Road to Victory (Dogs of Fire Book 5) Read online

  “I’m sorry? Say again?”

  “Yes, you’re right.” I giggled. “Don’t get used to it, it won’t happen very often.”

  He grinned and shook his head.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “Starving. You gonna cook?” he asked.

  I grinned. “I want you to stick around, honey, so, no.”

  “Chinese?”

  “Perfect.” I pushed up from the sofa and opened the kitchen drawer holding menus. Finding the one for the restaurant who delivered, I ordered our favorites and then joined Knight back on the sofa.

  “How long did they say?”

  “Twenty-five minutes.”

  He set his beer on the coffee table with a sexy grin and leaned over to kiss me. “Cuttin’ it close, but gonna make you come a couple times before they get here.”

  I licked my lips. “Ditto.”

  With a quickness I’d come to expect from Knight, my shorts (panties and all) were yanked from my body and he pushed my shirt up, drawing a nipple into his mouth. I tore at his T-shirt, gripping his arms as he continued to lavish attention on my nipples.

  Sliding his hand between my legs he grinned. “So fuckin’ ready.”

  “Yes,” I hissed. I whimpered as two fingers slid inside of me. “Aidan.”

  I wove my fingers into his hair as he covered my core with his mouth, sucking tight on my clit. I barely registered the sound of metal as Knight unbuckled his belt and removed his jeans almost as quickly as he tore my clothes off. Then he was inside of me and I cried out his name as I came.

  He slowed the pace a little, sliding his hand between us to connect with my clit again. It wasn’t long before I was close to climaxing again. “Knight,” I breathed out.

  He pulled my leg up higher and slammed into me as I gripped his shoulders, my body pinned to the sofa. “Now!” I screamed, and with one more thrust, I felt Knight pulse inside of me.

  “Fuck!” he rasped, leaning down to kiss me. “Always so fuckin’ good.”

  “Yeah, honey, it is.” I smiled stroking his face. “Why is that, do you think?”

  “Because I’m fuckin’ amazing in the sack.” He raised an eyebrow. “What else?”

  “Nothing,” I said, laughing. “Obviously, that’s the reason.”

  He kissed me quickly and then headed for the bathroom. I followed, pulling off my T-shirt as I went. Dropping my discarded clothing into the hamper, I pulled open one of my dresser drawers.

  “What are you doing?” Knight asked.

  “Getting dressed.”

  “Ah, no you’re not.” He reached out his hand. “You’re joining me in the shower, and then I have more stuff to show you in bed.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “Hell, yeah, sugar.”

  I grinned and took his hand, letting him tug me into the bathroom. For the next twenty minutes, Knight showed me just how good he was and by the time we were finished, I couldn’t move.

  “My legs are gelatinous, honey. At this rate, I won’t be able to ride tomorrow.”

  He grinned, pulling me against his naked body. “You’ll recover.”

  “When do they pick the Olympic team?” I asked.

  “It’s already been picked.”

  I frowned. “Really?”

  “Yeah.”

  I let out a quiet but disappointed sigh. “Oh.”

  “You’re on it, sugar.”

  I leaned up to meet his eyes. “I’m sorry?”

  “I pick the team, Kim.” He slid my hair away from my face. “Did you not get that memo?”

  “Um, no, I didn’t. I thought you were the trainer.”

  “Yeah. Which means I pick the team.” He smiled. “I have a committee that I answer to, but they’ve seen your videos—”

  “What videos?”

  “The videos I took of you and Fozzie. You’ve been accepted onto the team.”

  “Ohmigod,” I breathed out, and sat up. “Are you serious?”

  He chuckled. “I wouldn’t joke about that, Kim.”

  “No, I suppose you wouldn’t.” I shook my head. “Are you sure we’re ready?”

  “Yeah, honey. Don’t you?”

  “We’ve just never been pushed like that before. It’s a lot. I feel fairly confident with dressage and the jumping, but the eventing? Holy crap, that’s a little scary. What if Fozzie falls and kills me... or refuses and throws me over his head? What if he slips and breaks a leg?”

  Knight sat up and wrapped his arms around me, guiding me back onto the mattress. “No one on the team, and I mean, no one, Kim, has a bond with their horse the way you do with Fozzie. Even me and Apollo, and I raised that horse from a colt. We’ll walk the course the day before and you’ll know what you’re up against before the actual event. I have all the confidence in the world in you, sugar. You might even medal.”

  I slapped his chest. “Don’t jinx it.”

  He chuckled. “Did you know that the last time America won an individual medal in dressage was at the 1936 games?”

  “No, I didn’t know that.”

  “I think it’s highly likely you’ll do it. If anyone can, you can. I’ve watched you go through the movements with Fozzie and I’ve yet to see a mistake.”

  “No pressure,” I grumbled.

  Knight smiled. “No pressure, just admiration.”

  I grinned, kissing him. “Okay, admire me some more, but do it dirty-like.”

  He flipped me on my back and kissed my neck. “Anything for you, sugar.”

  We almost missed the doorbell, but after Knight paid for the food, he came back to admire me dirty-like.

  * * *

  The day of Dani’s shower arrived and I was up early which meant she was as well. My bestie was not a happy camper, but I could tell she was trying to be. This past week had been a busy one for me, considering I quit my job, only giving Doug a week’s notice (he pissed and moaned, asking me to give him a month, but I told him he was lucky to get a week). My final shift ended at two o’clock Saturday morning, so I was functioning on less than six hours of sleep... not fun, but not impossible for me.

  “Danielle Carver, sit your butt down,” I ordered for the umpteenth time when she tried to help me.

  “I was just—”

  “I know what you were trying to do, but we’ve got it covered,” I argued, handing paper plates to Payton.

  Payton was married to Hawk and she was helping with the shower, along with the rest of the “old ladies,” including Cassidy and Darien.

  “Seriously Dani, sit down,” Cassidy ordered, guiding her to the sofa.

  “If I’m sitting, you should too,” Dani told Cassidy.

  “Nice try,” Cassidy said. “I’m only six months along, I’ve got a while to go, lady. Sit.”

  “But you were shot.”

  “Sit down!” Four female voices snapped.

  Dani groaned and took her seat, rubbing her belly as she scowled at me.

  I grinned and handed her a bottled water. “Hydrate.”

  “I hate being idle.”

  “Yep, I get it, honey, but enjoy it while you can,” Payton ordered. She would know. Hawk had Lily (who was eight) from a previous relationship, but they also had a baby who was about six months old. He was currently napping in Dani’s spare bedroom while Lily and Cassidy’s son, Maverick, were being watched by the men.

  She sighed. “Okay, fine.”

  Booker and Dani’s condo was in high-rise, doorman secured building with an incredible view of the water and it wasn’t far from mine... although, their view was way better. We’d set up a couple of long folding tables in front of the large picture windows that spanned his living room, covered them with table cloths and set out the food I’d had catered for the party. Since it was a little chilly, we had the fireplace going and Dani had the seat of honor next to it... not that she wanted to stay in it.

  A feisty bellow sounded through the baby monitor and Payton shook her head. “This one-hour nap thing is getting old,” she sai
d. “I thought babies slept for longer than this.”

  “Mav did.” Cassidy giggled. “Hunter must be going through a growth spurt.”

  “No kidding. He’s eating every two hours right now.” Payton laid her hands over her chest. “My boobs are killing me. I’ll be right back.” She headed toward the back of the condo to take care of her son and the rest of us got back to work.

  A few hours later, after cake and presents, I was guiding a dozen women through games, but we were laughing hysterically and couldn’t seem to finish one without someone spilling a drink (those of us not pregnant or breastfeeding were already a little tipsy) or tripping over the yarn we were using to figure out how big Dani was. Without warning, Dani let out a startled squeak and at first I didn’t think anything of it, but Macey (a registered nurse who lived in Dani’s apartment) rushed to her side. “Dani?”

  “I think I peed myself,” she said.

  Macey helped her shift and shook her head. “Your water just broke, honey.”

  “What? No, I have another three weeks.”

  I set down the yarn and knelt beside her. “I’ll call Booker and we’ll get you to the hospital.”

  Controlled chaos ensued as the women got to work. Macey and I helped Dani clean up and then we walked her down to my car and drove her to the hospital. Booker met us there, frazzled and concerned about his wife, but relieved when he saw her. “Hey, baby. What’s this being early shit?”

  Dani giggled, gasping when a contraction hit. “Talk to your son.”

  He stroked her face. “Oh, I plan to.”

  I let Dani and Booker get settled, giving them some time alone before I joined them, and I was grateful when Knight arrived right before she was ready to push. I met him in the hallway, accepted a kiss and the burgers he’d grabbed for me and Booker just as Warren, Dani’s dad, made a beeline for me, hugging me before releasing me to head back into Dani. Dani’s mom was in the room with us as well, while the rest of her family waited anxiously in the waiting room with the majority of the Dogs.

  Four hours later, Cash Warren Carver was born, healthy and happy, and over seven pounds despite being early. Dani and Cash would stay in the hospital for a couple of days, so, inspired by the gorgeous little baby, I took my man home and fucked his brains out.

  Kim

  TWO WEEKS LATER, I arrived at the barn ready to meet the rest of the Olympic team. I was beyond nervous. These were some of the best riders in the world and I only knew one of them personally.

  Knight and I had driven separately, close to an hour apart, and I found him leading Apollo to the arena, tacked up and ready to go. “You’re late, Kim. Get Fozzie tacked up and meet us in the arena asap.”

  I scoffed. “Are you serious right now?”

  He glanced at me and nodded. “You were supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago.”

  “I would have been, but you—”

  “Kim.”

  I gave him an irritated grunt, but let it go. I’d annihilate him at home.

  Knight walked off with his horse and I rushed through my process with Fozzie. After grabbing my helmet and crop, I led him into the arena where four other riders stood with their horses waiting for me to arrive. A tall, blond man stood with Apollo, so I deduced he was using him for this training session.

  “And here’s Kim now,” Knight said.

  “Sorry I’m late,” I said, keeping my glare internal, although it was difficult.

  “Kimberly Church, meet Courtney Lewis, Jack Martin, Marcus Simons and Morgan Flay.”

  I knew Jack Martin and not just from the show circuit. He was from a wealthy Connecticut family and we’d met once when skiing in Switzerland. I was seventeen, he was eighteen, and I think my mother had hoped we might end up together. However, he was too busy with his equestrian career and I... well, I liked straight men.

  “Hi Jack,” I said with a smile.

  “Hey, Kim.”

  I smiled at the group. “Nice to meet the rest of you.”

  “Right, now that we’re all introduced, let’s get started,” Knight said. “Everyone mount up and we’ll begin.”

  Training was a nightmare. It was a good session because I learned a shit ton about my technique and how Fozzie moved, but it was also horrific. At least ten times during the session I hated riding and wanted to quit... partly because it was harder than I could have imagined and partly because Knight was a total, complete, and utter asshole.

  I was almost in tears by the time he called an end to the torture and I dismounted without a sound and led Fozzie back to his stall. After brushing him down and making sure he was settled, I headed toward my car. Knight was still talking with Morgan when I walked past the arena, so I took off for home without saying goodbye.

  I called Dani on the way, stowing my anger in an effort not to stress the new mom out.

  “Hey!” she answered, excitedly. “How was the first team session?”

  “It was good,” I lied.

  “Yeah?”

  “Yep. How’s baby Cash?”

  “He’s perfect. He’s sleeping right now.”

  “Which is what you’re supposed to be doing right now,” Booker called in the background.

  “I will,” she promised. “I’m just catching up with Kim.”

  “I’ll let you go,” I said. “I just wanted to check in.”

  “That’s sweet, honey, but why don’t you go ahead and tell me what’s wrong.”

  “Nothing’s wrong,” I insisted.

  She giggled. “I can almost hear the steam coming out of your ears, dearheart. So, tell me, what’s wrong?”

  “Knight’s an asshole.”

  “Is he?”

  “Yes,” I insisted. “He snapped at me for being late, after he was the one who made me late, and then he was a dick throughout the whole session.”

  “Only to you?” she asked.

  “Well, no, he was a dick to everyone, but that’s not the point.”

  “No, you’re right,” she placated. “Are we talking Captain Johnson level dickdom or something worse?”

  “Well, obviously something way worse, because at least Captain Johnson promised Sarah she’d ride for him and he admitted he was wrong and put her in the Olympics!”

  “Is now a bad time to mention Knight’s putting you in the Olympics?”

  “Um, yes, it’s a very bad time.”

  Dani giggled. “Wow, you’re fired up.”

  I took a deep breath. “You’re right. I am. I really should leave you to rest, Dani.”

  “Oh, this is the most entertainment I’ve had all day,” she countered. “But when Knight comes to your place, try not to kill him, okay? I still want to watch my bestie on television.”

  “I won’t kill him, Dani, but there’s no way in hell he’s getting anywhere near my hooha for a very long time.”

  “Oh, like you’ll be able to hold out.”

  “Just watch me,” I vowed.

  Dani laughed just as I heard Booker growl, “Danielle Carver, get off the fucking phone and sleep.” He was obviously sitting right next to her because I could tell his tone was sweet even if his words weren’t.

  “Mr. Bossy Pants is making me go to bed, so I’ll let you go. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”

  “Please do, honey. I won’t have another break to see you in person for a week, so I’ll be over on Sunday before you go to your parents for dinner.”

  “Oh, they’re coming here,” she said. “Why don’t you and Knight come too?”

  “I’ll ask him.”

  “Sounds good,” she said. “And try to give Knight a break.”

  “Like break his leg?” I asked, hopefully.

  “Nice try. Love you.”

  “Love you too. Kiss Cash for me.”

  “Will do.”

  She hung up and I opened the gate to my garage and pulled into my space. As I stepped into the elevator and rode up to my floor, I debated on just how far I was willing to take this. Dani made a good point that h
e treated me exactly the same as everyone else, which is what we discussed, but if I was being honest, it still hurt... particularly the accusation of being late. It was his damn fault I was late, we weren’t with anyone else when he said it, ergo, there was no reason for his assholery in that moment.

  This thought spurred on a little righteous indignation as I unlocked my apartment and stepped inside... and stalled.

  I don’t know how I knew something was off because I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, but the hair on the back of my neck stood up and I realized I wasn’t alone. I have never been one of those women who will continue forward when I think someone or something’s going to jump out at me (I watch way too many murder mysteries to be that stupid), so I pulled open my door again, and made a run for it. I made it all the way down to the garage and was just about at my car when Knight pulled up in his truck. “You forget somethin’?”

  I shook my head and even though I was still a little pissed at him, I had never been so relieved to see someone in my life.

  “Sug? What’s wrong?”

  “I think there’s someone in my apartment.”

  “What the fuck?” he snapped, and quickly pulled into an open parking space. Jumping out of his truck, he grabbed my hand and tugged me to the elevators. “Who, Kim? Did you see?”

  I shook my head again, squeezing his hand as I leaned against him. “I didn’t see anyone. I just felt... I don’t know... like I was being watched.” I sighed. “It’s stupid. Now that I think about it, it was probably nothing.”

  “I want you to hang with Mrs. Thompson while I check it out, yeah?”

  Mrs. Thompson was my neighbor. A really lovely widow in her seventies who acted as though she was much younger. “She’s probably out.”

  He frowned and pulled me out of the elevator, knocking on Mrs. Thompson’s door. It opened. “Well, hi there,” she said.

  “Hey, Mrs. Thompson. Kim’s just gonna come inside for a minute, okay? I think there might be a rat in her apartment.”

  “What?” she said with a gasp. “Come in, honey. I’ll make some tea.”

  Knight pushed me inside and pulled the door closed. I followed Mrs. Thompson into the kitchen and sat at one of her barstools. “I’m so sorry, I’m covered in horse hair.”