I awake to the sound of loud music. I press my palm to my heavy eyelids and roll over to find Grey not next to me. And I’m lying in a bed…strange. How did I get here? I look around and come to the conclusion that he moved me here during the night. I’m extremely glad he did; I can only imagine the backache if I had stayed on that floor. Even if we were on a rug.
I make the mistake of trying to sit up. An indescribable pain rips through my abdomen. It feels like someone stabbed me in the gut with a pair of scissors and then piled a ton of cotton balls over the wound in a ridiculous attempt to stop the bleeding. I look around for Grey but don’t find him. Where the heck is he? I use every bit of strength in my bones and turn around, laying my head against the pillows.
If I’m being honest, I would have liked to wake up to him. It’s amusing watching the way his plush lips squish to the side, how his tongue peeks out, hair sticking up everywhere.
Instead I’m paralyzed with pain. Alone. How great.
Letting out a sigh, I look around again in hopes of finding some clue as to where he is. Now that I’m looking for something, I spot a small silver bell with a ripped-out piece of paper under it on the night table on my left. I reach out and grab both the bell and paper. I read the note out loud, smiling from ear to ear.
Ring me when you’re awake.
P.S. Stay still, don’t want my princess hurting too much.
I do as told and, thirty seconds later, Grey slides into the room. Literally. Where the heck did he find those socks? I guess from my father’s dresser. All of the closets are equipped with clothes even though we only visit this place every few summers.
“Good morning, princess,” he croons with a wide grin. I admire the light in his eyes as he looks me up and down. I blush and pull the sheet closer to my body.
“Someone’s in a good mood.” I laugh when he saunters over to me. He’s shirtless, baring his tattoos and deep V-line that plunges into the hideous plaid pajamas that actually look good on him. He could wear a ratty t-shirt with holes, and he’d still look like a complete sex god.
“Of course I am, after last night…” He stops and gives me a wicked wink that sends ice down my spine. “Speaking of which, are you okay?”
I nod with a frown. “I’m fine, but I’m really sore. And I have to pee, but I can barely sit up.” I feel weak and beaten up, but it’s just consequences of the best night of my life. Surely, I can live through it.
“I’m sorry, but I think I can make it bearable,” he says.
“How do you plan to—” I begin.
He cuts me off by swiftly reaching under my thighs and standing with me in his arms, bridal style. He looks down at my bewildered expression, my bare body, and lets out a snort.
“Grey! What are you doing?” I gasp and clutch my fingers around his neck, toying with a tendril of his midnight hair.
“I am not letting you walk,” he says and enters the massive ensuite. “I knew my gigantic snake would affect you like this, so I’ll be taking care of you.”
“First of all, don’t call your…thing a snake, because it isn’t one—”
“Yes, it is,” he sing songs. I laugh and pinch his arm. He looks at me and groans in faux pain. I narrow my eyes at him and do it again. He just laughs. He sets me down on the counter, and I shiver at the coldness and glare at him. “Whoops?” He smiles at me before walking over to the tub and turning the faucet on.
“This isn’t sanitary, Grey,” I whine and cover my chest, clenching my thighs together. Even after last night and all that we have done, I’m still a little shy about my body. It’s not like I’m used to being seen naked all the time.
“So? We’re the only ones here. Who cares? And you don’t have to hide your body, babe. I’ve already seen and been in it last night.” He passes me a look over his shoulder, one of mischief, and I look away and blush. I hear him laugh before turning back around to the tub, turning on the faucet. “But please, finish what you were saying about my massive snake, whom I call Rico.”
I open my mouth to talk, but laughter is all that escapes me. “Rico? That’s your name for it?” He’s so crazy, but I love it. And him. I smile openly as he turns around and begins to saunter over. He looks so sexy…
“It’s either that or big fat co—”
I clasp my hand over his mouth and laugh into his chest. He wraps his arms around me and chuckles too. “I’m fine with Rico,” I say, and he shrugs. “But earlier I was saying: There is no need for you to carry me around. I’m sure I can walk.”
He arches his eyebrows. “Oh, really?” I hum and nod in reply. He takes a step back, hands behind his back. “You said you have to pee, right?” Again, I nod but slower. “Then go and use the toilet.” He points to the porcelain toilet a few feet away. I look at it, puff my cheeks, and nod.
“Okay,” I say and casually hop off the counter. I take one step forward, and the pain strikes my core, making me double over. I nearly bust my bare ass, but he luckily catches me before I can land on my face.
“Told you so,” he sing-songs annoyingly.
I roll my eyes, and he laughs at my expense. “Just—take me to the toilet, please,” I mumble, lifting my arms up, beaming at him with a grin. I waggle my fingers and cock an eyebrow. “Now.” May as well take advantage of it.
He scowls at me, and I laugh as he abruptly picks me up again. “Anything for you, princesa.” I smile at the sense of annoyance in his voice. He shouldn’t offer to do something he’ll quickly grow tired of. But I do see a ghost of a smile resting on his lips as he holds me. I lay my head against his firm chest and smile right back.
He takes me to the toilet, and I do my business. As I do, he stops the water and picks me up again. I can’t help but feel like a vulnerable baby. Vulnerable because I’m stark naked and he isn’t. And I feel like a baby because, well, he’s carrying me like I don’t know how to walk. I do; I’m just kind of incapable of doing so at this moment in time. But I’m sure a nice, fizzing bubble bath will help tremendously.
The water is warm and rises up to my neck as I lay back. I reach for the bath soap a few feet away on the metal ledge attached to the porcelain tub, but he literally smacks my hand away and grabs it for me.
“Don’t strain yourself, princess.” He hands me the vanilla soap and, with a rueful smirk, says, “I’ve worn you so thin, I need to take care of you.” He runs the back of his hand gently down my cheek.
I smack his hand away. “And you’re wearing your ego out pretty thin, because I can take care of myself. You didn’t wear me out.”
“Is that why you’re falling down like a newborn deer?” he inquires in a condescending tone, tapping his chin with a nauseating smirk.
“Jerk!” I blush and splash him with water. He gasps as I laugh, reaching in to splash me even though I am already wet. “Okay, okay! I wave the white flag.” He stops splashing me and snorts.
“Certainly not the bedsheet. That isn’t white anymore,” he mutters.
I feel myself pale. “What?” I croak.
His eyes widen, and he waves a hand at me. “Nothing, just a little blood, but it’s normal.”
“Oh…” How embarrassing. He’s right, it’s normal. But still, I can’t help but feel a little…flushed.
He tilts my head back and graces me with a grin. “That’s why I’m doing this,” he says, “helping out my poor, bleeding little Bambi.” I growl at him as he laughs and shrugs. “But really. I even went as far as cooking breakfast for you, though I can usually only prepare mac and cheese…but I tried for you, I really did!” His eyes shine with light, and those baby dimples pop into his cheeks like firecrackers. I chuckle and place my hand over his. I love how he is showing me how much he cares for me. It’s beyond endearing.
“Thank you, Grey. It really means a lot,” I tell him in all honesty. But something dawns on me. The air kind of smells smoky…“Did you turn off the stove?” I raise my eyebrows in bemusement.
His smile slowly dissipates, and he clicks his tongue in his cheek. “Fuck! I’ll be right back. Don’t move, m’kay? M’kay.” He swiftly kisses my temple, then speeds out of the room. I laugh and bring my soapy hands up to my chin. I blow the soap away and sigh in content.
***
After I am squeaky clean and dressed in a loose strapless floral dress and a pair of beige flats, I find Grey in the kitchen. He’s in front of the stove, shimmying a frying pan over the fire. I lean against the door frame and watch him in fascination. And I also, maybe, am sort of checking him out. He makes it hard not to. His defined back muscles constrict each time he jerks the pan back. I pinch my bottom lip and shift my legs slightly. Why is this turning me on so much?
Suddenly, he flips the pan up, and out shoots a pancake. “Chef Grey makes the toss and—” The pancake goes splat on the floor. He scratches the back of his neck and murmurs, “Ultimately fails, but it’s okay because at least he tried…yay?” I can’t help but burst into laughter. Can he be any cuter?
He turns around and pins me with a nervous smile. “Oh, you’re here. Come in, babe. Have a seat. Breakfast should be finished soon.” He turns around and tries to make it seem like he didn’t just fail at flipping a pancake. A pancake that I can see clear as day, on the ground.
“I saw that,” I say and glance at the floor, putting my hands behind my back.
He scoffs while bending down, grabbing the pancake, and tossing it in the garbage bin. “You saw nothing.” He leans on the granite counter and watches me walk over and sit on one of the black kitchen stools.
“Oh, yeah. Sorry about the mistake, Chef Grey,” I tease and laugh when his eyes widen and a blush colors his cheeks.
“Shut up,” is all he says and pouts. “You should be grateful for what I made you. I slaved over this stove all morning, and all I get is mocking. It’s just not right.” I laugh and watch as he turns around and shuffles about, transferring the food onto a plate.
“I’m sorry. Did you go to the store for all of us?” I ask, gesturing to the food.
He nods. “Yep. Woke up super early to make this fantastic breakfast for you.”
Oh, damn it. I’m totally in love with this man.
He turns around and gives me my plate. I try not to scrunch up my face when I look at the overly cooked bacon, the droopy eggs, and the somehow moist pancake. He wasn’t lying when he said he didn’t have a range of cooking other than macaroni and cheese…
“Well? Go ahead. Eat.” He pushes the plate toward me, and I unwittingly back up. He looks at me skeptically. “What’s wrong? Are you, like, a vegetarian? Is it horrible I never even asked before…?”
“No, it’s—I’ll eat now.” I tap his nose, and he bats his eyelashes. I smile at him, but then I look at the plate. Here goes nothing. I scoop some eggs onto the fork and slowly open my mouth. It is mere inches from my mouth when my phone goes off.
“Oh, thank God!” I exclaim without thinking. “Shit,” I mutter, looking over to find him pouting his lips and blinking sadly, like I just crushed his hopes and dreams. “I’m sorry, but I have to take this.” I grab the phone and peck his lips.
“I’m a great chef,” he mumbles to himself as I slip out onto the back patio.
I shake my head at him and quickly answer the phone without looking at the caller I.D. “Hello?”
“Olivia Renee Westerfield, where are you?” my mother’s icy voice barks.
I freeze for a second. I completely forgot about her. “Oh, hello, Mother,” I say nervously. “I’m at the cabin. Why?”
She scoffs and sneers, “Why? Because you are supposed to be home with your family. Not off doing God knows what with that…that scoundrel!”
“He’s not a scoundrel, Mother.” She is so dramatic.
“He is!” she shouts; I cringe. “That boy has an illegal past,” she says, “a past that could very well catch up to him, and I do not want you to be near him when it does.”
“We’re not all innocent, Mother.” I bite my lip and let out a shuddering breath. “Listen, I love him. I know you don’t like him or think he’s right for me, but you have to at least trust that I know what I’m doing.”
“But you don’t, Olivia!” she snaps, and I know she’s shaking a fist, like she does whenever she’s frustrated, whenever she doesn’t get her way. “You’re just too blinded by his leather jacket and that foolish feeling that he is ‘the one’ to realize he will screw you over. Listen to me when I say he will only distract you more than he already has—”
“Mother,” I say firmly, cutting her off. “I love him. You may not think that I have the best judgment, but I know him. And I know my feelings for him are too great for me to walk away now. He’s got a hold on me, and I have a hold on him. We’re much more than you think we are. He isn’t a phase or a distraction.” I turn to the window and laugh, finding him watching me intently. When I catch him watching, he makes a funny face, and I have to look at the lake to keep from laughing again. “He’s my Grey, my middle ground…and I don’t want to hear anymore protesting from you, Mother. You’ll just have to hold it in. For now, I have to get back to my man.”
“Olivia!” she gasps.
“Goodbye, Mother.” I hang up the phone and let out a relieved sigh. It’s like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. But I know she’ll continue to bash Grey and try to persuade me from my feelings. It’s just how she is. At least I got to say my piece, and now she knows how I really truly feel about the man I love so deeply; it’s almost embarrassing. I laugh to myself and shake my head.
“The dragon sedated yet?”
Grey pushes the door and comes out.
“I’m not even going to defend her, so I’ll just say yes.”
“That was so hot.” He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me into his chest. I arch an eyebrow when he grabs my ass and picks me up. I laugh his name as he walks backward and sets me on the railing overlooking the forest line and the lake.
“Me screaming is hot?” I raise my eyebrows.
He nods. “Hell yeah, but—” He skims his fingers under my dress. I suck in a breath and briefly close my eyes because of his suggestive touching. When I look into his eyes, they have grown dark, and he whispers, “You screaming my name would be even hotter…”
I begin to tell him that we should wait awhile, but then I look into his big black eyes and the smile washing over his face and think: Why wait when all I want in this moment is him? I wrap my arms around him and say, “Make me forget about her?”
His eyes alight, he chuckles before nodding. “Okay.” I laugh too and squeal when he presses into me and conquers my mouth with his.
***
I wake up in the middle of the night for no reason at all. I sit up in the bed and groggily rub my eyes. A smile rests on my lips, basking in the memory of Grey hovering over me, kissing me, and making me feel whole and complete. I wonder why we hadn’t started having sex before. It’s amazing.
Gently, I swing my legs over the side of the bed and moan at the cramp pinching my lower region. Admittedly, it is still a little sore, but I felt some pleasure this time. And boy am I ready to feel all the pleasure the next time.
I am slow and careful as I walk down the stairs, the bedsheet still wrapped around me. I even use the walls for minimal support.
When I reach the kitchen, I find Grey on the phone. Something makes me step back and watch him. His voice is low and harsh. It sends a chill down my spine.
“Didn’t I tell you to leave me the fuck alone…I will not hesitate to rip your fucking…call me again one more fucking time, and I swear I will—”
“Grey.” I step in the room, and he turns to me with a scowl, but it isn’t directed to me. But that doesn’t mean I’m not affected by his bone-chilling expression. He turns and curses low into the receiver. I pad over to him the same time he hangs up and turns around to wrap his arms around me. “Is there something wrong? Who was that?”
“Nobody,” he tells me in a tone to let it go, but I won’t. He threatened that person, and he didn’t sound like he was joking. “I see that look in your eye, Liv. It was nothing. Let’s go back to bed, hmmm?”
“Not until you tell me what’s wrong.” I frown and stand my ground despite him pressing against me. I thought we’ve connected. We’re officially together now. Meaning he can tell me if anything is upsetting him. I’m sure he’d want me to tell him if anything were upsetting me. So why can’t this go both ways?
“Grey…” I grab his hand when he’s just been staring into my eyes, obviously calculating his next words.
He brings my hand up, kisses it, and whispers, “There’s nothing wrong, except for the fact that we’re talking about nothing. Come on…if you don’t want to walk back, then I’ll just have to carry you.” He bends down and lifts me into his arms. I stay silent as he heads back to the room. “Will you please not be mad with me over nothing? Please?”
“I’ll stop being mad—even though I am not—when you tell me everything is okay,” I tell him while my eyes scour his face, searching for any signal that would tell me if he’s lying or not. I’m not very good at it, but trust me when I say I’ll become a master at it.
He looks down with a charming smirk and nods. “Everything is okay. Happy?”
I hold my pinky out and wiggle it. “Pinky promise?”
He chuckles and arches his eyebrows. “I can’t exactly make that kind of a promise right now.” He squeezes my thighs as emphasis, and I blush and clear my throat. I narrow my eyes, and he rolls his before bending down and kissing my finger. All the while he holds deep eye contact with me. “Kissy promise.”
And I believe him. A huge part of me has already let it go and chalked it up to him getting pissed off by the wrong person. But that doesn’t mean the smallest part of me isn’t wondering: Who was he talking to?