Against the Rules by Tori Carson

took her hand in his and began to nibble the pads of her fingertips. “I like the feel of your hands on my body. When I tie you up I won’t have that pleasure.”
    She laughed. “The big bad wolf never tied up Little Red Riding Hood. It was Grandma he tied up and threw in the closet.”
    “That’s just plain sick, darlin’. Besides my closets are too small to properly maneuver in. I want full access to your body.”
    She loved his playful banter. He just kept on surprising her. She didn’t know what to expect one minute to the next. He was rough and hard, then gentle and slow. It didn’t matter. She wanted it all and she got her wish, and more, throughout the day.
     
    * * * *
     
    Sweat beaded on his forehead and blurred his vision. If Sammy even suspected that Foster was behind this, his wife and son wouldn’t live to see the sunrise.
    Finally, he caught a break. Marla sauntered up beside Sammy. She was a cruel bitch, but apparently she had her uses. When Sammy continued to scan the surrounding forest, ignoring Marla, her patience wore thin. She took his chin in her hand and turned his head to look at her. While Sammy and Marla spat curses at each other, Foster moved like the wind deeper into the trees. It took precious time to snake through the forest using deer trails, but there was little doubt that Sammy and the police would scour the area come morning. He had no intentions of leaving any evidence to lead suspicion back to him.
     
    * * * *
     
    Teague looked down at the exhausted woman in his arms and wondered if she was playing him. He wanted to believe her, but did he dare? She looked thoroughly embarrassed, but was that from their marathon sex fest and missing articles of clothing or from being caught going through his house? He couldn’t tell.
    They had made love in that spare room. Hell, they’d been in every room and on every available flat surface. It was feasible.
    Once she’d fallen asleep, he checked through his house. It didn’t look like she’d found the false door in the spare closet or any of the equipment he had hidden away.
    He decided to let it go. There was nothing in the house that would garner anyone any real information about him. He hadn’t trusted her before he went to the store and he still didn’t. No big deal. He’d already decided to enjoy the hell out of this weekend then pull another disappearing act. So either way, this changed nothing.
    He saw a slight flush cover her cheeks. His heart turned over painfully in his chest. A quick and bitter rage flared to life, stealing his breath away. He had conditioned himself to feel nothing. Damn her. Emotions of every sort beat at him, leaving him confused and disoriented. His life had order. Control. It was boring and sterile and he hated it, but he needed it back. He wished he’d never met Chantel Donley.
    Teague raked his hand through his hair as he realized that wasn’t true. He was a complete bastard without a shred of honor left. He knew the final outcome and there would be no happy endings. Yet he couldn’t bring himself to change paths.
    “Just let me hold you, Channy. The big bad wolf needs to regain his strength.” And clear his head of these crazy emotions.
    Teague lay awake watching her. It was damn near impossible to convince himself that Channy was a plant. Yes, he had caught her searching his house. She had definitely been up to something, but if she worked for Mr. G. she would have already sprung the trap. Wouldn’t she? Maybe she wasn’t convinced that he was Teague Brodie. She hadn’t asked many questions about his past. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe she was an innocent. That was easier to believe with her curled up next to him.
    Teague refused to sleep. He didn’t dare drop his guard. Yet dreams invaded his consciousness. Seeds of hope began to sprout in his heart. How, he had no idea. Surely nothing good could ever grow in that dark, neglected wasteland.
    He knew the moment she awoke. Her calm, steady