Chapter 8
Once Hunter is gone I sink into Bryce’s lap on the couch. I rest my forehead against his as he traces light circles on my thigh with his thumb.
“Heavy night,” Bryce murmurs, his eyes probing mine. For what I’m not sure. Signs of cracking, probably.
“Yes, but it wasn’t all bad,” I reply thoughtfully. “I think my brother and I have a real shot at getting to know each other. To be there for each other like our parents haven’t been for us.”
“You called him your brother,” Bryce points out.
“So?” I ask, frowning. “That’s what he is.”
Bryce’s strong fingers run over the length of my leg. “You’ve only ever called him your half-brother before,” Bryce responds.
“I guess I’m feeling like I’m surrounded by family now,” I explain. “Real family. The family I’m choosing.”
Bryce looks at me, his eyes sheening in the moonlight now trickling through the windows. He wraps his arms around me, laying me on my back on the soft cushions. His arms braced by my sides, he hovers over me, hungrily drinking in my face with his eyes as if he wants to memorize every pore.
I gaze up at him, slightly confused, but tingling with anticipation. “I thought you wanted me up against the windows,” I tease him. His mouth swoops down to mine, his lips like wind on the fire building in me. He pulls back before I’m ready to let him go and I whimper in protest. He smiles down at me indulgently.
“Some other time,” he promises. “Tonight, I’m going to make love to you right here.” My breath catches in my throat at his husky tone, his tender words.
He undresses me slowly, his tongue and lips tenderly caressing me as he goes. When I’m naked and trembling beneath him, he sheds his own clothes much more quickly, and I note he’s already full and long. And if I was ready before, the sight sends a rush between my legs that has me aching and approaching the edge already.
His mouth reaches for mine and his torso sinks into mine. I wrap my arms around him, desperate to pull him onto me completely, into me. As his tongue dances with mine, he finally allows it, sinking into me slowly. We both moan into the pleasure before our hips dance, same as our tongues, slowly stoking the fire.
I run my hands down the strong muscles of his back, feeling him flex into me with every thrust. His lips drop to my neck, and I’m free to unleash my moans into his ear. I feel him harden sharply in me, his breath quickening. I dig my heels into his sides, encouraging him. But the sharp press has an altogether different effect, and he slides his hands under me, rolling over abruptly so I’m pressed on top of him. He holds me to him, his mouth at my ear. “I love you, Sera.” He drops his head back, so he can look into my eyes. “Never forget how fucking much I love you.”
I lean into him, pressing my lips to his briefly, sweeping my tongue over his bottom lip as I rear up. “I love you too,” I breathe, sinking him back into me.
With hands clasped, I tilt my hips over him, softly at first, then harder and harder, building methodically until we’re both approaching climax.
“Come for me, baby,” I encourage him. My words are like throwing gas on the fire. His face and body contort with pleasure, and he bucks wildly beneath me as he explodes in fiery passionate bliss. I feel his seed, hot inside me, and the combination of hot, wet, and writhing sends me tumbling into ecstasy. My screams of pleasure outlast his, the fire in me finally quelled. And when I look down at him, he’s half laughing, half dizzy with gratification.
I sink onto the sofa next to him, nearly swooning from the effort of bringing us both to climax. My hand finds his and our fingers intertwine.
“Let’s buy a house,” Bryce’s voice abruptly cuts through my post-orgasmic stupor. I shoot upright, aghast.
“Excuse me?”
Bryce sits up next to me, leaning back against the cushions. “You heard me,” he replies. “I love living with you. But this is your place. We should have an ‘our’ place.”
“Bryce, we haven’t even been dating a month and you want us to make one of the biggest commitments people can make?” I ask incredulously.
“I’m not proposing,” he clarifies.
I laugh. “I don’t mean to be blasé, but real estate is a much bigger commitment than marriage. Especially these days,” I remark.
“I hadn’t thought about it like that,” he admits.
“I don’t think you thought about it much at all,” I reply. “If it’s all the same, I think we should chalk that suggestion up to after-sex stupid.”
Bryce arches an eyebrow at me. “Call it what you want, but there are other reasons it’s a good idea,” he replies stubbornly. And I get the sense that I’ve offended him.
“Such as?” I prompt.
“Well, we’ve determined you’re not out of the woods yet. Moving would be a good opportunity to make you safer,” he responds. And I have to admit to myself that he’s not wrong. But it’s a shit reason for us to buy a place together.
“We’ve already demonstrated the security here is good,” I remind him. “So I don’t think they’ll try anything here again.”
Even Bryce can’t argue with that. But he still pouts nonetheless. “Baby,” I plead. “I don’t want us to take such a big step just because something like this is hanging over our heads. Again. And it’s not something I’d want to do until we’re married.”
Bryce cracks a smile. “You said ‘until,’” he replies, slightly mollified.
I crawl between his legs, pulling his arms around me. “I did,” I agree, looking up into his eyes. “I can’t believe I’m the old-fashioned one here.”
Bryce laughs, his sour mood gone. “I just can’t bear the thought of wasting one minute of our new life together,” he replies huskily. “But you’re right. We’re going to do this the right way. You deserve that.”
“We deserve that,” I correct him with a smile. He nuzzles his nose against mine in agreement, and I sink happily back into his embrace.
Almost a full week flies by when, the following Tuesday, I hear from Allie, who is back from her vacation. She wants to meet for brunch as soon as possible, so we schedule for the coming Saturday. She sounded so relaxed and excited that getting to today was torture.
But as I go to meet her for brunch, I work on containing my own nerves, my imagination having gotten somewhat away from me over the last few days. For some reason I’ve settled on expecting to hear that they are moving to the tropical paradise. That it’s best for Allie’s stress levels and David will just work remotely. I know it’s a silly and irrational fear, but I can’t imagine what else would have her so excited to come back from vacation.
For once I’m thankful Bryce had to go into work today, so I couldn’t nag him all morning with my fears. Because somehow it’s easier to be a neurotic mess in front of Tristan. Not that Bryce doesn’t handle it well, but I hate troubling him with it. Tristan … well, it’s kind of his job. And he’ll get to go home at the end of the day.
I get a booth for Allie and me even though she hasn’t arrived yet because it’s starting to get busy. Tristan requests a separate, small table within sight distance, insisting his presence will just keep us from talking about “girlie things.” I don’t give up, but he continues to insist. He hasn’t relented by the time Allie arrives, so I just leave him to his lonesome meal.
And Allie looks ridiculously fantastic, lean, tan, and beaming with happiness. After giving me a greeting hug, she slides into the booth with a satisfied sigh.
“So I’m guessing Fiji was everything you’d hoped for,” I tease her.
“Oh, Sera, you have no idea,” she replies dreamily. “I could have happily stayed there for the rest of my life.” I freeze for a moment. “What? What did I say?”
“Nothing,” I reply, dismissively waving my hand. “You just sounded like you had news and …” I trail off, unable to admit to my fear.
“And?” she prompts inquisitively.
“I got it in my head you wanted to move to Fiji,” I admit, blushing furiously. Allie laughs.
“Oops, sounds like I stepped right in it then, didn’t I?” she asks, beaming. “I’m not moving to Fiji, Sera.” And I shouldn’t feel as relieved as I do, since I knew it was silly to start. But I do.
“Thank God,” I breathe.
“But David and I did agree to start trying again. For a baby,” she responds candidly.
“Allie! That’s fantastic!” I exclaim. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks,” Allie replies sheepishly. “Also, I’m not going back to work. I’m quitting permanently.”
That stops me short. I’m torn between supporting her and missing her. “Oh, Allie, you know I love you, babe,” I reply sincerely. “And if that’s what’s going to work best for you, then that’s great.”
“I appreciate that,” Allie responds just as sincerely. “I realized that I started working for you not knowing where it would lead, and in the end, it just isn’t what I want for a career. Though I’ll be honest — I’m not sure what I do want.”
“That’s totally fair,” I concede. “And I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Now. Tell me all about Fiji.”
“Sun, beaches, sparkling clear blue water, blah, blah, blah,” she jokes. “I’d really rather hear about what’s new with you. How are things with Bryce?” A shit-eating grin splits across her face. I glance furtively at Tristan across the restaurant, but I’m confident he can’t hear me. Not that it really matters.
“Amazing,” I reply with a sigh. “It feels like we’ve always been together.”
“Do you think you always will be?” she asks shrewdly.
“It seems like it should be too early to talk about that kind of thing,” I respond tentatively. “And yet we have. Several times.”
“How so?” she presses.
I shrug. “When it happens, it’s always a given. When. Not if. And it feels so natural, honestly,” I admit. “I feel like I should be scared. Or I should have reservations about moving too fast. But Bryce and I have always connected on another level. And it’s like now that’s complete, and nothing can stop it or take its place.”
“Wow,” Allie says slowly. “That’s intense. Great, but intense.”
I nod. “I agree completely. But, I’m also happier than I can ever remember being. He feels like my family, same as you.” Talking about it this way I feel laid bare and vulnerable. And it’s finally making me a little uncomfortable.
Sensing that, perhaps, Allie changes the subject. “Hey, I meant to ask you what you want to do for your birthday,” she says with a mischievous glint in her eye.
I groan loudly. As usual, I’d forgotten that was coming. But she’s right. Next Friday I’ll turn thirty. “Nothing,” I grouse. “We don’t even need to tell anyone it’s my birthday.”
“Awww, don’t spoil my fun,” Allie insists. “At least let me take you out to dinner or something? You’re turning thirty. Before me, thank God. We need to celebrate. Say goodbye to your twenties. Preferably with booze. And cake.”
I can’t help but laugh. “I’m down with the booze and cake,” I admit. “Or maybe a booze cake. But nothing too crazy.”
Allie claps her hands giddily. “Yay!” she squeals, bouncing in her seat.
“Already too crazy!” I warn her jokingly. She quiets and bounces lower, clapping softly. And it makes me laugh again. “You’re nuts. I missed you.”
She smiles brightly. “Missed you too, babe,” she responds.
A full meal and more than an hour and a half later Allie has gone home, and Tristan is walking me out of the restaurant.
“You look happy,” he remarks as we round the corner to the small parking lot sandwiched between the restaurant and the building behind it.
“I am,” I admit. “It’s great seeing Allie, well, Allie again. She …” I’m stopped short as we approach the car. A man leans against the trunk casually, picking at his fingernails. He’s medium height and build, with dark hair and olive skin. Tristan follows my gaze and, before I can so much as blink, he’s shuffled me behind him and drawn his gun.
“When I tell you to, run back to the restaurant and call Bryce,” Tristan instructs in hushed tones. The man leaning against the trunk of the car catches sight of us and stands. Tristan raises his gun and addresses the man. “I’d advise you to leave. Now.”
“Nobody is going anywhere.” My skin crawls. The voice comes from behind me. I turn, my back against Tristan’s, to find a second man, with his own gun drawn and pointed at me. It’s the man who tried to approach me last time just outside of my work, once again staring me down menacingly. Tristan keeps his gun trained on the first man and glances back at the second.
“Drop your gun now or I will shoot,” Tristan instructs. My heart is beating so loudly in my ears that I barely hear him.
The second man laughs. “Not unless you want her dead,” he scoffs. But even I hear the bluff. Though even if he was the best liar in the world, I know they’ll want me alive if they plan to use me against Alessandro. Not that I intend to be taken. But Tristan is already ahead of me. He doesn’t say another word or give any further warnings. His foot finds mine and I know what to do. When he steps down on my toes, I drop to the ground. Tristan swings around, lightning fast, and shoots the second man between the eyes. And just as quickly points his gun back at the first man.
“Run,” Tristan commands me without looking back. So I do. And I don’t look at the crumpled body as I jump over it. But I do notice the blur as the first man bolts and Tristan follows. Not that that stops me — I do exactly as Tristan instructed and run back into the restaurant.
The hostess looks shocked as I burst through the door, clearly terrified.
“Call 911,” I insist, searching my purse frantically for my phone. “Someone has been shot in the parking lot, and my bodyguard is in danger.” The hostess pales and nods, picking up the phone on the podium and placing the call. Finally locating my phone, I frantically call Bryce.
As I sit in the back of the squad car, Bryce paces the bit of pavement next to me for the thousandth time.
“He’s okay,” I assure him. “I know it. You didn’t see how fast he moved. There’s no way that guy got the drop on him.”
Bryce waves a hand in the air, frustrated. “I know he’s fast. But he shouldn’t have pursued. He should have stayed with you.”
Ah. So Bryce isn’t worried for Tristan’s safety. He wants to yell at him for leaving me.
“But I’m fine,” I insist. “Thanks to him.”
Bryce stops abruptly and squats in front of me.
“You’re not fine,” he seethes. “These motherfuckers are coming after you head-on. No more subterfuge, no more stealth. They approached you directly, in daylight, with guns. They must be pretty fucking desperate to be this bold, this careless. It’s dangerous, Sera.”
A police officer appears at the back of the squad car and Bryce stands up, facing him. “They’ve found Mr. Thomas,” he informs Bryce. “He lost the suspect and is on his way back now. And the body has been removed. Scene is clear. We’ll meet you down at the station.” Bryce nods to the officer and extends a hand to me.
He silently leads me to his car, putting me in the passenger seat and leaning against the door in wait. It’s not long before Tristan appears.
“Get in the back, we’re going to the police station to give a full statement,” Bryce instructs Tristan sharply, without so much as asking if he’s okay. Tristan does as instructed and, before Bryce can get in, I turn to Tristan and mouth, “Are you okay?” He nods briefly, his eyes on Bryce as he opens the driver’s side door. I mouth “thank you” as discreetly as I can before facing forward again.
We spend far longer than I’d like at the police station. I get the feeling it’s because Bryce feels like it might be one of the only places in the city that I’m truly safe. My suspicion is confirmed when we’re given a police escort home.
As we quietly enter the condo, I can’t find words that I think will make any difference. I know Bryce is furious, and not really with Tristan, but with his inability to fix this. To end the danger I’m in. We’re in. And there’s nothing I can say or do that will help.
I go upstairs to take a shower. As I strip off my clothes, it feels like the armor I’ve had to sheath myself in to keep it together falls away with them. Exhausted, emotional, and naked, I sit on the floor of the shower and let the water flow over me. But it doesn’t soothe me, and soon hot tears join the stream as my body shakes with sobs. I feel, rather than hear Bryce approach, but I don’t look up.
I do, finally, hear a broken cry escape him as he realizes I’ve come apart. He climbs in with me, fully clothed, and wraps his arms around me. His body shakes with mine, despairing with me. I unwrap my arms from where they held my legs against my chest and slide them around his soaked shirt. And we hold each other like that until the water starts to run lukewarm.
We don’t speak even as we dry off and, both naked and exhausted, climb into bed and know no more.