Page 24 of Unfounded

“Luke Robertson?” a familiar voice asks.

“Yes,” I growl angrily, dread filling me over what I might be about to hear. She’s been missing over forty-eight hours now. The longer she’s gone, the greater the chance that she doesn’t come home at all.

“I’m sorry to report there’s no new news, sir,” the man informs me, and I sigh heavily. At least, there isn’t any bad news. “I’ll give you a call again in two hours.” I end the call and toss my phone down onto my desk in frustration. She needs to be found, soon. I can’t, no I won’t accept any other outcome. Turning back to my work, I force myself to focus on the tasks at hand.

Three hours later, I pull into my drive, anxious to see Marley. Kelvin is spread out at my dining table, his laptops and files scattered across the wooden surface. “What’s all this?” I ask as I roll into the room. Kelvin looks up, scrubbing a hand down his face.

“I’m still looking into the Wilson case,” Kelvin replies. “Enos is right. Nothing this guy has told us makes any sense. I’m not sure what his angle is yet, but he’s definitely lying about his involvement with the drug cartel and someone trying to kill him. After reviewing everything again, I’m certain his buddy is the shooter. Why though? What’s Wilson getting out of this?” I shake my head.

“I have no idea,” I admit. “I haven’t been able to find any more answers than you. It’s been a long day. How about we call it a day and focus back on it tomorrow?” He nods at me with a grin.

“Sounds good to me.” Kelvin stands, arching his back in a long stretch. “I think the guys are all meeting up at Jay’s; you and Marley want to come?”

“No, I don’t think it’s a good idea to have her out in public yet. Whoever is trying to ruin her, could up their game to physical violence,” I say, voicing my worst fears. “Besides I have to talk her out of working at the worst truck stop in all of Virginia Beach.” Kelvin’s eyes widen. “Yeah, I know I have my work cut out for me. Rosco has already warned me.” Kelvin laughs.

“I imagine he’d know,” Kelvin comments, my eyebrows shoot up.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I query.

“Nothing, just he was out with her all morning,” Kelvin replies. “And from what time I’ve been around her, she seems independent. I don’t think you’re going to have much luck getting her to listen to you.”

“She is independent, but she’s highly intelligent. She’ll listen when I explain to her why she doesn’t need to be working there.” Kelvin’s eyes shoot up again. It appears he doesn’t share my confidence in my persuasive abilities.

“Is that so?” Marley’s melodious voice echoes through the dining room. Kelvin jumps to his feet, grabbing up his files and computers, making a hasty retreat for the front door.

MARLEY

Iwake after having a delicious dream about the handsome man who’s become my whole world in less than twenty-four hours. I stretch and slip out of the very comfortable bed, making my way to the bathroom. After taking care of business, I slip into one of the comfortable cotton A-line dresses, Dalton got for me. I brush my hair pulling the long sides back to secure them. My belly is beginning to growl. I haven’t eaten anything all day. I’d been too upset this morning, then exhausted after the interview and trudging all over town. I’d come here and gone straight to sleep. Now I’m well rested, and my belly is screaming for food.

I’m practically skipping down the steps. My life might be shit right now, but I’ve faced many obstacles before. The last few weeks have been rough, but like always I keep my head up and land on my feet. Like Dory says, “just keep swimming.” I might be down, but I’m not out for the count. I’ve found a job, and one of my best fantasies had come true this morning. If nothing else, I’ll have the memories to keep me company. As I reach the bottom of the stairs, I hear voices in the dining room. I make my way there to catch the end of their conversation. Memories from thismorning come back, the pain and humiliation I’d felt, but I force myself to keep going. I’d overreacted without getting all the details. I won’t make that mistake again.

Luke is telling Kelvin he’s going to talk me out of working at the truck stop.Over my dead body!Kelvin counters that he doesn’t think it’s going to be an easy task. I smile, happy the man can tell I’m not a push over who’ll do whatever Luke tells me. Luke’s next words, though, cause mixed emotions to run through me. He compliments my brains and beauty, but is still intending to get me not to take the job. I can’t allow that. How am I supposed to support myself?

“Is that so?” I drawl as I enter the room. Both men turn toward me in shock. Kelvin at least has the decency to look embarrassed at getting caught discussing me. He makes a swift retreat, leaving Luke and I alone. Once he’s gone, I walk a little closer to Luke who’s maneuvering his chair to turn in my direction. “You think I’m just going to fall at your feet? The pitiful damsel in distress?” I arch my eyebrows at him. I’ve never been able to do the one brow thing. Trust me, I’ve tried. Not happening.

“Hmm.” Luke hums. “You on your knees at my feet. I could get down with that.” His voice husky with desire. He rolls toward me, reaching out to take my hand. I should dodge him, but he looks so delightfully hot with that smirk on his face. I let him grasp my wrist pulling me onto his lap. “You look gorgeous, by the way,” he murmurs. His lips just brushing my ear. A shiver of desire runs through me, causing goosebumps to erupt over my skin and my core to leak wetness onto my new panties. The red lacy ones that I never would have gotten myself in a million years. Dalton must have a lace fetish or something.

Luke notices my reaction. I feel him grin against my neck as he nuzzles it. “There’s no one here, but us. You want to demonstrate the damsel in distress for me?” Another shiver racks my body. Luke takes my lips in a deep sensual kiss causing me to getwetter by the second. A moan escapes me as his tongue explores my mouth. His lips leave mine to trail along my jaw and down the side of my neck. My head falling to the side allowing him full access to explore me as much as he wants.

I’m overcome with the urge to do just as he’s requested. He’s reluctant to release me from his lap until he realizes exactly what I’m wanting to do. I slide off his lap, fumbling with the belt and zipper of his dress pants. His hands hit the arms of his chair. His biceps and forearms flexing as he pushes up to allow me to ease his pants and boxers down to free his hardening cock. I fist the base of it, taking my time with long slow strokes up and down. I lick my lips in anticipation of taking him into my mouth. His breath hisses out just above me at the action. I grin wickedly, raising my gaze to meet his as I suck him into my mouth, taking him to the back of throat until I gag. He’s salty and delicious. I’ve never been one to enjoy sucking a guy off, but I’m finding with Luke everything is enjoyable. I love that I am causing him to make those sexy sounds, groaning and grunting at the pleasure I’m able to give him.

“Marley,” he groans out my name. I increase my efforts, drawing more sounds from him. “Baby, I’m going to come,” he growls out just before I feel the beginnings of his seed spilling into my mouth. I swallow it down, eager to please him. I lick him clean before helping him tuck himself back in his pants. We have barely gotten him covered when we hear the front door opening.

“Yo! Luke! You home?” Enos calls. I hurry to get on my feet, wiping my face to be sure I don’t have any residual evidence of what we’ve been up to on my face. Luke has a fine sheen of sweat on his brow. His face is flushed, and his eyes are still laden with desire. Enos rounds the corner as I make it to my feet. My face is hot as I’m adjusting my clothing ensuring I’m covered. Luke shifts in his chair. Enos’s eyes go from Luke, to me, and back again. He clears his throat. “Am I interrupting something?” He smirks at his brother. Licking my lips at the memories, I turn myback on the brothers. Luke snatches my hand before I can take a step away. His thumb rubbing circles on the back of my hand.

“What’s up?” Luke asks, ignoring his brother’s question, his voice sounding strained. Enos gives us a knowing look but doesn’t comment.

“Just coming by to see what’s for supper.” Enos declares. “I’m starving.” My belly takes that moment to growl loudly. My hand flies to my stomach to stifle the sound, but it’s to no avail. Both men chuckle, much to my embarrassment.

“I just fed you all last night,” Luke complains. Enos gives him a look that says, “So?” With a sigh, Luke pulls me back onto his lap, causing me to squeal. Enos laughs and shakes his head.

“How about I order us some Chinese and have it delivered?” Enos arches a single brow at his brother.

“You buying?” Luke counters inquisitively.

“Yeah, I got this.” Enos whips his phone out and begins pushing buttons. Luke begins wheeling us toward the kitchen.

“Luke, let me up. I can walk,” I protest. He shouldn’t be wheeling my weight around. He doesn’t reply except to keep making his way through the dining room. Once we reach the privacy of the kitchen, he kisses me again, curling my toes.

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