Katlin laid her hand flat on her chest. “You know the answer to the Casey side of that equation, but the Patrick part doesn’t scare easy either.”
“Then get up and take your shirt off.”
The command sent a shiver through Katlin’s long frame, making her laugh. If she was honest, Merrick
“Need help with the buttons?”
“I think I can manage.” Taking her time, Katlin presented her back, not really caring to see Merrick’s reaction since she couldn’t lie to herself. It never got her anywhere, and she knew Merrick was obviously infatuated with Cain. This was just a massage, because when it came to her heart, Katlin wasn’t willing to be a substitute for anyone who couldn’t give her everything.
When Katlin first removed her shirt a little past her shoulders, Merrick thought Cain was disrobing before her. The cousins had the same strong neck and musculature along their upper back, but on Katlin’s back, dipping down her shoulders and wrapping around her biceps, was a dark blue intricate design of a warrior whorl. The tattoo, composed of small lines, looked like an old armor design.
As Merrick started at the middle of the design and worked outward, Katlin shivered and said, “In ancient Ireland, the warriors painted on their clan’s design before they went into battle so they could carry their fighter spirit with them. Every man willing and brave enough to pick up arms against his country’s enemies had the right to apply the paint.” Merrick ran her fingers along Katlin’s upper arms, but she still wouldn’t budge. “I’ve never found that exact story in any book, but my Granny Casey told it to us as kids all the time.”
“Your grandmother’s very wise, and you’ve carried on your traditions well.” With very little pressure Merrick turned her around but didn’t try to look at Katlin’s naked chest. “I’m sorry for being such a bitch before. I can see you’re taking good care of Cain.”
“An apology from the mighty Merrick?”
The question was light, and Merrick didn’t try to break the hold Katlin now had on her neck, surprised at herself for being so docile.
“Tell me, what do you see when you look at me?”
“What do you mean?”
“What do I mean?” Katlin pulled Merrick closer and grasped her sweater. “Do you see a copy of what you can’t have?”
“No, I just see you,” Merrick said.
“Go telling lies like that, darling girl, and you might find yourself someplace you don’t want to be.”
“Like where?”
“In my bed,” Katlin said. “Then where the devil will that get you?”
When Merrick touched Katlin’s waist, she felt a scar there. Katlin was tall like Cain and built as solidly, but Merrick noticed subtle differences. Her hair was dark, but not jet-black like Cain’s and her children’s, and she was a few inches shorter. The deep voice was similar, though, and made Merrick breathe faster.
“Someplace safe, I suppose—someplace I’ve been seeking.” Katlin reeled her in a little more, and Merrick could feel the heat emanating off Katlin’s body.
“What have you been looking for, Merrick?”
Merrick stroked higher along Katlin’s back and responded when soft lips came up to meet hers. “An ally and an equal.” Merrick pulled away, but only enough to form words. “Just how tired are you?”
“I’m fresh enough for whatever you have in mind,” Katlin answered readily and stumbled only a little when Merrick pulled her forward by her belt.
“Then let’s go.” Merrick handed her the shirt she’d just taken off.
“I see you’re a tease,” Katlin said as she slipped the garment back on.
“Tease?” Merrick walked up to her slowly this time, jerked her belt open, and unzipped her pants. Without losing eye contact with Katlin, she pushed past the Jockeys and down to Katlin’s sex, chuckling at the moan and the involuntary hip thrust that came when she pinched her hard clitoris. “I never tease when I want something. Try and remember that.” She squeezed harder and Katlin closed her eyes.
“What do you want?” Katlin asked.
“I want to take care of this for you slowly until you beg me to fuck you.” With that she pulled her hand free. “But first I want you to help me give Cain a present.”
“Now?”
“The quicker we finish our business, the quicker we get back here for more pleasurable pursuits.” When she slid the fingers she’d just had in Katlin’s pants into her mouth, Katlin finished dressing in record time.
“Let’s get going.” Katlin strapped on her guns and opened the door for her. “In this condition, I’ll kill anyone who slows us down.”
“Good to know, darling, because it just might come to that if we’re lucky.” Merrick grinned, ready to lead Katlin to hell and then back to her warm bed. Tonight would be the beginning of new alliances.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Cain sat at breakfast drumming her fingers on the table, her plate full but untouched. From the set of her jaw and the even, strong beats of her fingers, Emma knew this was the calm before the storm.
“Did I ask you for this?” She raised her hand from her lap and opened her clenched fist so the others could see
