Menace to Society

Menace To Society

By

Caitlyn Willows

Copyright 2017 – Caitlyn Willows

Cover Artist: Scott Carpenter

Editor: Ann Curtis

All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the original purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without prior written permission from the author. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

Image/art disclaimer: Licensed material is being used for illustrative purposes only. Any person depicted in the licensed material is a model.

This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Warning

This book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. The author’s books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

DISCLAIMER: Please do not try any new sexual practice, especially those that might be found in BDSM titles without the guidance of an experienced practitioner. The author is not responsible for any loss, harm, injury, or death resulting from use of the information contained in any of its titles.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

About The Author

Chapter One

Lance folded his hands behind his head and stared at the ceiling. How the hell did Tony expect him to sleep on the living-room sofa when the room was ablaze from the glare of what felt like a thousand night-lights? He was all for safety, but his brother had a light plugged into every other outlet. Lance’s own setup was a modest one-per-room. At least the sofa was comfortable, and he’d had clean workout clothes in his go-bag. That kept him from having to sleep in jeans or his suit. A suit he really hadn’t needed to wear today because he’d yet to be called to testify in court for the Marquez case.

He hated that his new homicide case had been entangled with Tony’s undercover work for the FBI. It blurred work and personal lines. Dread coiled up his spine at the mere hint of anything undercover. He’d done his time in the trenches during his stint with the DEA, trying to bring down drug cartels, and was all too aware of the way juggling two personalities ate at a man’s soul. Being undercover had swallowed him whole and then spit him out, leaving him nothing more than a husk of his former self. Resigning was the smartest thing he’d ever done—a move that had landed him at the LAPD in record time. He’d spent the years since then trying to reclaim who he was inside. It was a long, sometimes painful process he’d yet to master.

On the surface, Tony seemed to have a better handle on the job than he did. Lance was grateful for that. He didn’t want his brother to suffer like he had. Tony knew he could come to him if things got too rough. Judging from how crazy in love his brother was over his latest girlfriend, Lance bet it wouldn’t be long before Tony left undercover work behind permanently. Watching your own ass was one thing. Having to worry about threats to the woman you loved—entirely different. And Lance could tell there was a lot of love between Tony and Blythe Smithers. He was determined to see that they got their happily-ever-after and all the kids that went with it. He’d sleep over until all possible threats to Blythe and, by extension, her best friend, Eileen, were past. He’d just rather be sleeping in the spare bedroom’s king-size bed rather than the sofa—a bed currently occupied by said best friend. Having Eileen Cronkite curled next to him in that bed would be sweet too.

Heat raced from his belly down to his groin, hardening his cock. Eileen had caught his attention from the second he’d seen her jaywalking across the busy street in a desperate attempt to reach Blythe. Her devotion to her friend was admirable. Her traffic violation, not so much. Lance should have had one of the patrolmen issue her a citation. He’d been too caught up in the way she’d appraised him through her big blue eyes to do much more than return her attention. Not to mention he’d been too hard to risk moving and broadcasting his predicament to the world. Other images rushed in, purely fantasy. Him cuffing her wrists behind her back and giving her a body check she’d treasure for the rest of her days and would leave her begging for more. Her over his knee, taking heat of another kind for her later traffic violations—pushing the speed limit, changing lanes without signaling.

Well, fuck.

He scrubbed his hand down his face. Now he had something else to keep him awake. At least this was a problem easily solved. Lance swung his feet onto the floor.

And I can unplug these damn lights when I come back.

He started to stand when movement near his destination caught his eye—Eileen. His racing heart pumped more blood south. She made him crave things he’d long since given up. Crazy sex things he’d kept bottled up inside because... Well, it was better that way, even if he was miserable in forcing himself to do so. But Eileen? Damn, the woman was a thousand ways hot. The way she looked at him made him feel like a man—the man he once was before that god-awful mistake occurred.

He watched her easy stride as she headed his way, dressed in a loose turquoise tank top and shorts that showed off legs his body demanded be wrapped around his waist. Lance bunched the covers over his lap to hide his erection. Eileen jerked to a stop at the end of the hallway.

Oh. You’re up.

It was beyond tempting to show her how much. To let her have her way with him...and vice versa. Gut instinct told him she’d be hell on wheels in the sack.

Hard to sleep with all these lights. I was about to unplug them. He gestured toward the purse slung over her shoulder. Leaving?

She released a long breath as she stepped into the room. I think I forgot to feed my fish in our haste to get me packed. They need to eat. They’ve been traumatized enough for one day.

So had she, for that matter. Well, maybe traumatized was too strong a word—mortified and embarrassed was more like it. She’d been played and used by a former lover. It didn’t matter that her brief involvement with the jerk had given Tony clues he’d needed to break his case. Lance had hated the shift in her demeanor when she’d revealed her association with the suspect. Sexy, flirty Eileen had been displaced by defensive Eileen. Her walls had slammed between her and everyone else around her. All he’d wanted to do was to tell her it was okay, to get her to lower her shields and let him in. Now was his chance.

It was one of the first things you did when we walked into your apartment. The action is most likely so much a part of your routine that you did so out of habit.

A sigh lifted her shoulders. She glanced at a point across the room and rubbed her thumb over the purse strap. Had she been sitting, she would have been filing her nails. It hadn’t taken him long to realize the action was her security blanket whenever she was stressed or upset. He wondered if she’d been using the fish as an excuse to leave, but since she didn’t have her laptop tote and overnighter with her, Lance tossed those thoughts aside.

Today’s events have you antsy?

She shifted her gaze to his. Her eyes were wide, as if surprised.

Yes. Like the walls are closing in.

He appreciated her honesty but was greedy enough to want to see the lust in her eyes again.

I hear you on that. He patted the cushion next to him. You’re not sleeping any more than I am. Come sit and keep me company. We can get to know each other. In every way possible.

She dropped her purse against the nearest wall, kicked off her sandals, and walked over. Lance scooted a little to one side to give her some space. Eileen curled into the corner like a cat settling in for the night. He caught a glimpse of her toenails. She’d polished them a frosty red that matched her beautiful fingernails. God, he loved her nails. Visions of her raking them over his body tripled his predicament below the belt. This time he didn’t bother to hide it. He had an agenda now—getting her in bed.

She draped her arm over the back of the sofa and leaned his way. No cloying scents surrounded him, only a freshness he’d come to associate with her. If an exuberance for life had a smell, this would be it.

Do you really think Blythe and I are in danger?

No. There was little question in his mind about that. This is Tony’s case, and we play by his rules. If you want to go home, I’ll be glad to go with you. I’ll even stay for your peace of mind. And that’s not a come-on. It’s a genuine offer.

Really? Not even a little bit of a come-on?

Eileen glanced at his erection. She took her time about it too. Images of her dragging the waistband of his shorts down for an up-close-and-personal inspection hardened him even more. By slow degrees she dragged her gaze up his body. A lascivious smile lifted one corner of her mouth, highlighting lips that begged to be kissed. He bet she’d be fun in bed, giving as much as she got. Women like that were rare. He intended to savor every second—if he got the chance. He’d do his damnedest to see he got one.

I see my work here is done for the moment. Smirking, she eased back into the corner.

Baby, you’re not even close to being done. We’re just getting started.

Lance followed her lead and moved to the opposite corner. He stretched his legs into the space between them and draped his arm over the back of the sofa. He’d let body language do the talking for him—come get me.

You said something earlier to Blythe that you were worried about the clients you have coming in tomorrow. What do you do?

I’m a CPA and a forensic accountant. I own Only Numbers.

There was a well-deserved hint of pride in her voice. Only Numbers had a stellar reputation. Though Lance did his own taxes, he recommended the business to those freaked out by the process or needing financial advice.

Right next to Carmelita’s, he said.

Best Mexican restaurant ever, they said in unison.

I swear the woman is determined to put twenty pounds on me. Eileen patted her belly.

You and me both. I’m there way too much.

Me too. Lydia and I are there every day for lunch. During the crazy days of tax season, Carmelita will bring food over. She tilted her head to one side. Odd that we’ve never run into each other there.

I could get all metaphysical on you and say it wasn’t time for us to meet until now. A better and more truthful response is that I’m the guy wolfing down my lunch with my partner, then dashing out the door for the next call.

Her expression sobered. Hard job.

True. There was no sense lying about it.

I didn’t see a partner with you today.

Because you only had eyes for me? Lance ordered his mouth to not speak those words. Rick took a personal day for a doctor’s appointment. To get his high blood pressure under control. A high-stress job and four kids under ten had taken a toll, not to mention the fact he ate crap.

I see. She nodded slowly. Since I don’t see a ring, I’m guessing you’re not married.

Divorced. No kids. It was a mutual decision.

The divorce or the no kids?

He hated to reveal that he and Sheila hadn’t talked about kids before marriage, and they should have, since they were on opposite sides. He wanted them. She didn’t. Hell, he could write a book about the things they’d never discussed. He’d spent too many years behind his own walls. If he didn’t let his guard down, he was never going to be himself again either.

The divorce, he finally replied. Although the fact she didn’t want kids would have eventually split us up anyway. She wasn’t cut out to be a cop’s wife. Long hours. Too much worry. She wanted a nine-to-five guy. No kids. We’re still friendly.

Eileen didn’t need to know they still hooked up from time to time. There was only so much sharing he could do at the moment. Her knowing he still fucked his ex on occasion wasn’t going to win him points.

I sure understand long hours. Eileen slowly shook her head. Tax season is a killer. I’ve dated a couple of men who wanted me at their beck and call. Needless to say, the relationships weren’t long-lived. Too much energy with not enough return.

Family?

Dad’s a veterinarian. Mom’s a registered nurse. My younger brother and sister work with my dad. You? Any other brothers or sisters?

Dad owns a construction business. Mom owns a bakery with her sisters—Three Sisters. Two other brothers besides Tony. Both married with children. They work with Dad. I’m the good-looking one.

She snickered. Three Sisters is sinfully delicious. Are you the fun uncle?

That would be Tony. I’m the uncle who makes things better.

Damn, Lance.

Eileen pressed her fingers against her throat as she looked away. Her reaction slammed into his heart. She shook her head a little, then faced him.

Need a hug? he asked. Again, not a come-on, merely the offer of comfort.

I think your friend would disagree. She pointed to his erection.

Ah, don’t listen to him. He swept his hand through the air. He and my mouth get me into more trouble.

Eileen’s giggle made him smile.

So far, so good. Your words took me by surprise and hit a deep spot inside. I really like kids and animals. Most guys would brag about roughhousing with kids. But you give them—

She fanned her hands over her eyes, blinking rapidly. Lance sat up and wrapped a hug around her. Eileen curled into him, burrowing her head against his shoulder. Damn, she felt sweet. He eased back into his corner, taking her with him. She nuzzled closer, giving him a taste of what it’d feel like when they were naked and body to body.

You’re very good at this hugging thing, she murmured.

I’ve had a lot of practice. The urge to drop a kiss on top of her head consumed him.

I imagine so in your line of work.

He added another plus beside her name. Eileen understood what he dealt with, but he also didn’t want her dwelling on it.

Very true, he told her. But most of the time if I’m dealing with a crying woman, it’s because I’ve said or done something wrong.

Her unrestrained laughter rained over him. If Tony and Blythe were awake, they would have heard. Lance didn’t give a damn.

Eileen lifted her head. Their gazes locked.

I’ll consider myself duly warned.

She placed her palm dead center on his chest, right over his pounding heart.

So, what would a come-on from you sound like?

I’m pretty direct. I don’t like games. I prefer to make things very clear so there are no misunderstandings. Once burned, twice shy.

Doesn’t that take some of the fun out of it?

You tell me. Lance poised his lips over hers. I’m going to kiss you. Yes?

Yes. Please.

Her response came out as a whisper over his mouth seconds before they closed the distance between them. His heart kicked into overdrive. The woman damn sure knew how to kiss, giving to him what Lance gave to her—that gentle glide of tongue over tongue that deepened with each tick of the clock. The sensation went beyond anything he’d experienced in his past encounters. Saying it felt as if they’d kissed a thousand times would have been trite. Those words didn’t come close to describing how it felt. They kissed as if they knew each other inside and out, as if they were one. They eased apart simultaneously, staring into each other’s eyes.

Eileen traced her index finger over his mouth. A pity you don’t play games.

"There are games, and then there are games."

He sucked the digit deep. Her little squeak shot fire to his cock. He twirled his tongue around her finger as he released it.

Oh my, she gasped. Are we done getting to know each other? Because I’m torn between sitting astride your lap and getting us both off or seeing how long it will take for the presumably good-looking gentleman you’ve got down there to have his way with me.

Boy, the mischief in her eyes.

I’m hearing yes to the sex.

He hated a past mistake had made him so cautious. Lance also knew how ridiculous he sounded. Judging from the hint of a frown forming between her eyebrows, he suspected Eileen was probably ready to call it quits on the whole deal. He’d hate it if that happened, because she was the hottest woman he’d ever seen.

That depends. She tilted her head a little. Condoms?

I’ve got one in my wallet and more in my go-bag. His eyebrows inched closer. Are you telling me you don’t have any?

Eileen rubbed her palm over his hard nipple. Tiny shockwaves zinged downward.

It’s a test. You passed. If a man doesn’t respect me enough to bring his own, it’s a deal breaker.

Really? He brushed his hands over her hips. I would think a bigger test would be to see how well he might satisfy you without one. And you him.

Oh my, she said softly. I do believe I hear experience talking. What other treats do you have in your arsenal of pleasure?

He dug his fingers into her ass. I can’t reveal all my skills on a first—I can’t really call this a date.

How about our first adventure?

She slid her fingers under his T-shirt and raked her nails up his stomach. It was all he could do not to come.

I love how you feel beneath me. She shoved the T-shirt higher. All that power barely leashed. A lesser man would have taken charge by now.

Eileen flicked her tongue around one nipple and rolled the other between her thumb and forefinger. He closed his eyes on a gasp and rubbed his cock against her, loving the little sound of pleasure deep in her throat. He loved a woman who liked to give as well as receive. Most lay there, expecting a guy to do all the work, which was okay. Sex was sex, and even if he’d craved more, it was better than no sex. But there were times the lack of participation rendered him impotent, reminding him too much of things he desperately wanted to forget.

Lance arched his neck as she trailed her tongue up his throat. She paused at the point of his chin but moved no farther. Opening his eyes, he saw her scowling toward the hall. He knew before he looked that Blythe was standing there. She stood braced against the wall, arms crossed. The only thing missing was foot-tapping. He’d bet Tony wasn’t far behind. Lance didn’t know what the fuck their problem was, and really didn’t care.

A word, please, she said to Eileen, then turned and walked away.

Eileen didn’t budge...until Tony filled the gap, assuming a position identical to his girlfriend’s.

I suppose you want a word as well. Lance let sarcasm weigh his words. He’d save irritation and anger until he and his brother were alone. He gave Eileen’s ass a gentle squeeze and whispered, This won’t take long.

She pulled away, raked her fingers through her long dark hair, and marched toward the spare bedroom where Blythe waited. Lance didn’t bother to hide his hard-on. He launched himself to his feet and charged Tony as Tony did him.

What the fuck is your problem? they said at the same time.

Have you lost your mind? Tony jerked his arm behind him, pointing down the hallway. "That’s Blythe’s best friend. Since they were kids. If you fuck this up—"

* * * *

Have you lost your mind? Blythe whispered harshly the instant the bedroom door closed. That’s Tony’s brother. You’re my best friend. What do we do when the inevitable happens and you aren’t together anymore—

I’m sure Lance and I can be adult about it and still be in the same room. Eileen tucked her arms over her chest, ready for battle. Why do you automatically think the worst?

Blythe widened her eyes. History? You haven’t had a serious relationship since—

Eileen snapped up her finger. Don’t you dare throw Charlie in my face.

Blythe pulled in a breath and looked everywhere but at Eileen.

This won’t end well. You’re not his type. Tony says he always goes for nice girls, good girls.

She jammed her fists by her sides and stepped into Blythe’s face. Meaning what, exactly?

Meaning you’ve slept with your share of men, she snapped back.

And you haven’t? Don’t get high-and-mighty with me. You apologize right now.

Blythe dropped her gaze. I’m sorry. I love you. Tony loves his brother. I love Tony. I don’t want things to be awkward.

They won’t be. Eileen jerked her head toward the door. I need you to leave. You’ve really hurt my feelings. I can’t be with you right now.

Blythe walked away, then paused at the door. Tony says Lance is very vanilla. I believe that because—

Eileen snapped her arm toward the door. Out.

She sank onto the edge of the bed when the door closed behind Blythe. She must love Tony a lot to pull a stunt like this. Eileen appreciated that, even while she resented the altercation. A good friend would do as she asked, and they’d always been good friends. But there was something about Lance Driscoll that Eileen couldn’t ignore. She’d been drawn to him from the second she’d laid eyes on him. Six feet of solid male suited up for business called to her. That small flash of silver in his blond hair begged her fingers to comb through its strands. She loved how scowly and intense he got when he was in work mode, loved how his gaze stripped her naked when he wasn’t. The fire in his deep brown eyes was undeniable. This was a man who played hard. He felt out of her league, no matter how badly she wanted to be the woman writhing beneath the hard thrust of his body.

A shiver of lust rattled through her. Eileen crossed her legs to quell the ache between them. No, she wasn’t going to miss her chance. They were adults. They could handle a relationship and still be friends when it was over. And it would be over one day. She wasn’t lucky enough in love to snag a guy like Lance, and she certainly didn’t qualify as good-girl material. She worked hard, and she played hard, but mostly she worked hard. The playing hard had gotten old fast. Saying no to a hookup took priority over saying yes. Maybe it was boredom, maybe it was part of growing up, maybe it was because she’d be thirty the day after tomorrow, or a combination of all that. She wanted a change but didn’t know how to make it.

She strode to the bedroom door and dared a peek out. No conversation drifted to her ears. Still, she tiptoed toward the living room, praying Lance hadn’t succumbed to whatever pressure Tony might have placed on him. She saw Lance sitting there, forearms on knees, his fingers laced. His tight body language indicated anger. He glanced up when she reached the end of the hallway. A smile drew up one corner of his mouth. Want replaced irritation.

Eileen walked up to him. You got the lecture as well?

He stood and drew her against him. I did.

Ready to retire to the bedroom? She traced the line bracketing the right side of his mouth.

I am. He took her hand, and they started for the bedroom. I look forward to picking up from where we left off. You were about to have your way with me.

Eileen couldn’t stop the giggles that bubbled up. Oh my goodness, you are too much.

No, seriously.

He closed the bedroom door behind them, drew her into his arms, and walked them toward the big bed.

I’m feeling very vulnerable right now.

Is that what this is called now? She wiggled against his cock.

"Well, you know hard-ons happen for many reasons. I could be in fear of being ravaged, he finished on a whisper, then tumbled them onto the bed with Eileen on top. I only ask that you be gentle with me."

Laughing, she knelt astride his hips. "You are too much."