11 comments/  31047 views/  18 favorites

Dare Me

By: honeywldcat



Chapter One

Mentally she chanted, I'm a size two...I'm a size two...

It didn't work. She was becoming one with the wall, when Mr. Excuse me turned around yelling obscenities to the woman he was running from, smashing her into the man behind her. She turned towards whoever caught her to tell him I'm sorry, when she noticed a large defined chest before her. Muscular biceps wrapped around her and she felt the need to swoon.

Miss I never swoon over anything was shell-shocked. Mr. Excuse Me had knocked her into every woman's fantasy. She groaned when fantasy man grabbed her butt, because who would object to his hands cupping their bottom even if it's only to catch his balance?

Somehow his thigh ended up in between her legs and her nose buried in his chest. Damn. He even smells good, all male with a hint of Obsession cologne.

Daren knew he should grab the jerk that just knocked the woman into him, but he couldn't get his hands off of her ass. She has a perfect ass, he thought. His thigh was right against her mound and he could feel her heat. Involuntarily, he squeezed her ass and nudged her closer.

He heard a groan, but couldn't tell if it was from her or him. He could feel her nipples against him and his dick jumped to attention.

Leaning down he gently whispered in her ear, "Nice to meet you."

Her throaty giggle gave him a raging hard-on that pressed against her hip. Her hands clutched his shirt and she groaned, "Why and how does this happen to me?"

He smiled, "Baby, I'm not complaining."

She looked up at him in surprise, her big chocolate brown eyes rounded in disbelief.

No, she wasn't the usual blonde that he favored with long legs, in fact she was a brunette with a very pretty round face and full lips. Her long hair was wavy and reached the middle of her back. His gaze travelled to her impressive cleavage, double D's, no doubt about it. She was a short little thing stacked with a woman's curvy body. Daren couldn't help but think about touching each and every inch of her.

She jerked in his arms as someone yelled, "Steph!"

That's when he realized that the line had moved and there was a large gap in between them and the people in front of them. Quickly she stepped away from him and walked towards the woman who called out to her.

Daren reached out and grabbed her hand, "Ride this one with me."

He couldn't explain it, but he knew he wanted her more than he'd wanted anything in a long time. She glanced at his hand that clutched her and looked into his eyes.

Oh shit, was all Stephanie could think. His ice blue eyes mesmerized her. His dark brown hair was short, cut almost like he was in the military. She just couldn't get over how sexy he was and he's holding my hand. She blushed crimson when he smiled at her and a dimple marked his cheek.

He brought her out of her stupor when he asked, "Please?"

"My friend would have to ride alone then." She stammered, "I-I couldn't do that to her."

He nodded towards the guy behind him, "Jake will ride with her."

She looked down at his hand that still held hers, "But, I don't even know you."

He ran his hand up her arm, dropping his voice, "I promise...I don't bite."

Daren waited with baited breath. A sexy smile covered her face when she laughed, "Maybe I want you to."

Looking her up and down, "I aim to please, baby girl."

The blush that covered her face about did him in. She turned to her friend, "Jessica? Do you mind riding this one with that guy?" She pointed at Jake.

Her friend looked at Daren skeptically, "What about you?"

She told her, "It seems I'll be riding with him."

Her friend hesitated, "If you're sure?"

Her eyes met his and Daren heard her say, "We'll see."

Jake laughed behind him, "Dare, only you'd find a way to pick up a chick...literally."

As Jake walked past her, Daren pulled her against him, "I'm Daren Michaels, by the way."

She gasped at the contact, "S-Stephanie Barnes."

Quickly he placed a gently kiss on the corner of her lips, "Hi, Stephanie."

He could feel her shiver and smiled when she said, "Hi, Daren."

For the next twenty minutes they moved along in line, her back to his front and his arms wrapped around her waist, as though they were a couple. Never had a woman felt so right to him. When she leaned back against him, resting her head against his chest and covered his hands with her own, he vowed to have her in his bed tonight.

They were next in line when she gripped his forearm and admitted, "Is this a bad time to mention that I'm terrified of heights?"

He bent down and kissed her neck, "I'll take your mind off of the ride."

The ride was a long water ride that started by going up a steep incline. It glided through the tree tops for about five minutes then ended by dropping you over a hill to plummet into a spray of water. Daren smiled as he thought of ways to keep her occupied when going up the hill.

Finally, it was their turn to get inside the log looking canoe. He climbed in and straddled the padded bench. Daren smiled and patted the space in between his legs. She looked apprehensive, but climbed in straddling the bench.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against his body. Nuzzling her neck he asked, "How should I distract you?"

Nervously she laughed, "That would be one way."

She felt his hands slide up her thighs and squeeze. He asked, "This helping?"

She laughed, "Yes and no, hon." She closed her eyes, lost in the feeling that Daren was stirring inside her body. This is insane! She could not hold back the moan that escaped her lips as he nuzzled her neck.

Daren had turned thirty-four years old two days ago and couldn't remember a time when he wanted a woman as much as he wanted Stephanie. She smelled like raspberries and a hint a vanilla and it was driving him nuts. He wanted to take her back to his hotel room and spend the weekend making her moan and gasp while he claimed her body.

He could hear her breathe deeply in and out as he slid his hands to her inner thighs. He knew he was rushing her and never in a million years would he have thought about feeling a woman up this quickly, but he couldn't stop.

He growled in her ear, "Do you have any idea how much I want you, Stephanie?"

He reveled in her reaction. Goose bumps travelled up and down her arms, "I-I want you, too."

He almost demanded, "Stay with me this weekend."

She whimpered, "I don't know. This is crazy, Daren."

He kissed her ear and neck, admitting to both of them, "I know it's crazy. I just need to be with you."

He felt her indecision as she bit her bottom lip. He couldn't keep the smile from breaking across his face as she said, "I'll have to let my friend's know." She shook her head, "I'm thirty years old and can't believe I'm doing this!"

He knew the drop off was coming and wrapped his arms around her tightly, "We'll stay with our friends for a few more hours, but I want you all to myself after that."

She turned her head towards him and said, "OK."

He kissed her full lips briefly and asked, "Ready to get wet, baby?"

She winked at him, "I've been wet the whole time." Daren wanted to find out for himself, but the canoe dropped off over the crest.

Daren couldn't control his laughter as they got off of the ride. Stephanie was drenched. It looked like someone had just pulled her out of a lake. Where she had sat in front of him, he barely got wet at all.

Stephanie had covered her face with her hands and it looked like she was about to cry. Daren rushed to her, "Oh, baby...I should have warned you. I'm sorry."

Wrapping her arms around him, she smiled as she saw Jessica open a bottle of water behind him. Before Jake could warm him, Jessica commenced to pour the entire bottle over him.

"What the...!"

Daren jumped and Stephanie busted out laughing. Mockingly she told him, "Oh, baby...I should have warned you!"

With and evil smirk on his face, Daren stalked towards her, "I'll get even for that."

She was backing away from him, "Ooh...promises...promises." Her eyes widened when she realized she was cornered.

She gasped when Daren picked her up and kissed her. One arm wrapped around her waist suspending her in air as his other hand cupped the back of her neck. Her arms held onto him as his mouth devoured hers.

Stephanie felt tiny in his arms. His lips ate away at hers and she moaned into his mouth. When did I become a moaner? She wondered. She was about to wrap her legs around his waist when she heard a man ask, "Who's Dare molesting?"

She stiffened in his arms, Oh my God! Daren chuckled against her lips and squeezed her one more time before putting her back on the ground. She was grateful that he kept his arms around her, because her knees felt like jello.

Daren tilted her chin up and she could see the banked desire in his eyes. His thumb brushed her slightly swollen bottom lip as he gruffly asked, "Should I apologize?"

Even though she was embarrassed, she loved every second of what he did. She was afraid to speak, so she shook her head. Her whole body felt like it was on sensory overload. Everywhere he touched seemed to scream, more!

Stephanie had always frowned at the thought of PDAs, but for the first time she understood the appeal. I never thought I'd be willing to jump some man I just met either. As she turned around, her mortification was complete. Five big gorgeous men were standing by her friends dwarfing them. Jessica, Erin and Sarah seemed to be equally amazed. Following Daren, he walked her towards the group watching them.

"Stephanie, meet the guys." He pulled her in front of him as each of his friends introduced themselves. Beau was the first. He had a full sleeve of tattoos. Drake came next. He flirted outrageously and had piercing green eyes. Mark had a southern accent. Chase had a jagged scar that cut through his right eyebrow. And last but not least, was Jake. He had sandy blonde hair and dark brown eyes.

Jokingly Jake asked, "Why couldn't you have fallen into my arms?"

She laughed when Daren growled at him. Her friends walked up and she introduced them. Jessica continued to eye them wearily. Erin flirted with each guy, ogling them openly. Sarah smiled and laughed at each of them.

Daren asked, "Want to grab something to drink?"

As they headed towards a snack stand, she poked him in the ribs as he grabbed her butt. He winked at her and said, "I can't help it."

Jake chimed in, "Can't blame him, honey. You have a rockin' ass!"

Daren smacked Jake on the back of his head, "Quit looking at my woman's ass!"

"Uh oh, boys, watch out! Dare is the jealous type!" Jake heckled.

For the next couple of hours they walked around with their friends laughing and having a great time. Stephanie couldn't believe that the big group of imposing men could be so much fun. If she'd have met them on her own, under normal circumstances, she'd have run the other way.

She felt a wave of self-doubt wash through her for the first time that day as Daren slid his arms around her. Being the heftiest of her friends, it managed to give a girl a complex. At only five foot two inches and wearing a size fourteen in clothes made her feel dumpy, especially when her friends wore a size eight on a bad day. Daren nuzzled her neck and she stiffened as more doubts crept in. Why would he want me? He's gorgeous!

Daren was confused. He had been touching her and kissing her off and on since the second he met her, and now suddenly, she seemed uncomfortable with it. They were waiting to watch Jake and Erin bungee-jump, so he turned her to face him. He tilted her chin towards him asking, "What is it?"

When she wouldn't meet his gaze and shrugged, he tugged her towards a bench. He sat down and pulled her to stand in between his legs, facing him, "Spill it, Stephanie. What's wrong?"

When her brown eyes looked at him, it felt like she was searching for something. Softly she asked, "Are you sure," she gestured from her to him, "about this?"

"Am I sure?" He repeated her question, cupping her ass in his hands, pulling her closer, "Baby, there's not a doubt in my mind."

He felt her hands settle behind his neck, her fingers brushing his hair and kissed her softly. She melted into him. He knew her mind was having doubts, even if her body wasn't. He tried to keep the kiss light and lazy, but quickly it turned into way more. Breaking the kiss abruptly and catching their breaths, they stared at each other for a moment.

Gruffly he asked, "Where are you all staying?"

"Umm...at the Marriot on the boardwalk."

He couldn't stop the grin that broke out across his face, "So are we."

She stammered, "Y-you're joking!"

He shook his head, "Do you have a cell phone on you?" When she nodded, he told her, "Let your friends know that you'll check in with them later."

She hesitated briefly, "What's your cell phone number? Jess will throw a fit if she doesn't have it. Oh, and umm..."

He laughed, "What, baby?"

"What do you do for a living?" She bit her bottom lip shyly.

"Kind of rushed past a few things, didn't we?" Standing up, he pulled out his wallet from his back pocket. He handed her his driver's license and military identification.

Her mouth fell open in shock, "You're a SEAL???" Quickly she recovered and looked at him, "That explains it."

Quirking an eyebrow at her, "Explains what?"

"The names you all call each other. Beau is 'Dragon'. Drake is 'Snipe'. Mark is 'Croc'. Chase is 'Cougar'. Jake is 'Black'."

Amused, he asked, "And I am?"

"Dare."

Daren caged her against him, "I don't remember us calling each other those names."

She shrugged her shoulders, "You didn't, but the only said them a couple of times. Plus, it makes sense."

He had to know, "Why's that?"

Nonchalantly, she pointed out, "You all are always watching things really close, looking out for each other. Plus, you all are intimidating as all get out and too sexy for your own good."

Watching her closely, "And what do you do for a living?"

She winked at him, "I'm an elementary school teacher."

Daren was stunned. Stephanie was something else. He was watching her talk to Sarah when Beau nudged him, "Can you believe she's a teacher, man?"

Beau looked thoughtful for a moment, "I would have made sure I was in trouble all of the time."

Daren smiled, "Fuckin-A."

Being their CO, Daren knew Beau had something to say, so he waited. Finally, Beau told him, "We all like her."

He growled, "Your point, Dragon?"

Keeping his expression calm, "She's nothing like the usual women we gravitate to between missions. I don't like the thought of someone hurting her." Beau pinned Daren with a look, "Not even you."

Daren knew that Beau wasn't purposely threatening him, so he chose his words carefully. He faced his second in command, "Listen, what happens between me and Stephanie will be between me and her. Honestly, she's a surprise to me and I don't know where it will go. I do know that I plan to find out, though."

Beau pointed out, "She's the marrying type, Dare. Hell, she makes even me feel like I'm her family. Look at her."

Daren watched as his men were gathered around her and saw the admiration in their eyes as she captivated their attention. Even Chase, who kept everyone at arms length, had his arm on her shoulders laughing with her. Bemused, he chuckled when she elbowed Chase in the ribs for something.

With his attention on Stephanie, he was shocked at what Beau said next, "Even if you don't see it, she's one of us. We've all claimed her. Erin mentioned that she's throwing a surprise birthday party for Stephanie next Saturday. All of us are going." Beau paused, "They head back to Kentucky tomorrow." Beau grimaced when he saw his CO's face.

Daren scowled, "Fuck!" He stormed over to Stephanie, grabbing her arm, "You fucking leave tomorrow?"

Every one of his guys flanked her when she stiffened at his tone. The glare she gave him set him back. Immediately he wanted to take the words back. He tried, but she held up her hand, her icy tone shocked him, "Who do you think you are talking to?"

Towering over her, he couldn't help it, he tried to intimidate her, "I'm talking to you."

She didn't even blink. Chase tugged her behind his body. Looking at Daren, he calmly stated, "You are causing a scene, Dare."

Facing one of his brothers, though not by blood, Dare hissed, "Back off, Cougar."

Chase challenged, "You know I won't."

Stephanie inserted herself in between the two men. Affectionately she touched Chase's arm, "Thank you, Chase, but I can handle this."

Chase shrugged, "I'll be right here if you need me."

Erin and Jake had just walked up and Erin asked, "What's wrong with Steph?"

Jake cupped Daren's arm, "What's going on, Dare?"

Sarcastically Stephanie stated, "He opened his mouth without thinking."

Jake backed away, holding up his hands and asked Erin, "Does Steph have a temper?"

"Hell, yes, especially if someone tries to intimidate her." Erin whispered.

Daren clenched and unclenched his jaw, counting to ten in his head. Rolling his shoulders to relax, he blew out a deep breath. More calmly this time, he asked albeit through gritted teeth, "Are you leaving tomorrow?"

Erin, Jessica and Sarah nodded their heads, but Stephanie spoke up, "No."

Her three friends look confused and Erin said, "Uh, Steph? Classes start the day after tomorrow."

Stephanie smiled, "Well, I'm leaving right now." With that being said, she turned and walked away.

Erin muttered, "What in the hell did you say to her?"

To be continued...

Dare Me Ch. 02



*Sorry for the delay in getting this submitted. I really do appreciate and look forward to all of your feedback and comments on my stories. I hope you all enjoy this installment and the next one will be coming in a couple of days. The story is complete, just doing final edits. Don't forget to let me know what you think!!!*

~~honeywldcat~~

Chapter Two

What in the hell just happened??? Daren was lost. Stephanie just walked away and he was still standing there stunned beyond belief. Why did she just leave like that? Sure, he shouldn't have acted the way he did. He shouldn't have stalked up to her and demanded to know when they were leaving, but, hell, shouldn't he know? Why didn't she tell him? Because you never asked, jackass, Daren reminded himself.

Jake knocked him out of his stupor by punching him in the arm, "You are an idiot."

Jessica poked him in the chest, "You arrogant bastard! This is the first time we've gotten Stephanie on a vacation in two years and you go and ruin it!"

Daren finally focused on Jessica's words, "In two years?"

She threw her hands in the air, "Yes! Jeff did a number on her and she wouldn't go anywhere!"

He was beginning to feel like a damned parrot repeating everything she said, "Jeff?"

Jessica poked him in the chest again, "It's none of your damned business!"

Looking around for Chase, Daren realized he was gone and asked, "Where in the hell is Chase?"

Jake was the only one who would answer, the others turned their backs to him, "He followed Stephanie."

Stephanie didn't let the tears fall, she absolutely refused. Walking aimlessly, more or less towards the hotel, she fumed and cursed all men. Especially, sexy Navy Seals. What right did he have to talk to her like that? What was he so mad about anyway? It wasn't like he asked when she was leaving!

She was about to stop in a little tourist shop that sold key chains, mugs, and the like when she felt like someone was following her, watching her. Picking up a pair of sunglasses, she pretended to try them on; tilting her head one way then the other, taking the opportunity to look behind her and to her sides with the mirror. Finally, she saw him.

Chase.

He was behind her with his back to her now, pretending interest in a t-shirt. Fed up with overbearing jerks, Stephanie whipped off the sunglasses and stormed towards him. She hit his arm and demanded, "Why are you following me?"

At least Chase had the decency to look ashamed, "I just wanted to make sure you were OK."

Stephanie narrowed her eyes at him, "Did he tell you to follow me?"

He shook his head no, "Last I saw, Jessica was giving him hell."

Even though she would swear against it, Daren not coming for her hurt, but at least Jessica had her back. As Stephanie turned to walk away, Chase grabbed her arm, "What happened back there?"

Stephanie felt her face flush and she feigned ignorance, "I don't know what you are talking about." She sighed when Chase arched an eyebrow at her, "It doesn't matter, Chase. I'm fine. Go back to your friends. I plan to go back to the hotel and stay in my room until we leave tomorrow afternoon."

Chase's voice was sincere and almost soothing, "I know he went about it wrong, Shorty, but he wasn't trying to upset you."

No, Stephanie didn't want to admit it, but she knew Chase was right. It was her fault that she overreacted. Then it dawned on her. What had she done? Like an idiot, she walked away from the only man she'd been interested in since Jeff.

Stephanie's eyes rounded as big as saucers and she knew it. She groaned, "Oh shit."

Playfully, Chase nudged her arm, "Don't worry about it. If I know him, he'll be calling me here shortly."

She groaned, "He'll hate me, Chase! After the way I acted back there...why would he even want to talk to me again? It's not like we really know each other!"

Chase shrugged his shoulders, "Why don't we go grab a drink somewhere until he calls?"

Without really thinking about it, she followed Chase mutely. The thoughts running through her head almost had her head spinning like Linda Blair's in the Exorcist. Though she kept telling herself that not all men were like Jeff, it was hard to trust again. She wanted to be able to, but it was almost impossible. Sometimes it was hard just to open her front door and not cringe. Stephanie loved her job and working with children and that was the only thing that kept her going most days.

Who could blame her though? Living in constant fear had that affect on a person. How many people had to check their brake lines before driving their car? How many people had to make sure there wasn't a snake in their mailbox? How many people had to make sure that someone wasn't going to try and run them off the road while driving?

When Chase nudged her arm, Stephanie looked up to see that they were outside of a bar, "Yeah?"

Chase watched her face intently for a moment, "I hope you can tell me about what has you pale as a ghost."

Clearing her throat, "I don't know. I guess it might not hurt to tell you?" She looked at him as they sat at a small table, "Why is it easy to talk to you?"

He winked at her, "It's my charm."

After she and Chase ordered a couple of drinks, she looked at Chase trying to read him. Stephanie knew she needed to talk to someone about all of the things going on, but really didn't know where to start. It was bad enough that the police treated her like she was making up the string of mishaps that Jeff had caused over the past few months. She only hoped Chase wouldn't feel the same way.

Taking a deep breath, she told him, "A couple of years ago, two now, I met a guy. At first he seemed great, but after about six months things started to change. He became extremely possessive to the point of picking out my clothes, telling me where to go and who I could be around." Stephanie took a drink of her Jack and Coke, "I thought I loved him. I wanted to make him happy, so I dumbly allowed it all to take place. I wanted to be in love and wanted to be loved so much, I would have done anything."

Chase gripped his beer, his voice was soft and soothing as he asked, "What happened when you couldn't take it anymore?"

Stephanie shrugged her shoulders, "It was after a school function, we'd been together for almost a year and a half. One of my student's parents came to me and hugged me, thanking me for helping his son improve. It was completely innocent, but Jeff didn't see it that way. I could see the look in his eyes, the rage and hatred." Stephanie shivered at the memory, "On the way home that night..." she paused, "he was cold. He told me how much of a whore I was to encourage another man to touch me." She heard Chase curse under his breath, but continued on, "When we finally got home, that was the night he hit me. Several times, he'd hit me over and over. I was in shock, I know that now. By the time he was done, I had three broken ribs and my wrist was broke as well."

Through gritted teeth he asked, "Did you file charges?"

"I...I tried. The police didn't believe me. He had already gone into the station and told them that someone had attacked us when we entered the house and filed a police report. He even convinced them that because I'd hit my head, I was confused and thought he'd done it." Stephanie felt the tears pool in her eyes and as they slipped down her face, "I moved out while he was at work. Installed an alarm system in the house that I rented and hoped he'd just leave me alone. After that, he'd show up at the school. He'd follow me and show up everywhere I went. It wasn't like I could stop him either. I went to the police to file a restraining order and they told me I didn't have sufficient grounds to get one."

Chase wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tight, "Damn, shorty. Has he stopped?"

Strangely enough, Stephanie felt some of the tension leave her, "No, not completely. I found a baby copperhead in my mailbox, but there was no proof that he'd put it there. Someone tampered with the brake lines on my car and I wrecked my car when the brakes went out. The latest was almost a month ago. Someone ran me off the road and into a ditch." She looked up at Chase, "Do you believe me? The police don't. They think I'm making it all up."

"Stephanie, I believe you. There is no way in hell that you'd make that up." Chase thought for a moment, "Have you thought of hiring someone to check into him, to get proof?"

She told Chase, "No one will do it. I've called three places and all three of them told me that they couldn't or wouldn't. He's the county attorney. Everyone is afraid to do anything or refuses to believe that he could do this stuff."

Chase's cell phone rang and he glanced down at it, "It's Dare. Let me answer it, ok?"

Stephanie didn't stick around while Chase was on the phone with Daren. She went to the restroom and splashed cold water on her face. She still couldn't believe that she told Chase everything, but was glad she did. The fact that he believed her, helped immensely; she didn't feel alone. As she walked back to where he was sitting, Chase stood and laid a few bills on the table.

"Are you ready to head to the hotel?"

Nodding, "Yeah, thank you for listening."

On the way back to the hotel, she and Chase talked about some of the antics him and the other guys had pulled over the years. Stephanie had laughed so hard at times that her ribs even hurt. He escorted her to her room and outside the door Chase told her, "I wish it had been me that you fell into today."

Stephanie could tell he meant it, but though she liked Chase, the chemistry wasn't there. She went on tip-toes and kissed his cheek, "I think you are great, but I..."

"I know, shorty. You are Daren's." His voice sounded resigned, "Here's my cell number, if you ever need anything...anything whatsoever, just call."

Stephanie went into her room, closed and locked the door. She decided that a long shower was called for, as she was getting out of the shower, her cell phone rang. She let it go to voicemail. After drying her hair and throwing on a robe, she settled in on the bed and picked up her cell phone. She had three messages. The first one was from Jessica. The second one was from Jeff.

It made her skin crawl that no matter how many times she changed her number, he managed to get it. His voice was cold and mean, filled with hatred, "Do you really think you can leave me? I know where you are and will be waiting when you get back!" She wanted to delete the call, but didn't. She needed proof of what he was doing and the threats he made.

The third message was from Daren. His raspy voice was filled with concern, "Stephanie, please call me back. I just need to know you are OK. I need to apologize...just call me, please."

So Chase was right. He doesn't hate me after all, she thought to herself. After returning Jessica's call and assuring her that they would meet for breakfast in the morning, she gathered up her courage.

Stephanie almost gave up when Daren's phone rang for the fifth time, "Stephanie?"

She bit her bottom lip at the sensations that went through her body from just his voice, clearing her throat, "Hi, Daren."

"I'm sorry, baby. I didn't mean..."

Stephanie cut him off, "Daren, its ok. I overreacted. I'm the one who's sorry."

Daren asked her, "Will you meet me somewhere? I just want to see you. I need to know you are really OK."

"Chase told you, didn't he?"

When he didn't answer right away, Stephanie knew he did, "Yes. Don't blame him. He just wanted to help somehow and we found a way we could, if you want us to."

"I'll think about it. What did you all have in mind?" Stephanie asked. She still had a hard time believing in the connection she felt to Daren from the beginning. Somehow, he'd gotten through all of her walls that she built around herself.

He dropped his voice even lower, "Meet me for dinner. We can talk about it then."

Stephanie took a leap of faith and suggested, "Why don't you just come to my room? We can order pizza or some take out."

"Baby, if we are anywhere close to a bed..."

She wanted to feel him close to her. She needed to feel his lips on hers again. Stephanie felt her heart beat speed up, "Room 217."

Stephanie had barely closed her phone and stood up when there was a knock on her door. She slowly walked towards the door and peeked out through the peep hole. Daren stood there looking sexy as hell even through the distorted view. She took a deep breath and opened the door.

Daren's voice died in his throat when he saw Stephanie. She opened the door wearing only a powder blue silk robe. It came to mid thigh and showed a good amount of cleavage. He felt like he was going to swallow his tongue just looking at her. No matter how much he willed it, his cock filled out and hardened behind his zipper. He clenched his fists and closed his eyes, trying not to reach for her.

"I didn't think you'd get here that quick."

Daren opened his eyes and looked into hers, "I was afraid you'd change your mind." He leaned against the door frame, "Add to the fact that my room is only three doors down the hall..."

Her surprised laugh about did him in, "I didn't realize."

Stephanie opened the door wider in silent invitation for him to enter. Daren walked in, "I missed you."

He watched as she closed the door and locked it. In a soft voice she admitted, "I missed you, too."

Daren wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight. Without hesitation, her arms clutched him and she buried her face into his chest. When she pushed back slightly and her hands rubbed his chest, he groaned. He closed his eyes as he felt her hands run up his chest. When her hands settled on his shoulders, he looked down at her. She licked her lips and stared into his eyes, "Kiss me, Daren."



Dare Me Ch. 03



Chapter Three

Had three words ever sounded so sweet? Daren stared into her eyes for a moment, framing her face in his hands. Running his finger over her bottom lip, he could have kicked himself for asking, "Are you sure about this, Stephanie?"

Silently, he begged her to be sure. He didn't think he could walk away without having her. 

He watched her bite her bottom lip, lick it, and pull him down to her. Daren kept his eyes open as her face came closer and closer. Then their lips met. Every muscle in his body tensed as they came together. Groaning against her mouth, he closed his eyes and got lost in her kiss. Her lips were soft and warm against his, perfection.

What was it about her that got to him? Just one look from Stephanie managed to get his blood boiling. When they kissed it was like nothing else existed, all he could feel, hear, smell was her. The entire damn place could be going up in flames and he wouldn't know it or care, as long as he had her in his arms. 

Deepening the kiss, he licked the seam of her lips to gain access. He heard her whimper and couldn't stop. He didn't break their kiss as he backed her against the wall. Picking her up, she wrapped her legs around his waist and their tongues mated. He grinded his hips into hers and began trailing kisses and love bites down her neck.

As he sucked the skin of her neck against his teeth, he heard her moan, "Daren...please."

Cupping her ass in his hands, he palmed her. Sliding his hand under her robe, he growled as he felt nothing but bare skin. Daren felt her tremble in his arms as his fingers parted her and he slid one finger deep inside. Burying his head in her neck, he tried to breath, to slow down. The way her pussy clamped down on his finger and sucked it in had him so far gone that he didn't know if he could take this slow, the way he needed to.

His voice came out deeper than he had ever heard, "Damn, baby. If this isn't what you want..."

Stephanie clutched his head and brought her lips back to his. She wiggled her hips against his hand, "Please, don't stop."

Daren kissed her lips softly and leaned back to look into her eyes, he needed to know this was what she really wanted. Her hand snaked down his chest to the button on his jeans. He felt her hand slide inside and touch the head of his cock. Feeling her hand smear the pre-cum leaking from him was his undoing. Watching her bring her hand back to her mouth and lick her fingers, moaning as she did so, broke what little restraint he had been hanging onto.

Turning with her in his arms, he walked them to the bed and laid her down on it. He pulled the tie holding the robe closed, groaning as the silk slid from her body. Her soft breasts called his name and he bent down to suck a rose colored nipple deep into his mouth. While licking, sucking and biting on one, he plucked and pinched the other. Daren felt her legs wrap around him again and could feel her tugging his shirt up and out of his pants. Taking her cue, he pulled the shirt over his head quickly and got back to feasting on her breasts. 

This time when her legs wrapped around him, he could feel her hot, wet center against his stomach. God, he needed inside of her...now. Pushing away from her, he placed her legs on the bed and bent them, spreading her wide open. He looked down and saw his own little form of heaven, her bare pussy, wet and open for him.

Slowly, he traced her outer lips with his finger as he watched her clutch the comforter on the bed. One taste, he told himself and then he would slide deep inside her welcoming body. Kneeling on the floor, he pulled her to the edge of the bed. Kissing her inner thighs, rubbing his hands up and spreading her pussy open, he groaned as her clit peaked out at him. He made one long, slow lick from the bottom of her pussy to her clit. 

He felt her hands in his hair as he circled her clit with his tongue. Moaning as he did so, he brought his fingers up to pinch her clit gently, blowing on it. Her hips bucked up into him and he placed a hand on her stomach to hold her still. Sucking her clit had her gasping his name over and over. He was so hard and so close to losing it, he stopped. Placing a kiss on her mound, he fumbled with the zipper on his jeans. Finally, he managed to shove them down and to the floor, kicking his shoes and jeans off of his legs as he stood.

With her legs spread wide open, she had popped up on her elbows, staring at him. Daren smiled as he stroked his cock from base to tip as she watched, licking her lips. Never had he seen a vision quite like her before. Her long chestnut hair was in disarray as the wavy locks tumbled over one shoulder and he couldn't wait to wrap his hands in it as he thrust into her. 

With her chocolate brown eyes glazed over with lust and need, she told him, "I want to taste you, Daren."

He groaned as her husky words registered in his brain, "Not this time, baby." He couldn't help but chuckle as she stuck her bottom lip out, pouting. Rubbing the head of his cock up and down her slit, he told her, "This time it's going to be fast and hard, Stephanie. I need you too damn much."

Stephanie's hand wrapped around his cock and guided the tip to her opening, pushing her hips towards him. He felt the head of his cock enter her and sweat broke out across his forehead. Her legs fell open, wide open. Grabbing her wrists, he pinned them above her head on the bed, "You are so fucking tight and wet."

She raised her hips more, trying to take more of him, "For you, Daren, only you."

That broke him right there. He slammed all the way into her and heard her cry out. Stopping about killed him, but he held still, buried inside her. Kissing her ear and neck, waiting for her to adjust to him almost made him lose it. Feeling her pussy clutch and milk his cock was too much and yet, not enough. 

He felt her shift and move her hips a little, "Ready, baby?"

"Yes. Fuck me, Dare. I feel so full. I need you to fuck me."

Daren covered her mouth with his, kissing her, their tongues matching the rhythm of their hips. He felt the spasms start in her, causing her to clamp down on his cock and broke the kiss. Sliding a hand in between their bodies, he rubbed her clit as he pushed in and pulled out of her body, over and over, until he felt her nails dig into his forearms, clutching him. She cried out as her orgasm ripped through her body and Daren pumped into her harder and harder. He felt the first blast of cum erupt from him and moaned her name, filling her. 

Slowly, they both caught their breath.

He didn't want to pull out of her body, "I want to stay like this forever."

Stephanie laughed, rubbing her hands up his chest, "Promises, promises big guy."

At some point they had crawled under the blankets and slept, because Stephanie woke up nestled next to a very large, sexy man. Her head was lying on his arm, his other arm wrapped around her waist, and she could feel his hard length resting against her butt. Sighing, she gave a little wiggle to see how asleep he really was. 

Stephanie bit her lip as she felt his hand clutch her hip. His deep voice rumbling, "Baby, don't start something you aren't ready to finish."

As he cupped her breast, Stephanie rolled her hips. He was nibbling on her neck, rubbing against her as she lifted his hand to her mouth. Sucking his finger into her mouth, she traced and licked it, teasing him even more. Daren growled against her neck, lifting her leg and sliding into her from behind. She couldn't help it, she sucked his finger deeper and further into her mouth, moaning. He was impossibly deep inside of her in this position, taking her breath with each thrust.

"You feel so good, Stephanie. I can feel your pussy squeezing my cock, milking me."

Stephanie let his finger slide out of her mouth, "Dare..."

Suddenly, he was thrusting harder and faster, his fingers rubbing her clit and she felt it hit. Her climax shocked her in its intensity. Her body tightened, gasping for breath, she thought she was going to pass out. As the last of the waves diminished, Daren withdrew from her sensitized body and turned her over onto her back. He grabbed her legs and spread them wide, hooking them as he thrust home. As he bottomed out inside her willing body, Stephanie gripped his forearms, half moon crescents appeared from her nails.

Hearing her gasp and moan his name affected him more than any had before. He could feel it coming, feel that rush of blood and semen engorging his shaft, traveling up, that brief second right before the jets of cum began shooting out, coating inside her warm walls. Spine tingling, nerves alive and almost bone melting sensations coursed through his body. Fucking had always been good, but never had it completely consumed every fiber of his being before.

Burying his head in her neck, he tried to get his bearings back. What in the hell was happening here? Why was it so different with her? How could he ever walk away from this? Stephanie's ability to affect him like this, this soon, was baffling. Daren was having a hard time making heads or tails of the situation.

Lust.

That's all it could be. Well, lust and the ingrained aspect of needing to protect someone. As he struggled to come to terms with this new found clawing need for Stephanie, he stretched out beside her. Automatically, he pulled her into his side, keeping her close. The need to feel her against him caused him to pause. Suddenly, he tensed. Never had he felt the need to pull a woman close, especially after two rounds of hot and sweaty sex.

Stephanie must have noticed his body language, because he felt her shift a little. Daren wanted to pull her closer, feel her soft body against his, melting into him. She didn't give him a chance though, and he had no one to blame but himself. To keep himself from reaching for her again, he clenched one fist tight and slung one arm over his face.

He felt the bed dip slightly and knew she had gotten up. He heard the bathroom door close and lock. Clenching his jaw, he punched the bed, fighting the insane notion to kick the door in. With any other woman, this would have been his cue to get the hell out of dodge.

Daren sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. He sat there for a moment staring at the bathroom door, cursing it. Yet again, there was another barrier between them. Kicking it in or ripping it off the hinges would make him feel a hell of a lot better, but would only complicate things further.

Her walking away earlier because he demanded to know when she was leaving would be nothing compared to pulling a stunt like that. It confused him, how she could stand up to him and yet, with that Jeff guy, she just let him continue to torment her. Why? There had to be a reason.

The chemistry between Daren and Stephanie was instantaneous. Daren filtered through the previous encounters he'd had with women. He referred to them as encounters because let's face it. The longest had barely lasted two weeks. A week of that he'd used every maneuver possible to avoid the woman. So, technically, it was a week. Even then, no woman had the ability to get to him. Hell, when Stephanie had walked away it hurt. The thought of it happening again damn near caused him to have a panic attack. 

For all of about thirty seconds, he'd chalked his reaction up to her stinging his pride. Who was she to walk away from him? Then it hit him. She felt right. The time she'd spent with him, that empty place he didn't even realize existed, was no longer there. But the two and a half hours she wasn't with him damn near destroyed him; definitely a humbling experience for someone like him.

All thoughts of walking away vanished. Stephanie would not be chalked up as another encounter. Daren pulled on his jeans and sat back on the bed, not bothering to button them. He'd wait her out. They needed to talk.

Naively, Stephanie had hoped that Daren would stop her hasty retreat from the bedroom, but evidently not. If she could kick her own butt, she would. Why on earth did she really think he'd want someone like her? Look what happened. Just trying to hold her caused him to freeze in a near state of panic. She removed her robe and looked at herself in the mirror. Seeing the mark that Daren left on her neck didn't help one bit. Angrily, she jerked open the shower curtain and started the water.

For the second time that day, tears threatened to fall all because of one man. If she wasn't so afraid of seeing his face and reaction to her, she'd go out there and tell him to get the hell out. Who was she kidding? She was a coward in the first degree. She'd rather hide out in here and give him the opportunity to leave. Ironic really, that the first man to ever make her turn into a big pile of goo and he didn't want to want to be there. Hell, not even Jeff had come close to sating her body like Daren did. Stephanie angrily scrubbed her body, trying to remove any trace of their sexual aerobics from her skin.

Why did he even come if he didn't want to be here? It's not like she hunted him down begging him to come fuck her! One second she cursed him in her mind, the next, she cursed herself and her foolishness. She had been in the shower so long that her skin had turned prune like. Sure that she had given him enough time to vacate the room, she stepped out of the shower and toweled off. Not bothering to dry her hair completely, she ran a brush through it and pulled on her robe.

As she opened the bathroom door, she noticed two things. It was pitch black in the room with only a little illumination coming from the bathroom and Daren was still sitting on the bed. The coward in her wanted to turn right back around and slam the bathroom door shut until he left, but the other part held on to a shred of hope. Had she read him wrong? She could have sworn he tensed earlier.

She stood there silently, barely breathing, waiting for some type of reaction from him. His elbows were braced on his knees, his hands in his face. Stephanie nervously chewed on her bottom lip. She stood there like a deer in headlights when he looked up. The way his eyes looked at her caused goose bumps to break out across her skin. Everything seemed to stand still as they stared at each other. 

"Come here." 

She wanted to deny his gravelly command, but didn't. Slowly she walked towards him, only stopping about two feet from him. His eyes searched her face as he held his hand out. It reminded her of someone trying to get a frightened animal to come closer. That offered hand could either hurt her further, or be the best thing to ever happen to her. She hesitated, but ended up giving in. Gently, she placed her hand in his and hoped for the best.

Daren pulled her in between his legs. His hands gripped her hips briefly before he leaned his head against her stomach. One single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek as his arms wrapped around her tight. For a second she didn't know what to do. She'd never been in this situation before.

She was almost afraid to breathe, afraid to lose this moment. Eventually, she ended up running her fingers through his hair. Stephanie wondered if this moment meant as much to him as it did to her.

Daren shocked her when he leaned back on the bed, taking her with him. A moan escaped her lips as his hands roamed up her back. He cupped her head and kissed her with a desperation she'd never forget. She was so lost in their kiss that she didn't even realize when he rolled them over.

He broke the kiss and told her, "You walked away again."

Stephanie glared at him, "You wanted me to."

Daren grudgingly admitted, "I panicked."

Stephanie gave him points for being honest, but absolutely refused to voice it. Staring over his shoulder, she tried to ignore the fact that his body was on top of hers. When his hand guided her face back to look at him, she wanted to panic.

His thumb rubbed her bottom lip, "I'm sorry." His cell phone rang and he cursed.

Stephanie decided she would kiss whoever chose that moment to call, "Answer it, Daren."

He all but growled as he answered his phone, moving enough to allow her up. Stephanie turned on the lamp and could feel him watching her as she pulled on a pair of jeans, bra and t-shirt. Even though he'd seen every inch of her already, it made her feel marginally better being dressed.

Daren became more and more pissed off by the second. Chase called to tell him that Jeff had called Stephanie three times in the twenty-four hours. As recently as four hours ago, right before he had come to her room. Daren agreed with Chase. There was no way in hell Stephanie was going back home without them. He finished his call and grabbed his shirt. He tried to reign in his temper as he pulled it on.

He watched Stephanie pack up her clothes, "What are you doing?"

She mumbled, "Packing."

"We need to talk, Stephanie."

Putting her hands on her hips, "Men don't 'talk'."

Daren stalked over to her, "Remember your psycho ex?" He raised his eyebrow, "You know the one. He called right before I got here."

Stephanie's face went completely pale, "How did...?"

Holding up his hand, "Chase just told me. He's getting info on the guy, so we can help. Here's my question. Why in the hell didn't you tell me?" She stiffened her back and stiffly walked away from him and he swore, "Dammit, Steph..."

That's when he heard another man's voice, "Where did you go with those whores you call friends?" She hit a button and the next played, "You know when you come home I'll have to punish you for your actions." She hit another button, "Do you really think you can leave me? I know where you are and will be waiting when you get back!"

Stephanie threw her phone at him, "Happy now? What else do you want to know, Daren?" He'd only caught the phone by reflex, but let her continue, "Do you want to hear about how he chose my clothes and the way I styled my hair? How I wasn't allowed around my family and friends?" She paced back and forth, "Oh I know. How about when he beat the hell out of me? That was because someone thanked me for helping their child. I didn't tell Chase this, but...ready, Daren? Are you listening?"

Daren stood there immobile as Stephanie stared at him, tears filling her eyes. It was almost as if the fight left her, her voice seemed vacant, "After he beat me, before he took me to the hospital, he raped me. For over two hours he did things..."

Daren felt rage course through his body at her words. Grabbing her, he held her tight, "I won't let him hurt you anymore. I swear." He felt the dampness on his chest from her tears and it about killed him. He just held her until she calmed down, "Baby?"

Stephanie stepped away from him, wiping her face with the back of her hand, "Sorry, I shouldn't have unloaded on you like that."

Daren shrugged his shoulders, "Anytime, baby. I guess I asked for it." Clearing his throat, "Will you let me and the guys help? Do what we say to keep you safe and stop this guy?"

She stared at him in disbelief, "Why would you want to?"

Daren sat in the chair and pulled her on his lap. He hesitated briefly, trying to find a way to explain his need to help her and be with her even confused him, so how to explain? He ran his hand through her still damp hair, inhaling the scent.

"Just hear me out on this, OK?" When she nodded and settled on his lap, he told her, "I know I panicked earlier. I've never felt the need or want for a woman that I feel for you. It shocked me when I went to hold you after we made love." She tried to turn and look at him, but he held her tighter, "Just listen, baby."

He kissed her head, "Yes, I want you, Stephanie. But, there's also this need that I have. I need to make sure you are safe. I know it's crazy and fucked up, since we just met earlier, but the thought of you leaving tomorrow and still dealing with that asshole without me..." he cringed.




Dare Me Ch. 03



Stephanie sat there quietly, leaning against him. He sighed, "Will you let me and the guys help? Do you know how hard this is for me to even ask? I just do, Stephanie. I take charge and get it done, but I'm trying to give you the option here." Hell, say no and I'll take care of it anyway!  He added silently. "The thought of you saying no is killing me."

Daren held his breath, waiting for her to decide. Finally she agreed, "OK."

Stephanie felt bowled over. Almost as soon as she agreed, Daren had taken over. She had to do the flight of the bumble bee to get the room in some type of decent order before Chase showed up. While Chase sat with her to get her alarm code for the house and her address with directions, Daren ran out to get pizza and have a copy of her house key made. She found it funny that he demanded that someone sit with her here, when for months she'd been by herself.

Less than fifteen minutes after Daren got back, Chase and the other guys were on the road headed to Kentucky. They were to go straight to her house and secure it. When Stephanie had asked why they didn't all just stay with her, instead of finding somewhere else to stay, Daren shot a look at her that clearly said, "Hell no."

So far, the plan was that Daren would be moving in with her until the Jeff issue was dealt with. From what she understood, they didn't have to check back in for another SEAL mission for at least three weeks, so they would have until then to deal with it. 

Her part should have been easy, but wasn't in her opinion. All she had to do was follow what they said and that was easier said than done. Especially when she and Daren were finally alone again and he set out their pizza, beer and an engagement ring.

He plopped the ring on the table and told her, "Put that on."

Stephanie balked, "Where on earth did you get that?"

Daren took a bite of his pizza, "Around the corner." He took a drink of his beer and when she didn't put it on quick enough, grabbed her hand and slid the ring on her finger. He explained, "It will look bad if you have a guy living with you. Sets a bad example for you students and people would talk; can't have that."

"But..." Stephanie tried to protest.

Daren pointed out, "You said you'd do whatever I said."

Stephanie looked from him to the ring, "I never thought we'd be talking about a fake engagement!"

"We have to convince your friends in the morning, too."

His words didn't register at first. She was so engrossed with the beauty of the ring. It was a full karat, princess cut on a wide platinum band. To the sides of the diamond were two trillion cut sapphires, one on each side. It was perfect, absolutely gorgeous. Stephanie groaned, "Tell me this is a fake."

Daren smirked, but did not answer. Instead, he asked, "Can you convince them or not?"

She didn't know if she could or not, "I don't know. I'm a horrible liar."

He laughed, "I noticed that. Can I make a suggestion?"

Stephanie was still blown away by the ring, "Go ahead." It was even the right size.

Her mouth fell open at what he said next, "For the next three weeks we are engaged, committed to each other completely. You can consider it a commitment ring, if that helps."

Now she was completely lost. Was he really suggesting an engagement with a time limit? Stephanie couldn't help but ask, "You want to be my fiancé?"

To be continued...



Dare Me Ch. 04



It wasn't that he wanted to be engaged to Stephanie, well in one way he didn't want that. He did want her to be only his. At least until he could get her out of his system. Daren just wasn't ready to walk down the aisle with anyone. If that ring she had on her finger kept other men away from her then yes, he wanted to be engaged.

Once he came to that conclusion, he took a drink of his beer and asked, "Is the idea so horrible?"

Stephanie dropped her head to the table and groaned, "Are all SEALS certifiable?" When Daren just looked at her bemused she asked, "Why?"

"Three reasons, if you must know." He held up one finger, "One would be to tell your ex you are not his." He held up another finger, "Two is that no one would question me and the guys being with you 24/7." Holding up three fingers, "I don't share. So, for as long as we are together, you are mine."

Stephanie pointed out, "That means you are mine, too. I won't share either." A shit eating grin covered her face, "Does that mean I need to get you a ring, too?"

Surprisingly enough, the thought of wearing a ring from Stephanie didn't bother him. Daren looked down at his watch. The jewelry store would be open for at least thirty more minutes, "Throw on some shoes."

Stephanie laughed, "OK, big shot."

Daren was pleasantly surprised that she didn't bother to primp or put on make-up. She grabbed her shoes and put them on, grabbed her cell phone and a credit card. She walked to the door and turned towards him, "Ready?"

He couldn't help it, he laughed. Before she could open the door, he kissed her. When he knew she was extremely worked up, he pulled back, "I really do like you, Stephanie."

Saucily, she winked at him, "Good thing since we're engaged and all."

**

Stephanie was waiting for the punch line. There was no way Daren was serious about this whole engagement business. She thought he would protest wearing a ring from her, so when they made it to the jewelry store to find one, to say she was stunned would be an understatement.

An elderly couple smiled broadly as they entered. The woman patted the man's chest as she greeted them, "She said yes, Daren? I'm so happy for you both! You must be Daren's Stephanie."

"Yes ma'am."

"Please call me Anne. I'm Anne Tolliver and this," she pointed to her husband, "is Charles."

Charles embraced her and kissed her cheek, "What do you think of your ring?"

Stephanie blushed and glanced at Daren, "I love it. It's perfect."

Daren planted a kiss on her lips, cupping the side of her face, he looked at her with a look that made her feel...special. He told her, barely above a whisper, "You are perfect, baby."

Charles cleared his throat and Stephanie looked up to see tears in Anne's eyes. Daren told them, "We're here to find a ring for me this time. She thinks if she's going to wear one, then I need to as well."

Stephanie smiled and Anne led her to the other side of the store, "Let them stay there and look. This is something we need to take care of, honey." As Anne pulled open the case of rings, "What do you think, dear?"

Stephanie saw the one right off that was perfect, "That one."

Anne obviously approved. While she rang up the sale, Stephanie held the double band. It was a platinum band that held a small row of sapphires so dark they almost appeared black until the light hit them. The other band that was with it was a thin plain platinum band. Stephanie hoped Daren would like it.

Stephanie quickly reminded herself, it's only for three weeks. He won't ever wear the wedding band. The sadness she felt was irrational and she knew it, because as soon as the mess with Jeff was over with, so were they. Anne had just boxed up the wedding band portion and Stephanie slid it in her pocket when Daren's arms wrapped around her waist.

Daren kissed her neck as she slipped the sapphire band on his finger. She could feel him look at it over her shoulder, "Look." He laid her hand on top of his, seeing that their rings complimented each other had tears pooling in her eyes.

Charles asked, "May I?" As he nodded towards his digital camera, "I'd love to take a picture of you two."

A picture would be perfect, Stephanie thought. Something to remember the man I fell in love with.

The next morning, Stephanie was still in La-La Land. Making love to Daren last night and waking up in his arms this morning was definitely La-La inducing. Just thinking about what he did to her in the shower less than two hours ago had her clenching her thighs under the table.

The girls were all chattering away and Stephanie was having a hard time participating. She made a conscious effort to keep her left hand under the table waiting for Daren to show up. She just couldn't pull this three week engagement off without him.

"Steph, what's with you?" Jessica asked.

She blushed, "Huh?"

Erin gasped, "You slept with him, didn't you?"

Stalling, "Um..."

Sarah exclaimed, "Details!"

Thankfully, Daren chose that moment to appear, "Hi, baby."

Just like he had been doing it forever, not less than twenty-four hours, Daren delivered a bone melting kiss on her lips. Without thinking, Stephanie brought her left hand up, sliding it to Daren's shoulder.

Sarah asked, "Is that ...?"

Erin groaned, "Oh, holy hell!"

Jessica gasped, "Oh My God!"

Daren chuckled against her lips and asked, "Didn't tell them yet?"

Stephanie mumbled, "I was waiting for you."

Sarah, the hopeless romantic of the group, recovered first. She came around the table and hugged them both, "I'm so happy for you both! It's so sweet!"

Erin laughed and said, "The sex must be amazing for a ring to be in play this quickly!"

Stephanie hid her face in Daren's chest as Daren said, "Hell yes it is," wiggling his eyebrows.

Erin threw her napkin at him, "I meant for her!"

Jessica somberly asked, "Um, Stephanie, are you sure this is a good idea? I mean with Jeff and all..."

Daren tensed, "I'll deal with him."

Stephanie placed her hand on Daren's chest to calm him down, "We'll be fine, I promise. Daren knows all about Jeff. As for whether or not I'm sure?" She bit her bottom lip and blushed when she looked at Daren, "Yeah. I'm positive. We've agreed it will be a long engagement."

Daren busted out in laughter, "Three weeks is a 'long engagement'?"

All three of her friends repeated him in unison, "Three weeks?"

Stephanie covered Daren's mouth with her hand and jerked it back quickly when he licked her palm, "He goes back to report in in three weeks."

Immediately Sarah started planning, "Three weeks is doable. We can find a dress for you and all of us, of course. Then the guys will be able to rent tuxes. Cake shouldn't be a problem. I bet we can do it all at your house, Stephanie! It will be perfect out by the flower garden and gazebo!"

Daren smiled and cut Stephanie off as she tried to tell Sarah, "I didn't say..."

Daren kissed her, "Sounds perfect to me." Stephanie couldn't hide the confusion in her face. No one said a damned thing about actually getting married. Hell, it was a fake engagement! It was just for three weeks, until he leaves. Daren leaned down and whispered, "Just go with it. We'll straighten it out later."

Sarah continued, "Of course, Jess will be the maid of honor, me and Erin will be the bride's maids, right?"

Stephanie's stomach churned, "Of course."

"What about the guys? How will they rank?" She asked Daren.

As Erin just shook her head and mumbled, "Nothing hideous for a dress." Jessica took notes on what needed to be done.

Daren spoke up, "Beau can do the ceremony. We'll talk to him about it when we get back to Kentucky. Chase will be the best man, and the others can be groom's men."

Stephanie had to put a stop to this before it went too far, "Why don't we talk about this stuff later? Like later this week."

When her cell phone rang, she jumped. She pulled it out of her pocket and cringed, it was Jeff. She wasn't about to answer it, but Daren grabbed it out of her hand, "Hello?" Everyone at the table quieted. Only Jessica knew the full details of everything that had happened with Jeff and she stiffened, realizing who the call was from. Daren was the only side of the conversation they could hear, "Who is this?" He paused, his voice menacing, "Well, sorry about your luck, Jeff. Stephanie and I are engaged. Lose her number or you'll deal with me." He hit a button to end the call and said, "Excuse me, ladies."

Stephanie watched as Daren walked away from the table getting his phone out. Probably to call Chase, she guessed. 

Jessica asked, "You ok, Stephanie?"

Nervous laughter erupted from her, "I guess, just a little off balance." Once she realized how that would sound to her friends, she pointed out, "It's crazy. I want to be with him, but it's fast. I never thought I'd feel like this."

Sarah smiled, "How did he ask?"

Stephanie laughed and told the truth, "He sat the ring on the table and said, 'Put that on.'" All of their eyes got big, "I argued for about half an hour about how crazy it was, but he convinced me. Then I decided if I was to wear a ring, he had to. We went and picked one out for him, too."

Jessica was the one to ask, "Do you love him?"

Without hesitation, Stephanie honestly replied, "Yeah, I love him."

Daren almost swallowed his own tongue when he overheard Stephanie admit that she loved him. Did she really or was she just trying to convince her friends like they talked about? He remembered her telling him that she was a horrible liar, and if he was a betting man, he'd bet that it was the truth. 

When her friends immediately went into plan the wedding mode, he thought it was a good idea. It made everything seem more believable. Letting them plan and all, would help to keep them from figuring out what was going on. His inner voice asked, 'What is really going on though?'

Daren avoided looking too much into that question just yet, one thing at a time. Deal with her ex first. Then they'd figure out where they stood. Once he knew she was safe, maybe then he'd be able to get her out of his system. If not, well...who knows? Maybe an indefinite engagement until he had a chance to.

As he sat down at the table, Stephanie blushed. He loved how easily she got flustered, made it easy to see what got to her. Smiling he asked, "You love me, huh?"

Instead of answering, she told him, "Show the girls your ring."

His eyes never left hers as he lifted his hand, displaying the ring Stephanie got him. She held his stare, but he could tell she hid what she was thinking, blanking out on him. Daren decided he couldn't have that and cupped her face. He knew her bottom lip was sensitive and rubbed it. Immediately, her eyes glazed over, "You ready to head home?"

Stephanie grumbled, "That's not fair." When he winked at her, she rolled her eyes, "I guess I'll see you guys at work tomorrow."

There were more hugs and promises to get together on Wednesday night to plan the wedding. They made sure to point out that the guys were expected as well. Daren agreed and they were on the road within moments. He was on the phone most of the time or she feigned being asleep, so he couldn't question her and the love comment. He let her keep her pretense of sleeping until they arrived in her town. 

Gently, he shook her arm, "Show me where everything is."

Stephanie blinked at him, momentarily confused. Maybe she really did fall asleep. After she rubbed her eyes, "The next left," she pointed, "will take you to the elementary school where I work. At the end of that street, take a right and go about 8 miles. My house is on the left."

Daren actually liked the fact that it was a small town. He smiled, easier to take care of the Jeff issue. As they passed the school, he noted that it was small yet looked to be inviting. He noticed Stephanie chewing on her bottom lip as they got closer to her house and asked, "Nervous?"

He held her hand when she nodded, "A little. I just never know what to expect when I open my door or leave and come home."

The thought of her being afraid constantly upset him. What made this Jeff person think he had the right to torment Stephanie? Daren vowed silently that he would take care of him and soon. Stephanie would not worry ever again. Squeezing her hand he told her, "The guys are at your house. Everything's safe, I promise. They also got you a surprise."

Her face lit up, "Really? What did they get?"

Daren smirked, "Consider it an early birthday present." The fact that she didn't mind the guys being in her house made him feel good, "Oh, we need to tell them we are engaged."

"They don't know? I thought they knew the plan?"

Her confusion was evident. Daren hadn't told her that the engagement deal was a spur of the moment thing. When he'd been walking past that jewelry store, he glanced in the window and saw the ring. That's when the thought to put it on her finger occurred. Hell, it was a gut thing. He just knew it would make things easier and he didn't like the thought of anyone questioning him being with her. That damn inner voice pointed out, maybe because you want to be with her for longer than the three weeks. Daren quickly ignored his thoughts, deal with that later, he reminded himself.

Daren shrugged, "I decided that it would be best. I guess I forgot to mention it to them with everything else going on." He could feel her watching him, "I hope you like the surprise."

As they turned into her drive way, Daren noted that there was a long entrance, which was good and bad for security reasons. Trees made a tunnel affect drown the drive and it curved before the house came into view. A two-story cabin with a wrap-around porch sat in the clearing. It had a homey feel to it with plenty of flowers around the edge of the porch and trees in front of the house. She even had a front porch swing and a basketball goal in the drive, which is where the guys were gathered. 

Almost as soon as the truck stopped, Stephanie jumped out, "Where's my surprise?"

Daren laughed, "Hey guys."

Chase walked over and wrapped his arm around Stephanie's shoulders and Daren had to fight the urge to rip it off. Guiding her to the porch, Chase said, "Your surprise is sleeping."

Right under the swing, a small black lab puppy was curled into a ball. Daren turned a glare to his guys, "I said a dog, not a puppy!"

Beau spoke up, "Figured shorty would rather have a puppy."

Stephanie giggled, actually giggled, and hugged each man before she made it back to Daren. Wrapping her arms around his neck she soundly kissed him, shutting him up. "Thank you. I love it!"

Daren grumbled, "I'm glad you like it, but how's a puppy going to protect you?"

Beaming at him, "I thought that's what you were for?"

All the guys laughed and Jake asked, "Uh, Dare?" Daren looked at him and he continued, glancing at Daren's ring finger, "What's with the ring?"

Almost flippantly, Stephanie said, "We're engaged."

"What the fuck?" Chase asked and all of the guys stared at Daren in disbelief.

Daren shot a don't-fuck-with-me ook, telling them, "I asked, she said yes after I convinced her." All of them but Chase looked at him like he'd grown three heads, "What?" 

Chase looked pissed as he told Daren, "We need to talk."

Stephanie touched Chase's arm, "It's OK, Chase. We're fine." Chase nodded at her, but shot a look to Daren as she asked, "What's the puppy's name?"

She picked up the sleeping puppy which immediately woke up and started licking her face. Daren walked over petting the runt as Jake said, "You tell us, shorty. He's yours...well I guess yours and Daren's?"

**

Stephanie decided after talking to the guys for a bit that it would be a good idea to start supper. They offered to go get take out, but she wanted to cook for them. While they sat outside playing basketball or playing with the dog, she started cooking. She thought back to when she and Daren were on the way to her house and how it worried her having all of the guys there a little. She was afraid that it would have been intimidating, but oddly enough it was comforting. 

All of them seemed to accept her engagement to Daren extremely well, all of them but Chase that is. Even Stephanie couldn't help but notice how upset he was over it. Why Daren never explained that it was fake, she didn't know or understand. What is the point of them not knowing the truth?

She was starting to feel extremely guilty for not telling her friends or his friends the truth. Stephanie knew Daren probably had his reasons for not telling them, but it still didn't make complete sense to her. She was lost in thought while she cooked until she felt someone watching her. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Daren leaning against the door frame.

Her breath caught in her throat when she saw the look in his ice blue eyes. Stephanie's body went from being complacent to achy in a split second. 

As he leaned against the door facing, his arms crossed, Stephanie realized how big Daren really was. His arms were the size of her thighs and his chest and abs were honed, rippling with muscle. His olive skin tone only accentuated the color of his eyes. His lips were full and soft, except when he was annoyed. No man had a right to look as good as he did in a tee and old jeans.

When her gaze made it back to his eyes, he winked at her and Stephanie rolled her eyes, trying to act like he didn't affect her nearly as much as he did.

Turning her back to finish supper, "Let the guys know it'll be ready in about twenty minutes."

She felt his arms wrap around her and couldn't help but snuggle up to him a bit, "It smells great, but you smell better." He brushed his lips against her neck. Doubts crept in and Stephanie stiffened against him wondering if this was all a part of the act, too. "What's wrong?"

Stephanie lied, "I need to wash my hands." 

She stepped away from him and while she washed her hands, closed her eyes, trying to build some type of defense against him. She cringed as he said, "Don't, Stephanie."

Blowing out a shaky breath, she asked, "What are you talking about?"

Daren turned her around, "You're walking away again."

She stammered, "N-no..."

Daren's lips covered hers. Gently coaxing, he kept the kiss soft. Stephanie whimpered. She didn't know how to fight this. How on earth do you not give into the person that you stupidly fell in love with? Kissing him back now, she was the one to deepen it; opening her mouth, brushing her tongue against his lips. 

He groaned and lifted her onto the counter. She wrapped her legs around his waist, clutching him. She needed him to be as close as humanly possible.

Jake's voice interrupted, "I'm too young to witness this display."

Daren laughed and Stephanie buried her face, hiding. Daren asked, "What do you need, Jake?"

"Well, uh..." he blew out a breath and chuckled, "Damn, I just never thought the day would come, you know?"

Stephanie's interest peaked, "What do you mean?"

Jake smiled as Chase spoke up from behind him, "Well, we all were trying to figure out if it was true or not. Placing bets on if the engagement was the real deal."

Daren growled, "Dammit, guys..."

Jake laughed, "We know it's real. Just watching you two is all the proof any of us need." He sobered up slightly and told Stephanie, "I'm glad you'll be a part of our family, shorty."

Tears threatened to spill over her eyes and Daren hugged her to his chest. He told Chase and Jake, "Supper will be ready here shortly. Can you give us a minute?" Chase acted like he was going to come closer and Daren said, "Please, Cougar."

As soon as the guys left the room, Stephanie admitted, "I can't do this, Daren."

His voice seemed distant to her as he asked, "Can't do what?"

She looked into his eyes, "I hate lying to people I care about."




Dare Me Ch. 04



**

The damned roller coaster ride he was on with Stephanie needed to stop now. He couldn't keep up anymore. Every time he turned around something else was done or said and he was on egg shells again. He wanted to protect her, make her smile and make love to her for hours, but all this other shit was getting to him. 

This time he couldn't blame her at all though and that's what pissed him off the most. He was the cause for her tears and the guilt eating away at her, all because he didn't know how else to keep her tied to him. He knew his reasons, but she didn't. Daren didn't want to spell them out for her and sound like an idiot though. It was bad enough that he felt like an idiot for what he suggested. Why in the hell didn't he just tell her he wanted them to be exclusive at least until he went back to base?

Did he do that? Hell no. Why? Because he didn't want her to have an out, he came up with some flimsy ass excuses and used them when she was vulnerable. He knew she was a small town girl at heart and used the excuse of people not liking him just living with her, that it would be a bad influence on her students. The sad part, he didn't feel sorry for doing it. If he wouldn't have done it, he wouldn't be here with her now. She'd still be here dealing with a man that could possible kill her if he wasn't stopped.

Daren held Stephanie tighter, hoping that he could calm her down and try to talk his way around this one. Kissing her hair, he asked, "Baby, what do you want me to do?"

He felt her take a deep breath, "I don't know. Anything we do now won't make it better, so it's a moot point."

He felt her push away from him and he let her go, but he stayed close. His thoughts in turmoil because she was right, no matter what they did at this point it would never be completely up to par. Daren scraped his hands over his face, "Do you want me to explain it out to the guys?"

Stephanie set something on the table and shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know what I want you to do. I just need to cope, I guess. I agreed to go along with this, when I shouldn't have. I'll just deal with it."

He felt like she punched him in the gut. The way she sounded so dejected and void of any emotion hurt. Daren cupped her elbow, "Stephanie, look at me." Her eyes usually held a sparkle, but it was gone now. Fear washed through him. He slid his hand to hers, lacing their fingers together. "We don't have to do this if you don't want me here. I'll leave and stay with the guys. We will just do a stake out type situation and keep you safe that way."

Somehow even more pain crossed her face and he didn't know what to do. He was trying to make this better for her, not worse. She whispered, "If you don't want to be here with me you don't have to stay."

What the fuck? Daren wanted to growl and shake her. How could she really think he didn't want to be here with her? Finally, he hit a breaking point and demanded, "Tell me what you want, dammit!" Before she could so much as flinch he continued, "I want to be here with you every damn night I can be. I don't want to leave. Do I care if everyone already has us married? No! Hell, Stephanie, I just want you safe and in my arms for however long you let me fucking do it!"

Stephanie's mouth fell open in shock. Hell, he was in shock that he told her the truth. He cupped her face in his hands and bent his knees to look her in the eyes, "Do I stay or go, baby?" He brushed his lips against hers, "Whatever you decide, just know it's final. No more doubts allowed."

Her reply was soft and barely could be heard, "Stay."

Later that night, Daren thought about his first meal at Stephanie's house. All of his friends gathered around sharing a meal and laughter along with the complete acceptance of Stephanie being a part of their group felt good. Stephanie was in the house getting ready for school tomorrow and he was outside watching the puppy. It was funny how easy it was to be comfortable with this setting. 

Daren pulled out his cell and checked in with Beau, "Hey, has he moved?"

Beau huffed, "Sorry bastard keeps moving. Every ten minutes he's doing something else. He knows we are here and is getting itchy. Be on your toes, Dare."

"What have you found out about him?"

Beau went on to fill Daren in on Jeff. How he hadn't covered his tracks quite as well as Stephanie thought. After he took her to the hospital, a nurse talked to the police. Only that nurse had since disappeared. A deputy that believed Stephanie when she went to file charges was fired as well. Since Daren didn't believe in coincidences, he planned to find the deputy and the nurse.

Deciding that he should check the area around the house one more time, Daren finished his call with Beau. The guys would find the nurse and deputy, no question about that. Stephanie had just stepped on the porch when Daren caught a glint of something to his left. 

The puppy had bounded up the steps and as she picked him up. Daren hissed, "Get in the house!"

He didn't have a chance to make sure she did as he told her, he took off at a dead run. Cutting through the trees and weeds to the side of her property, he saw someone with binoculars staring towards the house. Whoever it was realized Daren was coming for him and ran. By the time Daren got to where the guy was, and it was a guy from the body build, he had gotten into a four door sedan and was taking off down the road. No license plate at all was on the vehicle. 

Daren growled out his frustration. Sorry bastard! Daren immediately pulled out his cell and told the guys what happened. They were in the process of checking the security tapes they set up around the property for him. That's when he realized that Stephanie was left unprotected in the house. Daren took off running again, asking Beau, "Did anyone show up at the house when I took off after the guy?"

Beau cursed, "There is a shadow on one of the cams, Dare. I can't make out what it is. We're on the way."


Daren's blood ran cold. He was an idiot. He did the one thing he swore he wouldn't do. He left Stephanie unprotected.

To be continued...



Dare Me Ch. 05



OK, guys and girls, here's the latest of "Dare Me". Sorry for the delay, I've had a few issues pop up around here and had to make sure it was a go with submitting it. Hopefully, as I cross my fingers and close my eyes, you all will like it. As always, please send me feedback, comments and yes, even the not so good comments. All of what you all say to me helps me to become a better writer. With that said, hope to hear from you all soon! ~~honeywldcat~~

Dare Me

By: honeywldcat

©2010 all rights reserved

Chapter Five

That stupid bitch is hiding in the house and I know it. I heard the guy tell her to get inside. She won't get away from me this time. If I don't get her to him tonight, he'll kill my family. Running her off the road hadn't worked, neither had the snake, but if I have to, I'll burn the bitch alive. At least if I can't get her to him and he hurts what's mine, he won't have her.

That dumbass better have kept the guy busy long enough in the woods so I can get to her, or he'll be next on my list. This stupid whore is the only thing he wants and the only ticket I have to get my wife and son back.

Fuck! The key doesn't work! Fine, I'll bust the damn door down!

Finally! Shit! Who is that coming? Fuck, fuck, fuck, stupid cunt! I'll be back later...I will get you one way or the other!

**

Stephanie couldn't stop fidgeting as she waited for Daren to come back inside. She needed to see him, feel him, to know he was ok. The way he took off without a moment's hesitation scared her. Is this the way she'll feel when he has to go back to base? The thought of not knowing what type of mission he would be on and not knowing if he was ok or when he'd be back damn near caused her to go into a panic attack.

She reminded herself to breath, to calm down. Sitting down on the floor, she picked up B.B., her puppy, and stroked his fur to soothe the trembling pup as well as herself. She almost laughed at herself. What business was it of hers to worry about Daren once he left? He wasn't really engaged to her, it was all a sham. She dropped her head back against the wall in disgust. It didn't matter, she admitted. No matter what happened, she loved him and always would.

When she had rushed in the house a few minutes ago at Daren's command, she'd locked the back door and hid behind it. She knew Daren didn't want her answering the door unless it was him or one of his friends and he had assured her that if it was one of them, they'd make sure she knew somehow. So, when she heard someone trying to open the front door, she froze.

She looked from where she was sitting towards the front of the house and wondered what to do. If it was one of the guys, they had a key and the alarm pass code to get in. Setting the puppy behind her, she looked to the alarm key pad that was beside the front door and debated on hitting the 'panic' button. It was that or open the back door and try to find help that way. What if Daren was hurt and someone was coming for her next?

Daren's voice rang through her head, "No matter what, don't you dare leave the safety of this house, unless one of us is with you."

Chewing on her bottom lip, she remembered how he and his guys had explained that they had safe guarded the house and that they would get to her no matter what if someone tried anything here. Decision made, she ran across the room and flinched as whoever was outside began to pound against the door, as if trying to break it down. She pressed the 'panic' button and grabbed her cell phone off the table beside the alarm. Running towards the back door, she grabbed her puppy and then ran as if the hounds of hell were on her heels up the stairs.

Making a bee line to the extra bedroom, she ran straight to the closet and closed herself and the puppy inside it. She slid the sliding lock that one of the guys had installed and waited. Her whole body was shaking and tears were filling her eyes at the thought of not seeing Daren again. Stephanie gasped for breath, begging and pleading with every God she could think of to keep Daren safe and unharmed.

Closing her eyes, she concentrated on calming her breathing. She took a deep breath in, then out. Over and over she repeated the exercise, trying to think of what to do next. When her cell phone vibrated in her hand she jumped as if it electrocuted her.

Flipping it open, she answered barely above a whisper, "Yeah?"

"Shorty, we are less than three minutes from you," Chase's voice was calm and soothing.

Stephanie's voice shook, "Where's Daren? He took off through the woods. Is he ok?"

"We're not sure, yet. Just stay put. You did good, sweet pea. Once we secure the area, I'll come get you. Don't answer the door for anyone else but me or Daren. You understand?"

She begged, "Please find him, Chase! I need to..."

Chase shushed her, "I'm right outside. Calm down, I know. I'll come get you as soon as I can."

**

Daren ran around the house and almost stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the door barely hanging on the hinges. Gun in hand he took the steps one at a time as quietly as he could. He felt like his heart was going to explode.

If Stephanie wasn't ok...no! She had to be alright, he wouldn't allow any other option. He cleared the bottom floor. No one was down there. Nothing was out of place, so he crept up the stairs. He thought he heard someone enter the house and turned to find Cougar nod at him. Daren gave him the signal to stay put while he checked upstairs.

It seemed to take him an hour to make the short journey. He took a left at the top of the stairs and headed towards Stephanie's room. After clearing it, he headed to the bathroom, then to the next bedroom. All clear, so far at least. He peered around the corner to the 'safe room' they had created for emergency situations and cleared the room.

He placed his hand on the closet door and hoped like hell she was in there. He knocked on the door gently and thought he heard B.B. growl.

Daren's heart was in his throat as he said, "Stephanie, open the door. It's all clear out here."

He took the seconds for her to open the door to switch the safety back on his gun and slide it in the waist of his jeans at the center of his back. Tears were streaming down her face as she jumped into his arms.

Daren clutched her to him. He never wanted to let her go. He felt her tears on his neck where she buried her head against him and he tried to soothe her. Running his hands up and down her back, he had no idea what he was saying to her, but she seemed to be calming down some. After a moment, he tried to set her down in front of him, but she tightened her hold on his neck and her legs squeezed him tighter around his waist.

He groaned, "Baby, I have to let the guys know you are ok."

Chase stuck his head in the room, "We're going to take care of the door, Dare."

He looked up to meet Chase's concerned look, "Thanks, we'll be down in a little bit."

Daren watched as Chase made his way across the room. It took every ounce of strength to keep from jerking Stephanie out of his reach as Chase ran his hand down Stephanie's hair, "It's ok now, everyone's safe."

Chase grinned at her muffled, "Go away, Chase."

With a, "Yes, ma'am," Chase left the room and Daren walked to the bed sitting down with Stephanie still wrapped around him.

Stroking her hair, he asked her, "Baby, please look at me?"

She looked up at him with red-rimmed eyes glistening with tears and she was still the most beautiful woman in the world to him. Cupping her face in his hands, he gently covered her lips with his. In barely no time at all, this little slip of a woman had captured his heart. It was hers for the taking and he had no idea how in the hell to deal with that.

Adrenaline still coursed through his veins. His body pulsed and trembled. Someone had tried to hurt his woman and whoever it was would pay dearly.

He deepened the kiss, staking his claim, taking her lips as he wanted to take her. She clutched at his shoulders and rocked against him. All thought left his mind except for the feel of her in his arms and the taste of her. He had to have her now.

Gripping her t-shirt, he pulled it over her head, barely taking a second to break their kiss to get it off. Rolling them so that she was on her back beneath him, he devoured her mouth as he unsnapped her jeans. She helped push them over her hips as he pulled them and her panties down her legs. Raising his lower body so she could kick them off, his hand cupped her heat.

She was so hot and wet for him that he growled against her lips. He wanted to take the time to taste her, but couldn't. He needed to sink balls deep inside her heat, to feel her clench and cum around his cock.

Faster than he thought possible, he had his jeans undone and his cock in his hand. Still, he didn't stop kissing her, he couldn't. He kneed open her legs and rubbed his cock against the lips of her pussy. Pressing in, he lodged the head of his swollen cock inside her.

Breaking the kiss, he warned her, "I can't be easy, baby. I need you."

Then she said two words that should have calmed the emotions running through him, "Me too."

Hearing her say those words made his need to claim her that much worse. He thrust his hips hard and fast, burying himself as deep as humanly possible. Gripping her thigh high on his waist, he pounded into her over and over. When she started to moan and writhe against him, he covered her lips with his. He wanted to hear her scream and moan his name, but knew the guys were downstairs.

She sucked greedily at his tongue as he fucked her and he couldn't hold back. Almost before it began, he felt his sac tighten and his cum rush up his cock. She broke the kiss and bit his shoulder seconds before he let go. Her pussy was squeezing his cock as if it were a vice. He felt her cream coat his cock and he filled her full of his cum.

Daren kissed her lips as his arms strained to keep him from crushing her. He needed to pull his shit together and get downstairs to help the guys, but didn't have it in him to withdraw from her.

Stephanie pushed against his chest. Leaning back slightly, he waited to hear what she had to say. He felt her hands run up his chest to his face. Closing his eyes, he let her hands map out his features. It was as if she had to make sure he was really there.

Forcing himself, Daren pushed off the bed and buttoned his jeans. Once he was zipped up, he looked down at her, "Baby, I need you to get dressed and come downstairs with me."

She tried to protest, "I need to take a shower, Daren."

Daren looked in between her thighs at his cum leaking from her. He picked up her jeans and panties, handed them to her and told her, "No. I like knowing part of me is still inside of you, dripping down your thighs."

**

Stephanie was still shocked. Not in shock, but shocked none the less. After finding out and knowing Daren was ok and knowing that whoever was trying to break in was gone, she was emotionally together. That is until Daren didn't want her to take a shower after they had made love.

No, what they had done was plain out sex, not making love. He took her. There was no finesse, no coddling, no whispered promises, and she absolutely loved every second of it. Never had she felt more alive; never had she felt needed to that extent before.

Now, though, well she felt branded in some weird sort of way.

The guys all shared a knowing look as she and Daren had walked down the stairs hand in hand. She also couldn't overlook the fact that he kept a physical connection with her every second, to the point of Jake and Chase making comments under their breath if she so much as tried to walk into a separate room without Daren by her side.

Part of his behavior turned her on, more than she cared to admit, but that other part of her was becoming upset. She was trying to rationalize it out as them just going through a traumatic situation, but being in danger was second hand to him. She had decided to go to the bathroom so she could be alone for a moment when Daren's hand grabbed her arm.

Pinning him with what she knew was a glare, she told him, "Let go, Daren."

He just raised an eyebrow at her, "Where are you going?"

She sighed heavily, "I'm going to the bathroom." When he didn't release her arm, she asked him, "Would you like to hold my hand? Oh, I know...would you like to help me?"

Daren pulled her against his chest as he stood up. He looked down into her eyes and she saw his pupils dilate as he told her, "Let's go, baby."

Stephanie held her breath as Daren all but dragged her to the bathroom off of the kitchen. He slammed the door shut behind them and pinned her to it, "Don't you know not to push me by now?"

She demanded, "What is wrong with you? Why are you acting like this?"

He growled, "Don't you get it? I almost lost you today, dammit!"

Her mouth fell open, "Is that what this is all about? I'm safe, Daren. You are here and so are your guys."

He shook his head, "It's not enough. I don't want you out of my sight." He cupped her jaw and looked deep into her eyes, "You don't get it. I can't let anything happen to you."

Stephanie bit her lip and closed her eyes. When he looked at her like that she could almost swear that he felt more for her than lust. Her inner voice screamed at her. Don't go there, he'll be leaving soon.

She opened her eyes and told him in a hushed whisper, "I can't stand the thought of anything happening to you either, Dare."

Heat infused her very being as Daren's mouth covered hers. His hands scorched her body as he touched her. She could feel him lifting her shirt and cupping her breasts as he trailed kisses down her neck and around her collar bone. The love bite he placed there had her clawing at his back.

He growled against her neck, "I need you now, Stephanie."

Without thinking about the consequences of admitting the truth, she told him, "I'm yours."

He pulled her pants down, not bothering with the zipper or button and she kicked them off of her legs in a rush. She heard his zipper being undone and he was picking her up. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he thrust deep inside her very core. Her eyes drifted shut as the sensations overwhelmed her.

He demanded, "Look at me."

With him being as deep inside her body as he possibly could get, Stephanie couldn't deny him. She didn't want to deny him. If only she could keep him from seeing how much she loved him and could keep her heart guarded against the one man who'd managed to completely ensnare her, maybe then she could heal at some point once he left. Because she knew he would leave and forget her.

Slowly, she opened her eyes. As he withdrew from her body, her inner muscles greedily clenched at him, trying to keep him exactly where she needed him to be. Daren held still with only the head of his cock lodged inside of her and asked, "Are you mine?"

Gripping his shoulders, she moaned. Why did he have to do this? Why did he have to make her say it again? Begging, she tried to shift her hips, "Please..."

He wouldn't let her avoid the question. He demanded once again, "Tell me." Leaning his forehead against hers, he admitted, "Please, baby. I need to hear it again."

Tears pooled in her eyes as she sucked in a deep breath. Wishing she could get by without giving all of herself wouldn't work. She knew that. As the first tear rolled down her cheek, she gave in. A catch in her voice gave away more than she wanted, "I'm yours."

She felt him thrust hard and fast. Her inner muscles gave into the invasion as he stretched her. Her eyes glazed over and her vision blurred. Holding on to his shoulders, she tried to keep herself grounded, but it was useless when she was in his arms. Daren growled and moaned her name as she felt his cock swell. She vaguely heard him whisper nonsensical words in her ears.

His cock rubbed against her clit with every stroke, sending her higher and higher. Closer and closer to the orgasm that she knew would rip through her. She focused on her hand gripping his shoulder. The engagement ring that represented the sham of their relationship mocked her. More tears streamed down her face. Not able to hold back anymore, she heard Daren tell her, "Cum for me, baby."

Just like that the tide that swelled inside her body broke. Her body clenched and contracted and she felt the rush of fluid from inside her coat him. He growled and gripped her hips tighter, grinding against her. Her body gave him every ounce of release he seemed to crave. She felt his semen coat her insides and more tremors shook her.

Tears still streamed down her face as they both came down from their releases. It hit her hard as he withdrew from her body that it was too late. There was no way to guard herself or prepare herself for the inevitable. He owned every part of her being and it would kill her inside when he walked away.

**

Daren was still shaking as he left the bathroom. The tears that had flowed from Stephanie's eyes destroyed him. He was scared that he had hurt her, but knew it was more than that. He tried telling himself that it was the adrenaline rush from everything that had happened hitting her. Only he couldn't even lie to himself over what it really was.

He was the cause of those tears. He was the cause of the pain and emotional tide ripping through her.

Gripping the sink, he stared out the back window from the kitchen. He now realized that walking away without knowing that she was his when he returned from his next mission would tear him apart. How could he ask her to wait for him knowing there was a good chance of him not returning?

Daren heard someone enter the kitchen behind him and saw Chase's image in the window. Sighing, he asked, "What, Cougar?"

"Is Stephanie holding up?"

Slowly, Daren turned to face one of his best friends and teammate, "You'll have to ask her to know for sure."

Chase arched his eyebrow at that response and looked at him. Sometimes it got to him how observant Chase was. He always managed to see and feel things that people wanted to keep hidden. He wanted to groan as Chase asked the one thing he didn't want to answer, "What about you, Dare?"

"No, I'm not holding up. I won't until we catch this stupid fuck messing with her." He cringed at his own thoughts when he wondered, what about when you do catch him and it's time to go?

Both men turned towards Stephanie as she walked out of the bathroom. Stephanie jumped when Chase asked, "Are you ok?"

Daren wanted to walk to her and wrap her up in his arms, but knew it was the wrong thing to do. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he waited for her to look up at him. He needed to see her eyes. Needed to see that she didn't regret what just happened only moments before in that small bathroom.

Keeping her eyes averted from his and Chase's, she shrugged her shoulders. Telling them, "I think I'm just exhausted."

Even with his eyes trained on him, Daren could feel the glare his friend shot his way. Chase suggested, "Why don't you head on up to bed? I think we are all planning to head out shortly once we make sure everything is secure one more time."

Stephanie nodded and finally looked up at Daren. Her guards were up once again as she asked, "Are you staying?"

He wanted to grab her and shake her senseless. How could she think he would leave? His voice sounded harsh to his own ears, "You know I'm not going anywhere, dammit."

Jerkily, she nodded once and they followed her into the living room where the rest of his team was watching the local news. Stephanie's breath caught as the news anchor sadly reported, "Our town has been hit by something absolutely horrible, ladies and gentleman. A woman and child have both been murdered. Their bodies were found on the outskirts of town only an hour ago. The police said that even though the bodies were badly mutilated, they have a positive I.D. Mary Ann Peterson, 33 years of age, and her son Dillon, 9 years of age, were killed and the police are asking for any tips in locating her estranged husband Charles Peterson."




Dare Me Ch. 05



Rushing towards her, Daren grabbed her arms as she sagged against him. Her voice seemed almost hollow as she said, "He was one of my students."

To be continued...