CHAPTER EIGHT
I’ve Got Thick Skin
Blue
I love my kids, but today I need this lunch. As I escape the classroom with a wave to my fellow teacher, Jennifer, I feel myself relax for the first time. It was like the behavioral issues came in waves. When it was bad, all the kids seemed to catch the ‘can’t act right’ virus together. It started with my overly energetic three year old, Benjamin, and spread like wildfire. Images of toddlers holding spears while dressed up like Lord of the Flies dances in my head.
I can’t help but laugh at myself as I exit the building and welcome the sunshine. I breathe the clean air, glance toward my car, and deflate like a balloon pricked by a pin in rapid succession.
Jamie leans against my car wearing designer sunglasses and a blazing smile.
“Hey, Jam, what are you going here?” I ask. Didn’t I ask you to give me space?
“Hadn’t seen you in a couple of weeks, so I thought I’d swing by and see if I could catch you at lunch time. Do you want to go for lunch?” He slides his glasses up on the top of his head.
I see the longing in his eyes. I can’t turn him away. I sigh. “Yeah , Jam, that would be nice.”
“Excellent!” He pushes away from my car and his eyes dance with happiness.
I can’t help but smile back at him. This was what drew me to him, his magnetic personality.
“I’ll drive. You just sit back and relax.”
“Thank you. God, you have no idea how insane they were today. It made me wonder if it was a full moon last night or something,” I say.
He snickers. “Maybe it was.”
I slip into the sumptuous leather of his sports car, which smells like cherry air freshener and Armor All. He is fastidious about his car, and the quirk makes me smile. So, he’s a clean freak. There are worse things a person could be. He turns on the air conditioner. I close my eyes, enjoying the cool air and the mental break his driving allowed me.
“We’re here.”
I open my eyes to find us at the local soup and salad bar, Green Things. He remembered. I glance over at him and smile my thanks. Its only about eleven-thirty, so we beat the rush. “This is perfect.”
“I remember how much you enjoyed eating here.”
“Thanks, Jam,” I say. He is sweet. Being with him reminds me of how much I miss his easygoing presence.
Things have been tense in the house, and I avoid Shadow as much as possible. I couldn’t get my shit straight. I’ve been obsessing over Calla’s words since I went to visit her. Was there something the family had kept from me? Did I want to know? I push the thoughts aside. Right now, I’ll take advantage of his laidback nature. Things with him were never hard. That’s what I like most about him. The lack of complexity.
After exiting the car we make our way inside. He holds the door open for me, and we take a seat in the far corner. A bowl of soup and a plate of salad later, we’re settled.
“How have you been?” I ask.
“Good, a little lonely. I mean, I get that you don’t want to be with me in that way, but I miss you, you know? We spent most of our free time together.”
“I know, Jam. I’ve missed you, too.”
“You did?”
“Of course. We were always friends first,” I answer.
“I wasn’t so sure.” He pushes the lettuce around on his plate. “I feel like you tossed me aside and never looked back.”
I lower my head. “I was trying to save you from hurt.”
“Save me, or yourself? Because you weren’t happy when I met you, Blue, not really. You told me time and time again you didn’t feel like you fit in, and now you’re back with them and closing out everyone else.” Jamie shakes his head. “I don’t understand.”
“There’s nothing to understand. They’re my family, and they need me. Don’t make it sound like I’m an indentured servant. I was at a crossroads in my life when you met me. I wasn’t sure what I wanted or how to go after it.”
“And now you know?”
“Yeah, Jam, I do.”
“You care to enlighten me? Because I thought it was a happy marriage and a family.”
I grit my teeth. “And if it is, do you think I have to do it now?” I stare at him, daring him to tell me I wasn’t getting any younger.
“No. You know I’m not old-fashioned like that. I’m trying to see where your head is at. I don’t want to watch you go from the vibrant woman who loves life to—”
“I won’t. Listen, I know you don’t get how things work with us, but I’m in control of my life. This is what I want to do, more for Bolton than anyone else.”
He scowls. “He’s practically a man, and his father is home now.”
“So I should abandon him? You think a teenage boy doesn’t need a woman’s touch?” I arch my brow.
“I think you take on a lot of responsibilities that you don’t have to be in charge of.”
“I appreciate you looking out for me, Jamie, but I’m exactly where I want to be.”
“Okay.” His body relaxes and he smiles. “I just worry. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
I reach out and pat his hand. “How’s work going?”
“Good, we’re finally closing in on an account we’ve been trying to get for months.”
“That’s fantastic! Once you land it, we should celebrate.”
“I’d like that a lot,” he replies.
We continue to eat and make small talk. It’s slightly awkward, but progress from the last time we were together.
My phone rings and I roll my eyes. “Hello?”
“Ms. Strong?”
“Yes, this is she.”
“I’m Robert Bateman, the principal here at Mission High School, and I’m here with Bolton Barnett.”
My stomach plummets. “Is he okay?” I ask.
“Well, ma’am, it depends on what you mean by okay. He’s been in an altercation with another student. It really would be easier to talk in person. You’re currently listed as his primary guardian, so we contacted you.”
“Yes, of course. Let me speak with my employers, and I’ll be there as fast as I can be.”
“Okay, ma’am, see you when you arrive.”
“Everything okay?” Jamie asks.
“No, that was the high school. Apparently, Bolton got into a fight. That’s not like him.” I frown. “I need to get there immediately,” I say, remembering the way the adults around here loved to stick it to the kids of the M.C. because they knew better than to touch the parents.
“Hey, I can drive you. I’m done with work for the day,” Jamie offers.
“Thank you. Let me call work.” I told my manager my situation, and she sympathized, urging me to take as much time as I needed. “Okay, I’m cleared from work for the day. They can cover for me. Let’s go.”
We toss down money, head to the car, and he pulls out of the parking lot.
I shift in my seat, preparing to do battle. In a town like ours, there’s no such thing as a secret or objectiveness. People see what they want, no matter what you say or do. I know for a fact we provide the children’s hospital with numerous donations and do runs to raise awareness for a bevy of causes. We help those who need help when the cop’s hands are tied. I grew up seeing the men on bikes as knights riding steel horses. I wish others could see it the same way.
We pull up in front of Mission and park in a visitor’s space. I get out and march to the entrance, leaving Jamie to take care of the car. My flats pound the pavement as I struggle to keep my breathing even and my face impassive. I won’t prove to them we’re all uncouth and rowdy. That’s what they expect and want.
I travel down the familiar hallway with puke green metal lockers and I’m bombarded with memories. The callous comments of kids who had no clue what the club was like and the leers from hormonal boys made my four years here less than ideal. I reach the office at the end of the hall, and walk inside.
The receptionist, Ms. Jenkins, looks exactly the same with her kind eyes, sweet, round face, and salt and pepper gray hair.
“Hey, Ms. Jenkins.”
“Bluebell Strong, is that you?” Mrs. Jenkins asks.
“Yes, ma’am. I’m here about my nephew, Bolton Barrett.”
“Oh dear, all these boys and their testosterone,” she says clucking her tongue.
I give her a kind smile.
She continues, “They’re waiting in Mr. Bateman’s office. I’ll let him know you’re coming back.” She picks up the phone.
I wait with my hands behind my back.
“You can go in now, honey,” Mrs. Jenkins says.
I nod my thanks, and walk inside.
“Ms. Strong, so good of you to join us in a timely manner,” Mr. Bateman says. With his crisp black suit, close cropped gray hair, and sharp features there’s something about him that screams dick. His tone is low and even, like Professor Snape from the Harry Potter movies. He is a new addition to Mission High.
“Of course.” I glance at Bolt who’s seated on the far left of the room.
His lip is busted and his right eye is swelling.
My nostrils flair. My anger flames up like a fire doused in gasoline. I peer over at the smirking blond kid with a fringe of hair, obscuring half his delicate face. I want to take a shot at him myself. The smug smirk on his cupid’s bow lips tells me everything I need to know. The little shit started this. His blackened eyes, bruised cheekbone, and bloodied lip tells me who finished it. “Can you explain to me why Bolton looks like this?” I ask, turning my attention back to the principal with the superiority complex.
“It seems he and Mr. Alexander got into an altercation. I know Mr. Barrett has been going through a tough time, given where his mother is, and his father just returned from, but we simply cannot use violence as the answer.”
Mr. Alexander snickers.
My shoulders stiffen. “I don’t see how that has anything to do with it. I’ve known him a lot longer than you, and I can say with complete confidence he does not fly off the handle as you’re trying to indicate. The boy has never been in a fight his entire school career. I won’t let your bigotry affect his school records. He has a 4.0, exceptional attendance, and a handful of teachers who’ll vouch for him. Can Mr. Alexander say the same? Do you think his record will hold up to Bolton’s? Something tells me it won’t. Matter of fact, I’m willing to bet from the incredibly smug expression and the air of entitlement rolling off him like a bad cologne, he’s been in and out of trouble for years. You see, sir, I don’t care if you like me, his father, his mother, or the Kings of Chaos. You think we’ve made bad decisions, and come from bad seeds, and that’s your right. But I’m not about to let you crucify my nephew for it. Now, you can give them both equal punishment, with equal blame, or you’re going to have a lot of bad press and legal action taken on this school.”
“You’ll have a lot more than that.”
Shadow’s husky voice makes my loins quiver. As he comes to stand behind me, I can feel his heat searing my back.
“You got a problem with my boy, Dick?” he asks.
“I have a problem with any young man who comes in and causes trouble,” the principal replies. He straightens his spine and clears his throat. Sweat beads appear on his forehead and his pulse point pops wildly in his neck.
I watch him unravel before our eyes.
“Huh. What happened, Bolton?” Shadow asks. He never raises his voice, but he didn’t have to. There’s a promise of retaliation in his quiet tone.
“Brandon and his friends thought it’d be a good idea to run their mouths about Mom and you. I blew it off. I don’t care what they think about me. But when they started pushing me around in the hallway and trying to bully me, I knew I had to make a stand.” Bolt shrugs.
“You hear that, Dick? Sounds like my boy was the one wronged,” Shadow drawls. “I want to know what you plan on doing about this to make it right.”
“Well, both boys will be suspended for the next three days and they’ll both be written up,” Mr. Bateman answers.
“You putting this on his permanent record? Trying to hurt my kid’s chance to go to college?”
“This is standard procedure, Mr. Barrett.”
“Hmmm.” Shadow rubs his beard and narrows his eyes.
“I-I’m sure it w-wouldn’t hurt to leave it off his record, but have him serve the sentence.”
“I think that’ll be about right, Dick,” Shadow says.
I bite the inside of my cheek to hold in the snicker threatening to come out. He managed to turn Mr. Bateman’s name into a mockery. The tables can turn quickly, can’t they? The pompous ass of moments earlier is gone and a deflated man shaking in his boots is now present.
“You got something you need from us, Dick? ’Cause I’ll be taking my boy and leaving now.”
“Just some papers that need to be signed,” Principal Bateman replies.
“Babe, take care of the paperwork. Bolton, you come with me.” Shadow’s gaze comes to rest on the blond boy in the corner. “I’m sure we won’t be having this problem again, will we?”
“N-n-no, s-sir,” the boy stutters.
Shadow sneers.
The boy all but wets himself. His face is ghost paper white and his hands are shaking.
Not so cocky now, are you? I hate cowards who find their courage when the odds are only in their favor.
“We’ll see you outside, babe,” Shadow says, placing a kiss on my cheek.
When his beard tickles my skin and his scent envelopes me, I close my eyes and inhale deep.
He pulls back and steps away, and I get back to business. “Paperwork, Mr. Bateman?”
“O-of course.” He fumbles with a small stack on his desk and comes up with two papers.
I scan them and sign off under the parent. Setting the pen down, I walk away with my head held high. I didn’t have someone to stand up for me like this. I never wanted to make noise, so I kept my head down, endured, and hid it. Knowing I can be there for Bolt means everything to me. He’ll never be alone if I can help it. I walk outside and find my body pressed up against the wall. I blink my eyes, focusing in on Shadow’s intense stare. Trapped between his massive arms, I instantly turn into a willing captive.
“Do you have any idea how hot you looked defending my son?”
Unable to speak, I shake my head. Lost in his gray-blue gaze, I’m paralyzed.
“You look like you were made to play that role, Old Lady, mother to my kid.”
He leans in, and his warm breath caresses my lips. The scent of spearmint tickles my nose. He’s all I can see as he captures my lips. I suck his tongue into my mouth and moan as he grips my ass. Shameless, I grind my pelvis against him, seeking greater friction with the long, hard bulge in his jeans. My heart races, and my panties are instantly soaked. My clit swells, and a steady throb begins at my core. He nips his way down my neck and I tilt my head back to offer him more access. The bell rings and I jerk away. Heat floods my face. I humped him like a bitch in heat right here in the middle of the hallway, where anyone could come by. I move to pull away, and his arms constrict like a boa.
He lifts me off my feet and shuttles me quickly into a broom closet. “You aren’t getting away that easily, babe. You’ve been a bad girl, avoiding me all this time. You think I’d let you go that easily?” He trails his fingers down my neck and wraps them around my throat.
“Bolt—”
“Is on his way home. Because unlike you…he knows how to listen.” He leans forward and brushes his lips across mine. “Now I’ve got you right where I want you, and I’m going to have you because you’re mine to take.”
“No,” I protest weakly.
He bites my bottom lip.
I cry out.
He runs his hands down my side and around my waist to undo my top button. When he slips his hand inside the waistband of my panties my breath comes out in needy little pants. Caressing my clit he pushes his tongue inside my mouth.
I suck on it, whimpering as he rolls my nub between his thick fingers. All I can think about is this man and the things he’s making me feel. He pulls back and I cry out.
“Don’t worry, baby, I won’t leave you hanging. I want you to remember how good it is between us.” He shoves my pants down around my knees and spins me around. “Hands on the door.”
I place my palms on the wood. The sound of metal on metal as he unbuckles his belt, and the pull of a zipper are the most erotic things I’ve ever heard.
He fists my hair and runs his thick cock between my slippery lips.
I grunt and lift my ass. I want him inside of me, filling me up and fucking me until I scream. He brings out the naughty girl I’ve kept chained tight, and muzzled.
“You want it, don’t you, baby?”
“Yes,” I hiss.
He nudges my entrance with his tip and I moan. “See how nice I can be when you do what I ask?”
If I saw anymore, I’d be exploding before he ever penetrated me. Greedy for more, I struggle to spread my legs wider.
He chuckles and surges forward.
The move makes me release a scream.
He pulls my hair. “Better be quiet, someone could hear you.”
I bite the inside of my check. Pleasure and pain meld together. Delicious sensations swirl inside of me.
He pulls out and rams back in.
I push against the door, loving the fullness. I’ve never had it rough like this, but I know immediately I’m ruined. No, I’d been spoiled for other men from the minute he touched me. He grips my hips as he continues to pound inside of me. My hair obscures my view, but I can imagine his arms flexing and his tattoos dancing. Sweat rolls down the valley of my breasts. A door long closed opens inside of me. Suddenly, I couldn’t give a fuck about who finds out. I thrust my hips back.
“Fuck yes. That’s the way, baby. Give it all to me,” he growls.
I flex my muscles and almost black out from the pleasure. The knowledge that we could be discovered any moment heightens everything. Blood rushes in my ears. His dick grows impossibly hard and my muscles spasm as I come over his cock. Bright lights burst behind my lids and I’m lost. I come back to myself pinned beneath Shadow’s hard planes.
His head is buried in the crook of my neck and his teeth are nibbling at my flesh. “You back with me, baby?” he rasps.
“Mm-hmm.”
He pulls out of me and kisses my head. “You know what the best part is?” His hands tickle my hips as he reaches down and rights my clothing. “I’m still inside of you.” He steps back.
I turn and lean against the door, completely stunned by the things we’d done here. Reality slaps me in the face. “Oh my God. I left him waiting outside.”
“Pretty boy?” Shadow asks, glancing up as he buckles his pants.
“Jamie—what did you say to him?” I ask.
“Not a damn thing.” He wraps an arm around my waist, opens the door, and guides me out along the hall, close to his side.
We emerge from the building and I see Jamie leaning against his car. He stands. His brows meet and his countenance darkens.
“I think this says everything, don’t you?” Shadow asks.
I shouldn’t feel guilty, but I do. Jamie’s eyes narrow and I can feel the tension draw tight like a bowstring.
Shadow stops right in front of him. “Thanks for giving my girl a ride, but I got it from here,” Shadow says.
“You sure about that?” Jamie asks.
“Tell him, babe,” Shadow urges.
Jamie balls his fists and focuses his gaze on me.
I’m caught in the middle, but the choice is obvious. “I’m sorry, Jam. I got so caught up with handling things for Bolt I completely forgot you were waiting out here. It’s easier if I just ride back with Shadow.”
“Yeah. Glad everything turned out okay and we got a chance to catch up,” Jamie says.
“Me too. It’s been a while.”
Jamie nods his head and walks over to the driver’s side.
I watch him as he starts the car, and drives away.
“This was me letting him off easy. Next time I catch him too close to what’s mine, I’m going to show him how I handle things,” Shadow vows, softly.
“There’s nothing going on,” I say as shock rolls through me.
“No, but he wants there to be. I know the look. He’ll never be satisfied just being friends.”
I don’t argue, because I’ve gotten the same feeling. “You can’t tell me who I can and can’t be around.”
“Did you forget you were mine?” He quirks an eyebrow up.
“I never said that.”
“Doesn’t matter how long it takes you to admit what everyone knows. I staked my claim. You know the rules. According to KOC you belong to me, and that means a hell of a lot. I don’t want to tie you down, dictate your life, or come off as crazy. But I’m telling you right now, I don’t trust him. He makes my alarm bells ring.”
“I dated him for over a year, Shadow. Don’t you think I’d know if he was bad news or not?”
“Not if he didn’t want you to see it. You’d be amazed how long people can hide their true intentions.”
I swallow the protests building on my lips. I need to get back to work, and this man is a fortress. No matter what I say, he’s not going to budge on what he thinks is a safety issue. I opt to say nothing and follow him to his bike.
***
Shadow
“You’re quiet today. Everything good?”
I glance over at my closest brother, Skull, and shrug.
“Don’t give me that. You know I’m going to keep asking until you tell me.”
I snicker. Nicknamed for his hardheaded behavior, the mohawked brother didn’t know the meaning of the word quit.
“Just working on Blue.”
Skull whistles. “So, you really went after that full force, then?”
“Since the first day back.”
“You got a thing for the family?”
“Fuck you, Skull. You know how it is with her,” I say.
He laughs. “Yeah, brother, I do, just never got it. I mean, she’s a sweetheart, but there’s no…fire in her. She’s so buttoned up and stuffy. If it weren’t for her old man, she wouldn’t be here with us. You know what I mean?”
“You’d be surprised. Bolton got into it with some preppy kid at school, and she was a beast in the principal’s office. Hell, I don’t think she needed me to take care of business.”
“Bluebell Strong?” Skull asks.
“Yeah, man, she had old Dick stuttering and struggling to find the words. Shit was amusing. She might not be the type to use her fists, but she can run circles around the best of them with her tongue. She’s sharp in that legal way we need more of around here,” I say.
“Man, you got a serious hard-on for this girl.” Skull grins, a toothpick dangling out of his mouth.
I roll my eyes. “Really, brother?”
“Just enjoying seeing the convict gush over his boo thing,” Skull teases.
“Don’t think I won’t take a chance at cracking that thick ass skull of yours if you keep it up,” I warn.
“All right, all right. I’ll lay off. What’s gumming the works up? I figured you’d have a property of tat and vest on her by now.”
“Yeah, me too. She’s all worried about what people will think.”
Skull frowns. “Civilians? Like at her work?”
“No, then it’d be easy. The club, man, and I think…her sister.”
“Fuck that hot mess. I mean, no disrespect to your baby mama, but she’s been a bag full of crazy for as long as I can remember. No one is going to bat an eyelash over her finding happiness with you. We all saw she got the raw deal while dealing with her sister.”
“Yeah, I think that’s why she comes off so…restricted. But don’t worry, I got the cure all for that.”
Skull laughs. “I bet you do.” He continues to wipe down the bar table.
We’re managers of one of Kings’ legal business, Chaos, a bar and grill. I like the gig. I get to be around booze, brothers, and a little bit of live music. It’s a newer place that went up while I was gone. The crowd is mild at one in the afternoon. They don’t really need me, but I’m learning the ropes, so I don’t mind the slow pace. “What? She’s in her thirties now. I can’t be accused of corrupting her.”
“The hell you can’t,” Skull mutters.
The door bursts open and cops dressed from head to toe in black flood in like a storm cloud. Yellow letters across the back of their vests identify them as the F.B.I. This isn’t local PD. This is federal. I narrow my eyes. It means the Feds have been watching us. I find myself looking down the barrel of a half a dozen weapons. Thank God we moved the guns out of the storage unit last night.
“Arms above your heads. Step back from the bar and walk over here nice and slow,” an officer says. He sports a square jaw, gray hair cut close to his head, and rattle-snake mean dark eyes. Clearly, he’s the lead on this project.
I raise my hands in the air and take a step back as requested. I’m not going to do anything to violate my parole. I’ve been a good boy. Clean pee, same address, and a steady occupation. I slowly make my way over to the cops who pull my hands down and cuff me along with Skull. We’re taken out of the building and separated.
“Sit.”
I sit down on the curb on the opposite side of the building from Skull.
“You want to tell me what this is about, officers?” Skull asks.
“I’m Agent Brooks, Mr. Randall.” The older man shows his a badge. “We have a warrant to search your storage shed. You can make this easy or hard. It’s up to you.” He holds up a piece of paper.
Skull scans it and nods.
The other officers lead customers out and line them up on the sidewalk.
My stomach turns over. The outfits bother me. They’re hiding something. It’s not standard procedure to get suited up like this for a search and seizure. We’re not in the middle of a raid I could be looking at someone I see every day. A regular, a hanger-on. Have we been betrayed from the inside? It’s a thought no one wants to consider. But it’s necessary. Stone cleaned house thoroughly, after the Fuse incident, so my gut tells me this is something else.
“Hate to break your heart, but you got some bum information. This is a legit business. Feel free to look around my establishment. But remember you break it…you buy it,” Skull states loudly.
His voice carries, so he’s effectively kept me in the loop. The time ticks by slowly. We can hear trays clanging as they destroy the storage shed. A cardboard box hits the ground and russet potatoes roll across the blacktop. It would be comical, if it wasn’t such a serious situation. There was nothing to find here, but if we’d kept to our schedule, we would be screwed right now. I know Skull has to be thinking the same thing.
Agent Brooks resurfaces with a scowl and fury lining every crease of his face. His eyes are narrow and his chest is heaving. He’s a time bomb ready to explode.
I tense, wondering if I’m about to be on the receiving end of his rage.
“Uncuff them,” Brooks yells.
My hands are freed. I stand, roll my shoulders, and begin rubbing my wrists to bring back circulation. They tingle like pins and needles in my fingers and it sets my teeth on edge.
“We’ll be seeing you boys,” Brooks says.
“The FBI is always welcome at this establishment. They make us feel safe,” Skull says.
I snicker.
Brooks turns red in the face. A vein appears in his forehead. “Let’s go,” he growls.
The men fall in line behind him and pile back into their van.
“Boss man ain’t going to like this,” Skull notes.
“No. How the fuck did they know?” I ask.
“I wish I knew. Chaos is closing early today. And we’re headed straight to the clubhouse. We can text ahead and get H to sweep the place. I don’t even trust our phones at this point.” Skull pulls his cell phone out of his back pocket.
I know I’m in for a long night.
***
My feet feel like lead as I stumble into the house a little after two in the morning. H had swept the entire club and came up empty. Then came the phone purge and the examination of those closest to us. The prospects we had were all faithful and close to getting their cut. There were no new girlfriends who came out of nowhere, so we were moving on to hang arounds. H would be hitting up the top dog’s homes and cars, which meant high alert and all hands on deck. I close the door behind me and toe off my boots.
“Shadow?”
The sleep filled voice came from the living room. My eyes adjust to the darkness and I make out Blue’s form sprawled on the couch.
“Yeah. Are you okay?”
“I should be asking you that,” she says. She stands and walks toward me wrapped up in a blanket. “I heard Chaos got searched and then you guys had church, so I couldn’t get a hold of you.”
I smile. “Were you worried about me, baby?” I ask, gently pinching her chin.
“Yes. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, babe, just exhausted. Nothing a good shower and a night of sleep won’t fix.”
“What about your probation?” she whispers.
The worry in her voice touches me. She’s not as unaffected as she pretends to be. “It’s fine. There was nothing to find.” I rub my thumb over her cheek. “Now that I have you, I’m not going anywhere.”
She wraps her arms around my waist and buries her face in my neck.
I hold her, soaking in the affection and acceptance. For once, she’s not fighting me and allowing the connection between us to flow unchecked. When she buries her fingers in my hair I shiver.
She stands up on her tiptoes and places gentle kisses on my face. “I was so scared I’d lost you today when the text came about Chaos. I can’t lie. You scare me—this thing between us is passionate, overwhelming, and everything I’ve ever wanted. It’s not in my nature to go after what I want in spite of what others think, but I’m ready to learn.”
I bend down and capture her lips. I thrust my tongue into her mouth, taking it the way I’m going to take her pussy. She moans, and opens to me like the good girl I know she can be. I yank the blanket from her and toss it to the ground, then move her toward the couch. We pull apart and I kneel in front of her. I slip my hands under her gown, hook my thumbs in her panties, and pull them down her shapely stems.
She steps out of her underwear.
I inhale her fragrance. “Put your leg over my shoulder and onto the couch, baby.” I cup her ass and together, we find a balance. I lick a path up her slit and groan. “How can you taste this good? You’re the best fucking desert I’ve ever had.” I flick her clit with my tongue and she grinds her hips against my face. I continue to tease her, lapping up the sweetness as it flows from her center. I bump her swollen bundle of nerves, and dive in. Pushing as deep inside of her as I can, I feast on her.
She digs her nails in my scalp and pumps her hips.
Her whimpers and moans drive me to push her closer to the edge. I want to watch her fall apart and listen to her cry my name. I hum and she goes wild. Her muscles contract around my tongue.
Her fingernails dig into my forearm. “Oh, Shadow.” She let’s go and gives me a fresh gush of cream.
I swallow her down, clean her with my tongue, and kiss the area above her pubic bone. “You’re sleeping in my bed tonight.” I stand and lift her into my arms. “After we shower.”
She wraps her arms around my neck, and for a second—shit is right with the world.