Abandon Ship (Anchored Book 4) Read online

  “I know so.” I step forward and reach for her, pulling her into a tight hug. “You were so great, Piper.”

  She relaxes into my touch, and I run my hands up and down her back.

  “Odessa is going to freak out when I tell her,” she says.

  “I already called her,” I admit. I realize we’re still in the beginning of our relationship and we haven’t established boundaries for how our interactions are going to work, but Piper isn’t upset with me when I tell her I already took care of it.

  “Thank you,” she says. “That was really, really kind of you, and I’m glad I don’t have to do anything else today,” she says. “Let’s go to bed, Maddox.”

  We head upstairs and after a long shower, we climb under the covers of her bed.

  “You know, I haven’t been to your place yet,” she whispers.

  “It’s small,” I tell her. “I don’t need much space.”

  “I like to spread out,” she tells me, still whispering, and I start to trace lines on her belly with my finger. I trace invisible little circles, and Piper closes her eyes. “I like to be creative,” she tells me. “Having extra space gives me that ability.”

  “You’re very creative,” I agree. “And smart, but then, you already knew that.”

  “Oh, but I don’t think it hurts to be reminded sometimes,” she smiles, and Piper kisses me. Her kiss melts my heart and sends a surge of fire to my cock. It’s not because we’re naked, tangled beneath her blankets. It’s just her.

  It’s always been her.

  I run my hands over her soft skin and up to her face, kissing her over and over. Piper groans, and it just makes me want her even more. I will never get tired of this woman and the way she comes apart beneath my hands. I will never grow tired o the way she moans, of the way she wiggles, of the way she spreads her legs so sweetly for me.

  I push the covers off of us and onto the floor. Now I can see her in the dim light, spread out and wanting.

  “You look lovely like this,” I tell her. “All spread out and eager.”

  “You aren’t too bad yourself, Maddox.”

  “Tell me you want me, Piper.”

  “I want you, Maddox.” She pushes herself up on her elbows and just looks at me. She seems to see all of me. Piper doesn’t care that I left the police force. She doesn’t care that I have my own baggage, my own fears. She only cares that right now, in this moment, I’m with her.

  And Piper Queen makes me feel like I can fly.

  I reach into her nightstand drawer and pull out a couple of toys.

  “Hey,” she says, laughing. “How did you know those were in there?”

  “Lucky guess,” I tell her. “Now lay back and close your eyes.”

  She doesn’t even hesitate.

  She doesn’t question.

  Piper just lies down on her bed and she closes her eyes. For a second, I just look at her. Her breasts are full and round, perfect for licking and sucking. I lean forward and run my tongue over each breast. She shivers with anticipation, but doesn’t move.

  “Good girl,” I murmur, and she smiles, keeping her eyes closed.

  I grab a vibrator and flick it on, and then I begin moving it over her skin. Slowly, I start teasing each of her breasts. Her nipples are hard and pointy, and I run the vibrator over each little bud.

  “Maddox,” she murmurs, but I don’t stop. I move the little toy down her body, careful to avoid her clit. Instead, I go down the outside of each thigh and back up the inside. I repeat the treatment several times until Piper is on the verge of an orgasm.

  “So pretty,” I murmur. “You’re so lovely when you’re about to come, little subbie.”

  “Please,” she whispers. “Maddox, I’m so close.”

  I know she is, and that’s why I’m making her wait. This orgasm is going to be the best one she’s ever had in her damn life. I’m going to make certain of that. I move the vibrator back up to her breasts and play with her a little move, and then I bring it back down the center of her body.

  “Come for me, beautiful,” I whisper, and I press the vibe to her clit. Instantly, Piper cries out, groaning. Her body begins to shake, and she opens her eyes and reaches for me as she comes. It’s the most lovely thing I’ve ever seen. She truly is gorgeous.

  Her orgasm lasts an eternity, and then she relaxes back on the bed.

  “Maddox, I…”

  “You look so fucking sexy when you come, Piper. Do you know that?”

  She blushes, and I love that she’s not embarrassed we met in a sex club or that we both play there. She’s not embarrassed of our inclinations or the fact that we both love to show off. No, she’s blushing because I gave her a compliment and told her what a pretty, pretty girl she is.

  Piper is perfect.

  Now it’s my turn to roll on my back. Piper climbs over me and presses her hands on my chest.

  “You sure about this?” She asks. “You aren’t one of those guys who always needs to be in control all of the time?”

  “Trust me, princess. Sometimes being a good Dom means knowing when to give up control. Ride my cock, Piper. Show me how damn beautiful you are.”

  And then she does.

  As if she was made just for this moment, Piper grinds on me, riding my dick like a fucking pro. Her breasts bounce as she moves, and I hold her hips, holding her on me, pulling her closer.

  She runs her hands down my chest, digging her nails in, and now it’s my turn to moan.

  “You are so hot,” she whispers. “And your cock feels so good in me, Mad. You’re so damn deep. I’m so full,” she groans, and I can’t take anymore.

  I come apart beneath Piper. I come apart, grabbing her as I orgasm, filling her. I seem to come for an eternity, and then Piper collapses beside me and wraps her arms around me, kissing me.

  “You’re so damn sexy,” I whisper. It doesn’t seem like enough. It doesn’t seem like “sexy” is a strong enough word to describe just how ridiculously incredible this woman is. She’s been through hell, and she’s stronger than anyone I’ve ever met. She is extraordinary. She’s beautiful, and I want to marry her.

  I want to marry Piper.

  She kisses me and as she snuggles up next to me, I’m filled with the realization that I am truly happy. I am truly content. I am truly hers.

  Forever and always.

  Epilogue

  Six Months Later

  Piper

  The music is loud, the drinks are cheap, and Maddox Blake is the most handsome man in the club. If you’d asked me six months ago where I saw my life going, it certainly wouldn’t be here. It certainly wouldn’t be dancing at my wedding reception on a decommissioned mini cruise ship that’s been turned into a secret sex club.

  I mean, really, who could dream that up?

  Yet here I am, and here he is, and here all of our friends are.

  It’s been a wild ride, these last few months, but I wouldn’t change my life for anything. Tad is locked away, and rightly so. The chances of him seeing freedom again are slim, but even if he does, I’m not scared. Not anymore. Now I know that I can defeat him. Now I know just how strong I truly am.

  Maddox makes me feel brave. He gives me this courage that is completely unmatched, and I think it’s because he really, truly believes in me. He thinks I can do anything, and that inspires me to try.

  “You make a beautiful bride, Piper Blake,” he says, pulling me into his arms. Maddox guides me to the center of the room, which has been turned into a dance floor. For just one night, June has carefully tucked away all of the spanking benches and poles and handcuffs, and she’s somehow managed to transform the entire cruise ship into a family-friendly reception venue.

  I don’t know how she did it, but I’m eternally thankful that our families and friends could come celebrate with us at the place where it all started.

  Six months ago, I was terrified for my life. Scared. Cowardly. I was afraid of everything and everyone, and trust didn’t come easily, but then Maddo
x Blake came striding into my life, acting like he knew it was where he belonged, and he stayed.

  And he won me over.

  And I can’t imagine my life without him.

  I don’t want to imagine my life without him.

  “You make a beautiful groom, Maddox Queen,” I tease him, and he laughs.

  “Baby, for you, I’ll be whoever you want me to be.”

  “I just want you,” I whisper.

  “I know, sweetie, I know.”

  He kisses me, and my entire world feels right. Our guests fade from my mind as wrap my arms tighter around his neck, kiss him even more sweetly. Our song plays over the speakers and Maddox and I dance like the night has no end because our journey together is only just beginning.

  June

  I’ve never seen Piper look so happy. She’s smiling and laughing, and Maddox is staring at her like she’s the most beautiful creature he’s ever laid eyes on. Something tells me it’s true. Something tells me that these two are going to last forever: an eternity. They have their entire futures together, and for them, it’s going to be something beautiful.

  They were both lost, both searching, but fate brought them together, and it’s been incredible to see. Oh, their road is going to have its ups and downs, but that’s just life. That’s part of being a couple. The question is whether two people are willing to work through those hard times, and something tells me that Maddox and Piper are. They’re not going to give up.

  Those two are forever.

  Now that Maddox is back on the police force, he’s much happier. He’s excited to talk about his job, and although he still works security for me at the club from time to time, he’s been busy with his position at the force. He even managed to get paired up with his old partner, so life is looking up for Maddox.

  And Piper, beautiful Piper.

  She’s still the incredible tech girl I first met years ago, but she’s different now. She’s determined and brave like she always was, but now she has the peace of a woman who knows she is truly loved and cared for. She is truly, totally protected, and Piper is at peace.

  It’s beautiful.

  I manage to pull my eyes from the happy couple. They decided to have their wedding reception on the ship, which is a huge honor. Yeah, we had to put away a lot of the whips and chains and floggers to make it family-friendly enough for their grandmothers to come in, but somehow, we’ve made it work. Somehow, this entire night just feels right.

  Grabbing a cloth, I start wiping down the bar. There have been a few spills throughout the night, and I like to keep things neat and orderly as much as possible. While it feels different to be standing back here in my bridesmaid dress instead of a corset and booty shorts, being behind the bar still feels right to me. It’s still where I belong.

  I’m not going to give myself a chance to feel proud of everything I’ve accomplished with Anchored. Not right now. Now, my only goal is to make sure everything goes smoothly on Piper and Maddox’s big day. This is it: their wedding day. This is the day they’ve been waiting for, hoping for. This is the day they celebrate everything they’ve been waiting for.

  Has it been a short engagement?

  Absolutely.

  Does that matter?

  Not really.

  There’s no such thing as a short engagement when you’re in love. After all, why should you wait? Why should you wait to get married? Why should you hold back? Most of us only get one shot. There’s no need to keep the other person waiting, dangling on a thread. Not when you’re ready. Not when you’re in love.

  Everyone is dancing and laughing. Most people are drinking. A couple of them are well on their way to drunk, but I’m keeping an eye on them. Me and my security team have got things covered.

  And then I do a double take.

  Ryder is here.

  Ryder: the new guy.

  Ryder: the self-proclaimed businessman.

  Ryder: the man who lies to my face and doesn’t bat an eye.

  That Ryder.

  Why is he here? He blends into the crowd like he’s not even there, and no one seems to notice him but me. I can’t help but wonder what that sneaky man is up to. I watch as his eyes wander over the crowd, searching for something, someone. I can’t figure out who he’s trying to watch, who he’s trying to investigate. He acts like he’s just here for the party, like he’s just having fun with his old friends from Anchored, but I know better.

  I know a businessman when I see one, and Ryder? He’s no corporate drone.

  No, Ryder is something else entirely.

  He can trick anyone else, lie to anyone else, twist his story for anyone else, but not me. I’ve been in this business far too long to fall for lies. And Ryder? He’s a spy if I ever saw one.

  THE END

  Below Deck

  The new guy at Anchored is tall, dark, and handsome. He's funny and quirky and interesting. He's also not who he says he is.

  And June isn't so naive that she can't tell.

  Why is Ryder lying about who he is?

  What's his real reason for coming to Anchored?

  And when June finds out the truth, will it change the way she feels about him?

  Find out in Anchored, Book 5: Below Deck

  Author

  Sophie Stern writes paranormal romance and contemporary erotica for readers who like to have fun and explore new worlds. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her pole dancing or reading zombie novels. Sophie lives with her incredible husband and their two sons.

  Find out more or at www.sexysophiestern.com or join her mailing list to receive updates and information on sales.

  Take Your Time

  Want more contemporary romance from Sophie Stern? Check out this sample of TAKE YOUR TIME: a contemporary ménage romance.

  I take the long way home because after ending my relationship with my parents, I need a freaking break. Driving through the mountains is the perfect way to unwind and chill out before I go back to the real world. At least, that's what I think until I'm caught in a freak snowstorm and find myself stranded in the mountains.

  I'm lost without cell service and there's no help coming.

  I'm lost without a family.

  And that's when the lumberjacks come to my rescue. At least, they LOOK like lumberjacks. Keagan and Eli are strong, fit, and brave. They're everything I want and everything I don't need right now.

  My life is messed up enough as it is without throwing a menage relationship into the mix.

  But I can't help what I want.

  And something tells me they want me, too.

  Turn the page to read the first two chapters OR visit Amazon to get your copy now!

  1

  Melody

  Family reunions are the worst.

  They’re literally, absolutely, completely the worst.

  I didn’t even want to go to mine, but my mother offered me a free guilt-trip, and I accepted. That’s the problem with me: guilt wins me over. Every time. It’s like a sickness or a disease. I always say I’m going to stand up for myself, but in the end, I’m weak. In the end, I’d rather not rock the boat, especially when it comes to family. I don’t know why I still think this way, why I’m still stuck in this mode of thinking because they’ve never been there for me.

  I’ve always been on my own and somehow, I’ve managed to do all right for myself. I have a decent job and I make decent money. I have an apartment and a car. My student loans are paid off. Somehow, none of that matters when you enter the world of a family reunion, though.

  Somehow, what matters then is when I’m going to have a baby or when I’m going to get married or when I’m going to buy a house. Somehow, what matters is that I’m still a little overweight and not nearly as thin as my younger sister, Mandy. What matters at family reunions is that I have too many piercings and not enough modesty.

  What matters is that I don’t fit in.

  And I never have.

  “It’s not that I’m telling you to lose wei
ght,” my mother says, picking up a carrot and waving it around. “It’s just that I think you’ll be happier.”

  “I’m happy the way I am, Mom,” I insist. She glares at me when I reach for the cookie on my plate, and I don’t pick it up. Instead, I act like I was reaching for a piece of celery, and she nods in approval as I start to munch on that, instead. Inside, I hate the way I’m giving in to her. I might talk a big game, but I’m avoiding things I want to eat because I don’t want her to complain or fuss at me.

  “She’ll never get a man looking like that,” Uncle Henry says, walking by the picnic table where I’m sitting with my mother. He shakes his head as he makes his way over to Aunt Eloise, who is much too thin for her height.

  My entire family is much too thin, I’ve decided. I’m the only normal one. That must be it. They all have body issues and self-esteem issues and they definitely all have eating disorders. Why else would they all be so gangly and scrawny?

  It’s not me.

  There’s nothing wrong with me.

  I repeat this silently to myself, over and over. There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m fine the way I am. I don’t know if I really believe this anymore, though. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m starting to question whether I really am fine.

  Maybe they’re right.

  Maybe there is something wrong with me.

  Maybe there’s a reason all of my friends are getting married and I, at 29 years old, am not. Maybe there’s a reason the rest of the world really has settled down and I seem to be content with my same old job, with my same old life. Maybe there’s a reason for all of it. I don’t know.