Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

I have a new job. I start tomorrow.

Jerico read that message and smiled.

"What's up, boss?" Koa asked.

"Good news."

To his amazement, Koa didn't pry. He warned, "Put that phone away and look wiped out or Caden's going to make us run more miles."

Jerico had just stashed his phone back into his duffle when the team chief walked in to join them.

"Jerico? Are you set for the meeting this afternoon?" Caden asked.

"Yes." There was no reason to elaborate. He and Caden had gone over the material the meeting would focus on. "Anyone interested in a barbecue this weekend?"

"Hell, yes," Koa jumped on the offer. "Just tell me where to bring beer."

Jerico laughed. He looked toward each of his teammates and everyone nodded. "My Little will be there and the neighbors will be watching. No drunk streaking down the middle of the road."

When the young man didn't respond for a few seconds, Max jumped in. "Koa…"

"Got it. Old man party."

"Barbecue," Jerico corrected.

"Think of it as team building, Koa," Caden ordered.

"I'm not running while I eat ribs," Koa fired back with a grin.

"Perfect. I'll put you down to bring ribs," Jerico stated, pulling out his phone as if he were really going to make a list.

"I've got my grandma's German potato salad. I'll bring that," Hank volunteered.

"Count on me for dessert," Max called.

"I'll bring veggies—healthy ones not slathered with bacon," Zale said, rolling his eyes.

"Thanks for keeping us healthy, Doc," Jerico told him with a laugh. He didn't add that he was sure that would be the only dish not emptied by the end of the night.

"If the grill will be going, I'll bring jalapeno poppers," Caden offered.

"I'll turn it on for those," Jerico promised.

"I've got the range reserved for us in fifteen minutes. Let's head out," Caden directed. "We're going to try out some new weaponry."

That lit a fire under everyone. Jerico restrained a laugh that threatened to burst from him. This team especially looked at new tools like candy. The difference between achieving their objective and floundering rested on their efforts, but the support of the specialized equipment they had at their disposal was often a major game-changer.

As they jogged out to the range, Hank fell into step beside Jerico. "Thanks for getting us together outside of work. My old team had barbecues often. I've missed them."

"The barbecues or the team?" Jerico probed.

"Both."

"Why did you leave?"

"I did something stupid. Not out in the field, but something important. I said something wrong and scared one of the guys' Littles," Hank explained.

"Another team of Daddy Doms?" Jerico guessed. It didn't surprise him. Most of the soldiers at his level of training and covert operations were alpha males—Dominants with a capital D.

"Yes."

"Tell me it's none of my business if you don't want to talk. How did you lose your little girl?" Jerico asked. Hank was the only one he'd heard talk about having a Little.

"My best memories are of Angie. I still miss her. She was killed in a car wreck while I was deployed," Hank shared. Instantly, pain had etched itself into his face. Jerico knew he'd never gotten over her loss.

"I'm sorry, Hank. I can't imagine how you feel. Are you okay being around Aspen?" Jerico forced himself to ask. He didn't want to hurt his teammate, but he planned for Aspen to be a part of his life forever.

"I enjoy Littles. They're special people. So brave. Even though they're all different, they make you happy just to be around them."

"Any concerns about being with another team of daddies?"

"Only about making sure I don't screw something up again."

Jerico whacked the honest man on the back. "You won't. Thanks for sharing, Hank. It helps me understand you better. Think you'll ever find another Little?"

"No. I think my time is past. Angie still has part of my heart," Hank revealed.

"Hearts have amazing resilience and the ability to love more than one person. Would Angie have wanted you to be alone?"

Hank stared at him as if he'd never thought of that before, dropping his gaze to the road under his feet. They jogged together in silence for several seconds before Hank admitted, "She'd be totally pissed at me."

"That's what I figured. Come on. Let's speed up. Caden alerted me that there's a new sniper scope. I want to try it out before the others."

Hank burst into a full run. Just as Jerico had expected, the team's sniper was determined to be the first. Holding himself slightly back, Jerico let him take the lead. The rest of the team joined him, sensing something important was waiting for them.

Pulling up outside Aspen's work, Jerico scanned the area automatically, looking for threats as he texted her he'd arrived. A shadow moved between the office building and the retail store next door. Without second guessing himself, Jerico flicked a switch to extinguish the inside lights before easing out of his truck in a low crouch. He closed the door with an almost silent click before creeping along the side of the vehicle.

The shadow moved again, allowing Jerico to see that it was a figure lurking by the edge of the building. Aspen would emerge at any second. The other person was closer than he was to the door. He saw a line of light form and grow thicker, signaling that Aspen had pushed the front entryway open.

"Go back inside, Aspen," he called urgently as he ran toward her.

"What?" she questioned, freezing in place.

"Get inside," he yelled.

This time, she followed his directions. With her protected, Jerico turned his attention back to the dark figure, who froze in the shadows. "Leave her alone. This does not end well for you if you don't."

"You won't always be around," the man hissed.

"Count on it. I protect those who are mine."

A snort of disbelief reached Jerico's ears, and he knew this was the pivotal moment. He could take care of any threat, but he wanted to keep violence away from his little girl. Peering through the darkness, he watched closely. The figure receded and disappeared.

"Is everything okay? Should I call the police?" Aspen called.

When he turned, Jerico saw her framed once again in the open doorway. Quickly, he joined her. "Get inside must mean something totally different to you than it does to me, little girl."

"I don't have to do everything you say," she stated and wrinkled her nose at him.

"Sounds like we need to have a little talk."

"A little talk or a Little talk?" she asked, stressing one word to give it a special meaning.

"Both. Come on. I don't trust this guy."

In his truck a short time later. Jerico forced himself to relax as he navigated the deserted roads. He didn't want to carry his stress into such an important conversation. "I'm glad you're finished there. Tell me about your new job."

"I didn't really finish."

"What? You didn't leave a note telling them you have a different job?" Jerico took his gaze off the road to glance at her for a split second.

"I have to give them some notice. I told them I'd finish the week if they needed me to."

"It isn't safe for you downtown, Aspen. Besides, you'll kill yourself working two jobs."

"Only two of the businesses want me to continue this week. The others decided to switch to a company. I'll only need to work like three hours after my day job. It will almost be light when I get off. That guy won't mess with me if there are other people around."

"Did you tell those two offices that someone had attacked you?"

"No," she admitted in a small voice.

"Tell me about your new job." Jerico changed the subject to give her time to think about the risk she was putting herself in.

"It's got normal day hours—seven to four. I've never cleaned a building while people are there."

"Where?"

"The main training center. They said that's where the soldiers have classes. I guess it has some big meeting rooms as well," Aspen shared.

"I'm there often."

"We'll get to see each other?"

"We will."

Silence settled inside the truck as they entered the quiet neighborhood. Jerico heard Aspen yawn and knew she had to be exhausted. He lifted his hand from the steering wheel to wrap around her thigh. She leaned sideways to rest her head against his shoulder.

"I need to tell them I can't be there, don't I?" she asked in a small voice.

"You do. It's not safe."

"If he hadn't been there tonight, it might have been okay, but he was waiting for me."

"I want you far away from him, little girl. Most of the time, people like this don't just go away. If you're there, he's going to find a way. An open side door. A broken window. A trip to the dumpster."

She shivered in the dark. He didn't want to scare her, but this was a dangerous situation. Aspen couldn't return to that building.

"I'll call them tomorrow morning and mail the keys back."

"Thank you. Come on. Let's get you inside," Jerico said, parking his truck in the driveway.

Once inside, Aspen greeted Rexy with pets and kisses. Rexy wasn't as fixated on her tonight. He seemed to be adjusting to living here.

"He's a couch hog," Jerico shared.

"He likes you and wants to be close." Aspen looked up at him and forced herself to be brave. "Can I sleep with you?"

"Too scared to sleep on your own?"

"No. I want to be with you."

"I want to hold you in my arms, too, sleepy little girl. Come on. Did you eat?"

"Yes. I took a sandwich with me."

"Good girl. Go get ready. I'll take Rexy out for one last bathroom stop."

Nodding, she turned to go down the hallway. She grabbed her nightshirt before running to the hall bathroom to brush her teeth and jump in the shower.

When she came out, he stood in the hall in the sleep pants that had shown up in her daydreams a lot. Jerico straightened up away from the wall and held an arm out to her. "Come on, little girl. Let's go to bed."

Aspen walked into his embrace and hugged him tight. His body against hers felt so good. "Thank you for rescuing me."

Jerico leaned down to kiss her softly. Needing more, she rose onto her tiptoes to press her mouth to his. Instant heat flared between them. He stroked a hand up her arm to cup her face, holding her in position as he tasted her deeply. Responding eagerly, Aspen tried to memorize every sensation as she ran her hands over his back and shoulders.

She could feel his body responding. It was a heady feeling. He wanted her.

When he lifted his head to stare down at her, Aspen whispered, "Jerico?"

"I won't be able to walk away if we make love, little girl."

"That doesn't scare me," she assured him. "I didn't think I'd ever meet anyone like you. The fact that you're a daddy makes it even better."

"You won't think that when I spank your bottom the first time," he warned.

"Yes, I will. It just shows how much you care about me."

After studying her face for a few seconds, he leaned over and scooped her into his arms. Carrying her to his already turned-down bed, Jerico placed her carefully on the mattress. He stretched out beside her and leaned forward to capture her lips in a kiss so tender it made her heart ache.

Lifting his head, Jerico brushed a hand through her hair to push it away from her face. "I can't believe I found you, little girl."

The next kiss almost brought tears to her eyes. No one had ever cherished her so much. Aspen wiggled closer. She loved the feel of his hard muscles. She froze when his hand slid down her body to glide under her nightshirt.

Torn between paying attention to the captivating kisses he pressed to the side of her throat and his hand cupping her bare bottom, Aspen gave up trying to concentrate on one and abandoned herself to his caresses. Her hands stroked over his muscular body, loving the feel of his warm skin.

Feeling a puckered, rough line, she pressed a kiss to the scar on his bicep. She had no idea what his job entailed, but knew it was dangerous.

"Stop thinking," Jerico whispered in her ear.

Aspen nodded and followed his command. Lifting her mouth for another kiss, she concentrated only on the feel of their bodies moving together. She gasped into his mouth when his thick thigh slid between her legs to press against her pussy. Moving against him tentatively, she gripped his arms even tighter as tingles of delight quickly gathered between her legs.

The large hand cupping her bottom drew her closer to his hard thigh. Unable to resist, she ground herself against him. Her wetness drenched the thin cotton of his sleep pants quickly.

When his hand left her bottom to stroke up her back, Aspen held her breath. She wanted him to touch her in so many different places. His fingers, slightly rough and weathered, felt wonderful. His hand wrapped around her ribcage, and then Jerico rubbed his thumb over the sensitive underside of her breast. The soft material of her nightshirt slid gently over her nipples.

She wanted more. Grabbing the bottom of her T-shirt rucked up around her waist, Aspen pulled it upward. As she struggled to lift her weight off the material, Jerico helped and easily lifted her torso to ease it from under her. Pulling it over her head, he tossed it away.

"Yours," she told him as she reached for the tied drawstring that rubbed against her tummy. When the pieces tangled, he chuckled and rolled away from her slightly to unknot it.

Rising onto one elbow, Aspen watched as he lifted the material from the bulging shaft inside and pushed his sleep pants over his hips. She sat up and drew the material down his legs and over his feet. After sending the material toward the corner, Aspen focused on his body.

"Holy crap! I don't think that will fit, Jerico."

"Daddy, little girl. And we'll manage just fine."

He chuckled when she continued to look skeptically at him. "Let me show you."

He turned to grab a condom from his nightstand. After ripping it open with his teeth, Jerico rolled it down the length of his thick cock. Why did it look so hot to see him touching himself? Reaching out to run a finger down his shaft, Aspen jumped when his hand wrapped around hers to still her exploration.

"Next time you can play. This time, I'm on a hairline trigger."

Aspen blinked at him. He's that into me?

Before she could say anything, Jerico's biceps bulged attractively as he lifted her up to straddle his body. Drawing a groan from deep inside them both, he settled himself against her pussy. Automatically, she shifted against the hard length, making him slide through her heat.

He felt amazing. Thick and hard, his shaft rubbed her sensitive spots. Suddenly, feeling his girth inside her sounded better.

Jerico rubbed one thumb through her pink folds. "You're so wet, little girl. I think you want me as much as I do you."

She gasped as his rough thumbprint eased over her clit, exploding the need inside her. "Please," she whispered.

"I promise I'll make it even better, sweetheart."

Curling up, Jerico captured one of her nipples in his mouth. The warmth that surrounded her made her shiver as his free hand cupped her breast. Abandoning herself to the avalanche of sensations, Aspen ground herself against his thickness, the tingles of pleasure coalescing quickly to launch her into a massive climax.

Jerico gentled his touch and removed his thumb, understanding when the stimulation became too much. He wrapped his arms around her to support Aspen.

When her gaze once again focused on him, Jerico shifted their bodies. Lifting her to stretch out on the crisp sheets, he moved to kneel between her thighs. He stroked a hand over her body, touching her as he searched for her most sensitive spots until she writhed under him.

"Now, please."

"You ask so politely, little girl. I think that deserves a reward, don't you?"

Her gaze fused with his. She could only nod. She needed him so badly.

He stroked a hand down the center line of her torso. His touch seemed to sizzle on her skin, drawing her attention to her most private place. Without pausing, his fingers glided over her sparse adult hair and into her wetness. The breath caught in her lungs as he traced her drenched opening before pressing two fingers deep into her pussy.

"Ahhh!" escaped from her lips. She closed her eyes, savoring the sensation as he scissored his fingers inside her to stretch her tight channel.

"You're so beautiful, Aspen," he praised.

"Please, Jerico. I need you." She stroked over his chest and abdomen, amazed at the muscles and strength that made up his physique.

"Let's see how well we fit together," he suggested.

She watched as he placed the head of his cock at her entrance and pressed inward. Soon the pressure became too much and her hands tightened on his waist. He wasn't going to fit. Instantly, her heart sank.

Please don't let him reject me because I can't take him.

Her muscles tensed around him, making it impossible for him to advance.

"Little girl. Didn't I tell you to leave this in my hands?" He slowly glided a bit out and ran his thumb over her clit.

Holding her gaze, he waited for her to respond to his caresses before adding, "Take a deep breath and blow it out slowly. Daddy's in charge of taking care of this."

He leaned forward over her, blocking her view of his thick shaft. When she finished her exhale, he allowed her a quick inhale before Jerico kissed her. The hot, searing kisses combined with the intimate touch distracted her as he pressed back inside once again. She could feel the heat of his pelvis almost touching hers when she needed him to stop once again.

"Daddy!"

"Good girl. Your only job is to tell me when you're uncomfortable, just like that, if I don't pick up on it. Promise?"

"Promise," she answered, feeling reassured. The stress she'd put on herself ebbed slightly. "Go slow?"

"Of course, Aspen. I plan to savor you. This is right where I want to be."

He braced himself on his forearm, allowing her to feel a bit of his weight holding her in place. She liked that sensation—his bulk and hard frame surrounded her. Turning her head to the side, Aspen invited him to kiss her neck. She'd already learned that he made that feel so good.

Sending shivers of pleasure through her, Aspen could feel him gliding inside her. When he bit down on that super sensitive spot where her neck and shoulder merged, Jerico took advantage of her distraction to thrust fully inside. Her gasp at both made him rise slightly to check on her.

"Are you okay, Aspen?"

He seemed to occupy all of the space inside her. She couldn't tell where she ended and he began. "Better than okay."

"Let me try this out," he suggested and shifted slightly inside her.

The feel of his shaft gliding over every sensitive spot inside her at the same time was almost overwhelming. Her fingers tightened on his shoulders as she tried to maintain her composure.

"Talk to me, little girl. Use your words."

"If you stop that, I'll never talk to you again."

His deep chuckle sent vibrations through her. "Let's see how good we can make this."

Good was not the right word for how incredible he felt as he moved inside her. Each thrust rubbed over sensitive spots Aspen hadn't known existed. Jerico slid a hand under her bottom and lifted her slightly. His thick erection pressed directly on her clit, making her gasp at the sensations.

"There, little girl?" he asked. "Does that feel good?"

She nodded eagerly.

"Use your words, Aspen. Tell Daddy what you like."

"Please! That's… Delicious."

"Mmmm. Good girl. You feel so good around me. Hot and wet. I'm going to make you scream, Aspen. Are you ready?"

She could only nod as his words made her even more turned on. His thrusts intensified as he caressed her. Aspen explored his body with her hands. She loved the sounds of pleasure that Jerico made. He wasn't hiding anything. The sex was raw and like nothing she'd ever imagined. The heat they generated together made their skin glisten and perfumed the air with an arousing scent of sex.

Tingles gathered between her thighs. She was close, but needed something—more. "Daddy…"

Aspen knew Jerico understood when he kissed a path to her breast. Swirling his tongue on the swell around her nipple, he teased Aspen. She arched her chest, offering herself to him. When he didn't touch her where she needed it most, Aspen begged, "Please, suck me."

His mouth immediately closed around her taut peak and pulled it deep into his mouth. That small taste of pain combined with the delicious sensations of his cock moving inside made those tingles explode into a climax that took her breath away.

"Breathe, baby," he whispered to her, gentling his thrusts.

"That was…"

"Nothing. Just wait," he promised with a wolfish grin that made her heart beat faster.

Wrapping his arms around her torso, Jerico rolled, reversing their positions. "I need to see you, little girl." His hands stroked over her body as he balanced her impaled on his cock.

Aspen's natural self-consciousness evaporated at the sight of the desire etched on his face. She shifted slightly to balance on her knees, moving experimentally over him. His hands clamped on her hips, guiding her.

She memorized the erotic sight of Jerico stretched out below her. His chiseled muscles and handsome features were the definition of sex on a stick. She smiled at that expression as she bounced up and down on his thick shaft.

"Want to share that thought?"

She shook her head, feeling silly.

"I'm thinking how lucky I am. You are so beautiful, baby. I want to sink inside you and never leave."

His praise made her happy inside. Aspen stroked her hands over him as he guided her movements. Jerico seemed to know exactly how to build the heat inside her. Wrapping her fingers around his powerful forearms, she responded to his thrusts eagerly. The sensations whirled around her until she couldn't keep them at bay. With a cry that echoed into the room, she combusted into a toe-curling climax. A third followed minutes later. Aspen clung to Jerico for support as he continued to pleasure her.

"I can't," she whispered.

"Leave everything to Daddy," he suggested, sitting up to gather her in his arms.

She couldn't believe he could reach further inside her. Their bodies fused together, sliding slickly against each other as he ground himself against her. Aspen heard a change in his breath. Looking up at his face, she could see desire and need chiseled into his handsome features. Aspen squeezed her inner muscles and watched a nerve twitch in his jaw.

"Damn, baby. Do that again," he ordered.

Feeling seductive, she milked his cock inside her. Jumping slightly when he placed a fingertip on her clit, Aspen closed her eyes to concentrate on the pleasure.

"Eyes on me, little girl," he ordered in a rough voice that sent a shiver down her spine and made her look at him.

Their eyes meshed together intimately. What felt like seconds later, she screamed her fourth orgasm into the room. Aspen felt like every ounce of energy had drained from her body. Supporting her completely, Jerico sped up his thrusts. His shout made her smile as he joined her in pleasure. They clung to each other, trying to recover.

When her heart rate slowed back from its frantic race inside her chest, she reached up to brush her fingers through his buzzed, military-short hair. How could she care so much for this man already?

"You okay, Aspen?"

"Oh, I'm so much more than okay. We can do that again, right?"

"Absolutely."