The Reaper's Daughter (Book 1 Soldiers Series)

14

Jess traced her finger over Mace’s bare chest. He squirmed taking her hand in his with a chuckle. “Cut that out. It tickles.”

Jess lay down in his arms resting her head against his shoulder. “You’re covered in tats just like my dad.” She commented inspecting the detailed designs that covered his arms and torso.

“Yeah well, that’s not uncommon around here. Most Soldiers have a few.”

Jess tilted her face up to look Mace in the face. “What exactly do you do for the Soldiers? I mean you had said that this dealing thing is just petty cash so what is it that makes you able to order all those other guys around?”

“You mean the ones from the van?” He clarified.

“Yeah.”

“Well, it’s a matter of rank. They start as want-to-be’s, running little jobs for real members in hopes that they’ll get inducted. Once you’re in it is sort of like the army. You become a grunt, and your rank is directly based on your importance to the Veteran that inducted you. Just like the army, the higher you move up, the more power you have.”

“What are you?”

“I’m more like a General. I take my orders from the men that were in the club where you met Luda. They’re like Field Marshals the only step up from there is Veteran.”

“How do you become a Veteran?” Jess asked propping herself up on his chest; her long hair draped over them both.

Mace laughed. “No Boo, you can’t become a Veteran. You are. The Veterans are the founding members. You either are or aren’t one. Technically you father is one. Even though he doesn’t hold a command here.”

“I see.”

“I do as Luda instructs, mostly I act as a representative to the people for Luda. I’m his connection to some big names in LA and pretty much accepted by many of the other Veteran’s so I act as go-between.” Mace explained moving Jess aside and sat up. “I’m starving Boo, what about you?”

“A bit.” She smiled laying back watching Mace get up and walked about the room picking his clothes for the day. She had spent every day since they arrived in Los Angeles with Mace in an exciting whirlwind of lust and seeing the sights. As Jess watched him dress she felt her belly flutter and her lips curved in a content smile. She was enjoying herself too much with this man; sometimes she could not help but feel guilty.

Once or twice while they were out she had thought of running or alerting a cop, but then Mace had distracted her with some expensive shiny bobble or suggested a trip to an amazing location, and she found herself wanting to stay. However, Jess was finding more and more that all he had to do was smile at her or take her hand affectionately in his and she melted losing all will to escape him. Could it be that she had gone past merely staying on his good side and fallen for this man?

Mace came to the bed and leaned over to kiss the side of her neck. “What do you say we hit the beach today? I can’t wait to get you into that little fly bikini.” Jess giggled smiling at him with schoolgirl's eyes.

Oh, dear god, she had.

***

Jess sat propped on her knees in the passenger’s seat of Mace’s silver Mercedes-Benz. He had put the top down so she could have an unobstructed view of the sights. He had spent the last few days showing Jess around town, showing her Hollywood and the Walk of Fame. The Chinese Theatre and the movie studios, where he did a few on the side transactions with a few of his more discreet clientele. Hell, he even went on the tours and did all that touristy crap he hated so much. It was strange, but when he held her hand, it did not bug him anymore. Mace found he just liked to see Jess smile.

He took her shopping buying her everything she could want. An outfit or two complete with his choice of lingerie and a flattering bikini he could not wait to see her in. Jess’ dark hair flapped in the wind as the car sped towards the beach. Mace found her to be an enchanting sight. Her smile wide and her laugh excited, it was difficult to remind himself she was still a hostage. Their relationship had moved beyond that at some point when he had not been paying attention.

Both had been true to their words, Jess never once tried to run or cause undue attention to them as she promised and in turn, he took her out and gave her whatever she asked. As he pulled in to the beach parking lot, Jess began to strip her clothes off in her seat. The sexy little burgundy bikini already on underneath and it was all Mace could do to restrain himself from jumping her right there.

After he put the top up and locked the doors, Mace retrieved their towels from the trunk and walked with Jess out onto the sand. Staking out a spot they laid out the towels and Mace stripped down to the swim trunks. Jess’ eyes racked over his formed abs and solid chest a sly smile on her pretty face. Jess looked so good in that tiny bikini. He did not think he would ever get used to seeing her half-naked; the sight always took his breath away. Tucking his cellphone under his clothes, he clapped his hands together and with a gleaming smile said. “Now let’s get wet.”

Jess brushed passed him with a teasing gleam in her dark eyes. “I already am.” She whispered moving toward the water. Turned on Mace jogged down the beach after Jess catching her at the edge of the water and scooping her up over his shoulder causing her to squeal. After a few steps into the deeper water, Mace threw Jess in the cool ocean. She scrambled to her feet spitting salt water and brushing the sloping wet hair from her face. “Oooo, that was cold.” She complained between chattering teeth.

“Give it a few minutes you’ll warm up.” He grinned lowering himself into the cool water as he moved toward her. She slammed her hands into the water splashing him, again and again, laughing and trying to back away out of his reach; the density of the water offered resistance to her flight. Mace reached out and gripped Jess’ shoulders pushing her under the water. Jess popped up sputtering and pushing her hair aside. “That will teach you.” He teased splashing her. She looked lovely all shimmering wet the sun gleaming off her dark hair. Her charming smile is brighter than the rays of the sun. Mace loved to see her smile; he loved it even more when it was he who made her smile.

They frolicked in the waves for the afternoon swimming and chasing each other under water. Jess was an excellent swimmer when Mace would finally catch her she would kiss his mouth and wriggle out of his grasp. She was a tremendous tease, and it drove him mad with lust. Mace swam after Jess again catching her he spun her around to claim his prize. This time he would not let her wriggle away. Her hands pressed against his chest pushing against him as his arms closed tight around her waist crushing her against him. His tongue swept her mouth hungrily drawing a sigh of pleasure from Jess’ parted lips.

Jess’ arms wrapped around his neck, her fingers playing with the ends of his tightly bound hair. His moustache tickled her nose causing her to giggle. His skin suddenly felt on fire as Mace’s hands combed her body. She knew how to touch him to make his pulse flutter. He wanted Jess, he always wanted her, and when he pressed his solid arousal hard against her belly Jess’ head fell back with a gasp. Mace’s fingers traced down her throat his lips following close behind. “Mace no.” Jess moaned closing her fingers around his when his hand cupped her breast.

“I want you.” He whispered through a throaty groan.

“Please there are people around, someone will see us.” She protested.

“No one will watch.” He teased, his hand sliding down her waist to her hips. Hooking his finger in the side of her swimsuit, he slowly lowered the lower half.

“Mace no.” Jess asserted her will forcing him off her.

Mace took a deep calming breath, his frustration gritting his teeth. Not used to being told no, Mace always got what he wanted, and he wanted her. Why was she difficult? Forcing a smile, Mace glanced at the beach where a group of people had begun a game of volleyball. “Fine, I’ll wait but I’m going to need to run out some energy or I can’t be held accountable for my actions. Do you know how to play?” He asked nodding toward the net that was erected.

They joined in on the game. Running around with the others on the beach, they played opposite each other making side bets as to whose team would win. The winner would collect in the bedroom. They played until the sunset. After the game, Mace walked up the beach to get some water. The active hours had dehydrated him, and a fresh bottle of cold water was very much needed.

He returned moments later with two bottles to find Jess stretched out over her towel with one of her male teammates standing over her. His flirtatious grin is causing Mace to clench his fist. He recognized the look in the young man’s eyes and instantly knew what was on his mind. Hell, it was the same thing that had been on Mace’s mind from the moment he met Jess and every moment after. The girl was a man magnet; she just radiated s****l appeal.

Mace stalked over to them hearing Jess politely turn the man’s offer down. When the guy knelt taking hold of her hand to coax her up, Mace flipped out. How dare he even consider touching Jess. Mace tossed down the bottles he held and grabbed the man by the shoulders. Mace tossed him aside stepping between Jess and her pursuer. By now Jess had scrambled to her feet. “I believe she said no, now hit the bricks boy,” Mace growled.

“I can handle this.” Jess tried to intervene finding herself ignored by both men.

“I don’t see your name written anywhere on her.” The competition scowled. “She’s free to check out the alternatives.”

“Keep your hands and eyes to yourself,” Mace warned.

“Make me.”

“Mace no,” Jess said reaching for his arm.

Mace’s hand came up so fast Jess barely saw it coming before his fist connected with the side of the young man’s head dropping him to the sand on his hands and knees. Mace stepped forward and kicked him hard in the rips. A loud grunt came from the man’s mouth as he fell over, his friends coming to his defence. Mace spun around casting a look of warning against any interference. All assistance ceased once they caught sight of the Soldier’s crest on Mace’s shoulder. Any Los Angeles resident knew better than to oppose a Soldier. The small crowd stood by idly praying for the foolish man taking the beating.

“You must not be from around here boy. If you were you’d have known better than to poach my girl. Either that are you have got a death wish.” Mace snarled kicking him once more causing him to roll. Mace reached down grabbing a handful of the man’s hair and hoisted him to his knees.

“Stop it!” Jess yelled at Mace. “Stop it right now!”

Blind with jealousy Mace dragged the man by his hair to the water pushing him into the waves. The crowd followed with Jess hot on his heels. Mace pushed his head under the water holding him down while the man clawed at his arms. He pulled the man up for air and punched him again. “Don’t cross a Soldier.” He growled shoving him back under the water. His strength overpowered the wounded man in his hands who thrashed and struggled against Mace with no luck.

Jess waded out into the water grabbing Mace’s arm futilely trying to pull him off. “Please, no don’t kill him.” She begged, pulling on his arms. She beat her fists against his shoulders trying to break his blind rage. “Mace stop it, you’ll kill him, please!” Jess placed her hand on the side of his face bringing Mace out of his murderous haze. When he looked at her, she stroked his cheek trying to calm him. “Please let’s go. Leave him; you’ve made your point, he won’t do it again. Please, Mace, don’t kill him, let’s go home and have supper, we’ll fool around, watch a game. Please don’t kill him…” She begged, noting that his hold had not let up at all, “for me.”

Suddenly Mace released him and the man splashed and struggled to get to his feet gasping for air and coughing up water. “Say thank you to the girl,” Mace demanded. “If it weren’t for her you would be dead.”

The man struggled to keep his balance in the waves and in a shaky hoarse cough he thanked Jess and moved as quickly as he could toward the shore. Mace stalked back to the shore with Jess’ hand tight in his frustrated and furious. Never before today had he ever just let some punk go after challenging him. Jess had denied him his pleasure earlier that day and now his revenge. Reaching the beach, he scooped up their things and yanked on her arm pulling her towards the beach parking lot.

Reaching the car Mace unlocked the door and shoved Jess inside slamming the door only seconds after she moved her feet. She glared at him as he walked around the hood of the car and got inside. After shutting the door, Mace started the engine but much to his surprise Jess lunged at him. Pounding her little fists against his shoulders and chest. Mace took hold of her wrist shoving her back against the seat. “You almost killed him! What’s wrong with you?” She shrieked.

“Hello, did you forget what I am? You better appreciate that I have never let anyone go after challenging me. Like it or not Jess, first and foremost I am a Soldier. I cheat, steal, and break every law you can think of… and yes, Princess, I also kill people if I must.” He snarled slamming his fists against the steering wheel still furious about the fight and wishing he had drowned that man. He did not understand why he let him go, why did he release that man when Jess asked him too?

“I see, so in short you’re just a savage bully.” She accused. “I turned a blind eye to all the other horrible things you’ve done, dealing, kidnapping, but I’ll be damned before I forgive murder.”

“You don’t have a choice Boo. Here in LA, you don’t have a say.”

“Fine!” She snapped folding her arms angrily across her chest. “Then maybe I just won’t speak to you anymore.” She threatened.

“Great, you can start now.” He snarled. Jess’ mouth open to say something but thinking twice it snapped shut without a sound. She turned to look out the window giving Mace her back.

They drove back to his apartment in silence. Neither willing to be the first to break the silence. Mace could not look at Jess. He had calmed down during the ride and felt like a monster. He must have appeared like a lunatic to her. An innocent woman whose most violent experience before him had been X-box games. His world was drastically different than the one she grew up in; he lived by a whole different set of rules and values that she had been raised with.

Mace had lived his whole life in a kill or be killed world. In his world image and respect was everything. By creating a dangerous front, he had managed to stay alive and even prosper. He came from a violent world and whether she liked it or not it was a part of who he was. Mace had been trying to prevent that man from taking Jess away from him and in his jealousy, he had driven her away himself. She would never feel comfortable around him again. Then again, he had held a gun to her head when they first met, and he still won her over, maybe things were not as hopeless as he thought.

More importantly, he wondered why he even cared what she thought of him. He had just been following orders, showing Jess the benefits of the lifestyle, money and stars, getting everything you could want. Everything he had done was in an attempt to tie Jess to the Soldiers. Was it possible his efforts had backfired on him? He looked at Jess and realized that at some point in the last week he had fallen for her and fallen hard. Parking the car Mace looked at Jess his eyes warm. “I’m sorry Boo. I shouldn’t have lost my temper. I just saw him touching you and…” He looked away, his gaze lowered in shame. He could not believe he was apologizing it was not his style. “I just got so jealous.”

Jess smirked, it was odd, but for some reason, she found his explanation flattering. Jess stepped out of the car tying her towel around her waist. Mace climbed out and locked up. Jess took his hand in hers, her soft fingers closing around his much larger hand. Did she forgive him, he wondered letting her lead him toward the door. He unlocked the security door and once inside Jess stood up on her tiptoes to kiss him.

“Does that mean I am forgiven?” Mace asked placing his arms around her. She felt good against him, satisfying his long-standing craving to hold her. Jess’ lips brushed his in the answer, and Mace crushed his mouth to hers. His hands stroked her back feeling the ends of her hair against his fingers. He could wait no longer. He wanted her, wanted to be inside her. Gripping Jess’ bottom, Mace lifted her against him, her legs wrapping around his hips.

Carrying Jess in his arms, Mace devoured her hot mouth as he stumbled up the steps. Her hands glided over his head as her mouth moved over his neck. A faint moan escaped his mouth as she sucked on his neck and earlobe. On the second story landing, Mace stumbled up against the wall crushing her between him and the drywall. His hand cupped her breast massaging and rubbing his thumb over the thin fabric of her bikini. Her head fell back against the wall with a sigh.

Placing her hands against the wall, Jess pushed them away signalling Mace she was ready to keep going. Supporting her bottom, he continued up the next flight dropping to his knees on the final flight as he braced her face between his palms pinned her against the steps. His arousal bursting at the seams of his swim trunks, Mace wanted Jess right there right then.

Jess squirmed out from under Mace giggling. On her hands and knees, she crawled up the rest of the steps. She ran down the hall to his apartment door with Mace right behind her. Opening the door, they stumbled inside and fell to the floor. The phone was ringing. Looking up at the phone on the wall Mace groaned trying to decide to answer it or not. Moving to his knees to get up Jess rammed her shoulder into him knocking him over. Pulling the strings on the sides of her swimsuit Jess let the bikini fall off.

The floor was cool against his back Mace watched Jess’ hands slid up the inside of his thighs while she crawled slowly up to mount him. Her eyes held his with a brazen wicked smile. “Leave it.” She purred. His head fell back against the floor; the ringing phone vanquished from his mind. His body trembling, she had a natural talent for exciting him, Mace was sure someone in heaven loved him for having sent him Jess.

His fingers tangled in her hair. Making a fist, he pulled her head up, forcing her off him. “Get up here.” He ordered. A smile turned up the corners of her mouth as she obediently straddled him.

Suddenly his cellphone began ringing. He stared at the cell lying on the floor just out of reach. He should answer it, he thought but he supposed whomever it would call back. Mace wrapped his arm around Jess’ waist and rolled pinning her beneath him he ravaged the wanton vixen. He slipped into her, Jess’ back arching as she clawed at his back, harder and deeper until he exploded. An incredibly maddening release that drained all the tension from his body.

His phone rang again, and Mace swore. The persistent calling was starting to irritate him, Mace sat up and reached for his cell. He answered the call and held it to his ear. Jess hung off him leaving a trail of kisses over his shoulders and back. “This had better be good.” He answered with a smile.

His good mood instantly gone when Luda’s voice came over the phone line bringing him back to the harsh reality of their situation. “He’s here. It’s time to go to work.”