yeah, but-”

  He hung up on Reece, knowing that he wouldn’t understand. Plus, he didn’t feel like getting lectured. Gunner turned off the ringer, knowing that he’d be getting more phone calls.

  “He found you…that means he’ll find me.” Fear coated Claire’s voice.

  He tossed the phone onto the floor, and turned back to her. “No. Reece doesn’t know where I am. He doesn’t even know about the cabin.”

  “He’s not just your boss though, right? He’s part of your clan.”

  “Yeah. He’s family. But not part of my real family.” Gunner shrugged. “You’re not the only one with a complicated life. Most of my clan’s dead. Reece took me in when I was a teenager. We’re not related by blood, but he’s like a father to me.”

  “So, you’re adopted?”

  “Sort of. Anyway, this cabin was owned by my real family and passed down to me. It’s my safe haven. Anyway, I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. Reece doesn’t know about it.”

  “Is there a reason why you didn’t tell Reece? Don’t you trust him?”

  Gunner thought about it. “I trust Reece with my life, and have done so many times. Probably will again. But this…” He looked past her at the small cabin, now strewn with clothes, and the remnants of last night’s dinner, taking it all in. “You know how when you have something you love, something you shared with one other person? And then that person is gone, and all you have left is that special thing? This is the last thing I shared with my dad.”

  “And if you shared it with Reece, then it wouldn’t belong to just you, and your dad?”

  “Yeah. Something like that.”

  Claire reached out, and took his hand. “But now you’ve shared it with me.” Her voice was soft.

  Gunner turned, catching her look. “I did.”

  “And that changes things? I mean, with the cabin?”

  “It does. But in a different way.”

  “How?”

  He stared at her. Claire’s eyes were different in the morning light, the black edge softer, the lashes a dark sable against her pale skin. And freckles…there was a dusting across the bridge of her nose. Something else he’d missed during his stolen glances of her at the diner. The tantalizing thought passed thro
ugh his mind: how many other things were there to discover about Claire?

  “Gunner…different how?” she asked.

  It took a considerable force of will to pull his mind back from the depths of her eyes. “I wanted to share this with you. I’m not sure why, but I just did. I know we barely know each other, but there is something about you that makes me want to trust you in a way that I haven’t ever trusted another shifter.” He shrugged, a smile curving his lips. “I can’t really explain it. I suck at this.”

  He saw tears well in her eyes, and for the second time in twenty-four hours, he pulled her into his arms. “That was supposed to make you feel better, not make you cry.”

  Claire smiled through her tears. “It’s just…you’re so nice, you know? I haven’t exactly met a man like you before… and you definitely do not suck at this.”

  He chuckled, and it was a low rumble that sent a ripple of heat up her spine. “That’s probably the first time someone’s called me nice, but I’ll take it.”

  “I find that very hard to believe.”

  His smile was slow and lazy. His eyes slipped slowly down from her face, lingering somewhere else. The sheet had slipped from her shoulders, one breast partly uncovered, round and full, the hard nipple poking against the sheet. His hips flexed in response.

  Speaking of hard, he thought.

  “My turn with the compliments. Anyone ever tell you you’re beautiful in the morning?” Gunner asked.

  “Not like you,” she whispered.

  His eyes dropped to her mouth, taking in the contours of full lips. Her lower lip was plump, just a bit fuller than the top, and suddenly he wanted to run his tongue across that lip. He leaned forward, hesitated, then brushed his lips slowly across hers, his tongue stroking along that luscious lower lip.

  Claire let out a sigh, but didn’t pull back. Instead, she kissed him back, with fire and passion.

  He lost himself completely as their mouths explored each other’s. After a long, long time Gunner pulled away, looking down at her. He knew what he wanted, but he wasn’t sure she was ready. “We should probably stop before…”