Unclenching her fingers from his hair, her body relaxed upon the bed, hands falling to her sides. Hunter caressed her inner thighs, causing her sated body to quiver. Slowly, he stood, bending to pick up his pants and dig in the pocket. Pulling out his wallet, he opened it.
Out of the corner of her eye, Lainey saw it. A picture stuck in the porthole of his wallet, opposite the compartments. A woman with blond hair and a lovely smile was immortalized in the photograph. A woman who wasn’t emotionless or unable to fathom romantic love. How could Lainey give him those things she didn’t possess?
Oblivious to her thoughts, Hunter withdrew a condom and tossed the billfold to the floor. “I bought some latex ones,” he said, grinning sheepishly. “Just in case you couldn’t control your rampant desire for me.”
Lainey smiled at the words, the same she’d used the first time they made love. Lying there, sated and limp, she couldn’t muster the energy to reconcile her thoughts. There would be time for that later. For now, she watched him as he rolled on the condom and crawled over her, his muscled body hard and stunningly gorgeous.
“You with me, duchess?” he asked, looming over her.
She cupped his face. “I’m with you. Fuck me, Hunter.”
The corner of his lip curved, melting every part of her body that wasn’t already mush. “Who likes to talk dirty?” he teased.
Lainey drew him to her, searching for his lips. They consumed her as he reached down and spread the folds at her center. Aligning the head of his cock with her wetness, he began to jut inside.
Inch by inch, he pushed, gaze cemented to hers as he searched for her reaction. “Good?” he asked, fully seated inside her deepest place.
“So good,” she whispered, pushing her hips against his. “Please, Hunter.”
Anchoring his hands on either side of her head, he began undulating his hips, spearing into her, the pace increasing as beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
“Lainey,” he moaned, his movements so raw and sexy as he loomed over her. “You feel so good, sweetheart.”
She let the current take her, sliding her hand between them to stimulate her clit as he hammered into her.
“Yessss…” he hissed, his body a straining mass of muscles as he clenched his jaw. “Make yourself come with me.”
He lowered further, their sweat-soaked skin sliding against each other’s, one hand gliding to clench her hair. Entwined, they rode each other, slippery and intimate, until Lainey felt her orgasm on the horizon.
His straining shaft was hitting a spot deep inside, and that, combined with the motion of her fingers over her clit, sent her over the edge. Throwing back her head, she began to come.
“Fuck, you’re milking me,” he groaned into her ear. “I can’t…oh, god—” With an urgent cry, he lost control, his hips spearing into her as he began to spurt his release. Lainey clutched him close, loving how uncontrolled he was, needing to feel as much of his skin against hers as possible.
His firm body shuddered and quaked atop hers, his groans so sexy to her ringing ears. He uttered unintelligible words along with ones she understood, like, “Lainey,” and, “duchess.” Reveling in how raw and open he was, she hugged him to her ravaged body.
Long moments later, he grunted into her neck, face buried against the mattress. “I have to be crushing you.”
She laughed, running her nails through his hair and over his scalp, loving his resulting shiver.
“Mmm, that feels good,” he murmured.
They lay that way, lazy and sated for a while, her fingers trailing through his hair. Eventually, he padded to the bathroom to dispose of the condom. Returning to the bed, Hunter rested his head on his fist. Smiling down at her, he traced her lips with his finger.
“Thank you for telling me about your past,” he said, his gaze reverent. “I want you to tell me everything, Lainey. I want to be your partner, not only in your mission, but in your life.”
Tears stung her eyes as she studied him. “I gave up on love after Dalton. I convinced myself it was a stupid chemical reaction and resigned myself to the fact my happiness would be derived from preventing the apocalypse.”
His smile was sad but hopeful. “I understand why. We both closed our hearts at different stages of our life. It took a long time, but I was able to open mine again. I hope you can too, Lainey. You deserve to be loved.”
“You sound like Marie,” she said softly.
“The old bat is onto something. I’d never doubt Marie.”
Lainey laughed. “So true.”
His gaze flitted over her face. “What are you thinking in that busy brain of yours?” he asked softly.
“That I just don’t know how to do this,” she said, shaking her head against the mattress. “I don’t know if I can.”
He placed a sweet kiss on her lips. “How about we hold off on trying to figure everything out right now? I know that’s hard for your equation-solving mind, but why don’t we just hold each other for a while? I’ve missed holding you so much, Lainey.”
She nodded, overcome with the emotion that swam in his eyes.
They shifted, Lainey stretching out beside him and resting her cheek against his chest. Throwing her leg over his thighs, she reminded herself that lying entwined with another person was uncomfortable and not at all practical.
But then again, lying entwined with Hunter, against his magnificent body, came so naturally to her. Too tired to process why, she closed her eyes and fell into slumber in a matter of minutes.
Chapter 28
Lainey’s lids opened to a shaft of sunlight streaming through the window. Groaning, she reached for Hunter, finding the bed cold. Assessing the room, she saw a note on the bedside table, the scrawl thick.
Went to the coffee shop to see where Luke’s at with the research. You looked so peaceful I couldn’t wake you. Hope you’re dreaming of me. –H
She fingered the note, his words causing butterflies to stir in her belly. Needing to take some time to process, she dressed and headed to the park across from their apartment. She probably should’ve checked in with Hunter and Luke, but she needed space though the park was full of people. Two cops stood near the paved walkway covered by a black arch, and she felt safe. If Victor or one of his cronies was going to attack her, their chances of being discovered were vast, and she knew they preferred the shadows. Hiding. Lurking until they could destroy the world.
The grass was soft under her sneakered soles, gaze lowered as she trailed over the greenery. A pair of large feet encased in black running shoes obstructed her line of vision.
Slowly lifting her head, she whispered, “Cyrus?”
He smiled, brown eyes set deep under brows spattered with gray. A white goatee lined his chin, but his head was still bald.
“Hey, Lainey. I missed you.”
She launched herself into his arms, reveling at his deep chuckle in her ear. Tears flooded her eyes as she clutched him to her.
“I was so worried!” Standing back, she gripped his biceps, wide-eyed. “Are you okay? Where’s Claire? You guys are married? Holy crap, Cyrus. I almost lost it when I met your son! I need to know everything.”
His laugh filtered over her. “Of course you do.” Lifting his hand, he trailed his fingers over her cheek. “You look just like you did when you entered the Sphere all those years ago.”
Lainey bit her lip. “You look like the old man Claire always accused you of being.”
White teeth beamed. “Yep. She never let that one go. That’s what I get for marrying a younger woman. I turned seventy-six a few weeks ago.”
“It’s unbelievable, Cyrus. I was floored when I figured it out but thrilled for you both. You two are my favorite people on the planet, and I’m so happy you fell in love. Your son, I mean…you have a son! Holy shit.”
“Jamal,” he said with a nod. “And we have a daughter too. We named her Elaine.”
The tears in her eyes fell down her cheeks in a trail of humble wonder. “You did?” she
warbled.
He nodded, his smile so warm.
“Oh, Cyrus. That’s…well, I’m honored. I love you both so much.”
“I know. It’s why I’m here. You have to let us go, Lainey. I know you’re rebuilding the Sphere and you’re dead set on coming back to 2002 to bring us here.” He grasped her hands, squeezing them as he stared down at her. “But Claire and I made a life together after I stopped being an idiot and let her wear me down.” His lips quirked. “It’s more than I could’ve ever imagined from my bleak beginning in the stark world we came from. You don’t need to save us, Lainey, but you do need to rescue the others. They’re sequestered in a very dark timeline now the loop has begun, and it’s very important you bring them to 2035.”
“How do you know this?” she asked, eyebrows drawing together.
He shrugged, grinning as he shook his head. “Time travel has a way of ensuring you know many things. You’ll know everything one day. For now, I need you to focus on the others.”
“How many times have we had this conversation?” she asked, eyes darting between his.
“Several. You came to 2002 a few times before I realized I needed to meet you here in 2035, before you ever take the trip back, and talk you out of it. You eventually give up on us, thank goodness.”
“I’ll never give up on you,” she said, laughing through the pain. And oh, how it hurt, knowing this would most likely be the last time she saw the man with whom she’d shared so much. “I’m not ready to let you go. Where’s Claire?”
His gaze fell to their joined hands. “She’s sick, Lainey. It happens to the best of us. We’re fighting it, and I’m going to spend every last second with her until she leaves me. And then, I’ll eventually join her. Such is the cycle of life. She sends her love and also sent me with a message for you.”
The news was devastating, and Lainey struggled to breathe. “I’m so sorry, Cyrus.” Willing the sting of tears from her eyes, she said, “Go on and give it to me. Knowing Claire, it’s a doozy.”
Glancing at the sky and squinting, he contemplated. “Let me make sure I get this right. Her exact words were, ‘Tell Lainey she’s being an ass and needs to marry Captain McHotty Pants immediately.’”
Laughter surged from Lainey’s throat as she swiped wetness from her cheek. “Yep. That sounds like Claire.”
Cyrus breathed a laugh as well. Growing somber, eyes filled with love, he asked, “What are you doing, Lainey? Why won’t you let yourself be happy?”
She stared at the grass, wishing there were words to explain the jumbled mass of emotions in her mind. “I’m so scared,” she said, swallowing thickly. “That loving him will detract from my purpose. That I don’t understand love or how to even begin building a life with someone else. You know better than most, after everything that happened with Dalton, I’m terrible at this, Cyrus.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” he asked, exasperation in his tone. “You’ve pushed aside your own prosperity to secure everyone else’s safety. And I mean everyone. You’re intent on saving the world. Don’t you think you deserve a little happiness for yourself?”
Sighing, she shook her head. “He still carries a picture of Kara in his wallet. Will I be able to give him what she could? I’m not sure it’s possible. I’m not sure I want to. What if it hinders everything I’ve tried to accomplish for all these years? What would my father think?”
“Lewis was devastated he denied you the ability to experience love. He would be thrilled. I know it.”
Inhaling a large breath, she pondered. “Maybe he would.”
“Look, I understand pushing your feelings away for something you deem bigger than yourself. I fought my feelings for Claire with every inch of my being. In the end, I couldn’t prevail. She’s my soulmate.” Smiling, he continued. “You know, I always thought Lewis recruited me away from the Old Rebellion for you. Now, I understand your father saw so many things clearly. Now, I believe he recruited me for Claire, comprehending that we would someday figure out our souls were puzzle pieces always meant to fit together. And I’m firmly convinced he recruited Hunter for you, wanting someone who was capable of great love to bestow it on you. Your father was wracked with guilt that he didn’t instill you with a desire to secure your own happiness. I think he felt Hunter would change that for you. I hope he does.”
Lainey nodded, nostrils flaring as she inhaled a deep breath. “My feelings for him evolved so rapidly. I feel so connected to him, Cyrus. It throws me off-balance.”
“Love is not linear, Lainey,” he said, squeezing her upper arm. “Lewis must’ve said it a thousand times.”
Love. Such a strange concept. It motivated people to do such horrendous and wonderous things. Considering the gravity of the word, thoughts whirled in her head as she tried to make sense of her feelings for Hunter.
“You’ll get there. I know you will.” Sliding his arms around her, he pulled her into a warm embrace.
“Will I ever see you again?” she asked.
He stroked her hair as she breathed his scent, already knowing the answer.
Drawing back, he swept away the lone tear on her cheek. “I love you, Lainey. We have so much history between us. The future will be hard at times but also so magnificent, if you allow it to happen. Be strong enough to be happy. Okay?”
She nodded, sniffling as the reality of their farewell washed over her. Wetness glistened in his eyes, and he placed a kiss upon her forehead.
“Goodbye, Elaine. My life was better because I knew you.” Releasing her, he stepped back a few paces, gave her a wave, and turned.
Emotion choked Lainey as she watched him leave, the cold breeze ruffling her hair. When his large frame had faded into the distance, she straightened her spine, looking to the afternoon sky and attempting to process her thoughts.
Something nudged her deep inside, urging her to accept to Cyrus’s words. Would she have the courage? Inhaling the spring air into her lungs, she headed back to the apartment.
Chapter 29
Hunter finished up the research with Luke and glanced at his watch. Lainey should be awake now and she was probably starving. He’d inadvertently taken over Marie’s role of meal watchdog since Lainey barely remembered to eat half the time. Heading to the nearby deli, he ordered them both some sandwiches and returned to the apartment.
Knocking on her bedroom door, he held up the bags when she opened it. “I have lunch. Or dinner.” Shrugging, he said, “Since you’re working with Nelson at night, I can’t keep the eating schedule straight.”
She smiled, and Hunter sensed something was off. Pulling back the door, she gestured him in. He set the bags on the table, throwing his wallet beside them, and turned to give her a peck on the lips.
“Let me wash up, and we can devour these, okay?”
She nodded, her eyes guarded, and his sense of unease grew. Had something happened while she was sleeping? Striding to the bathroom, he closed the door and took care of business. When he opened it, he noticed Lainey standing by the table, his wallet open in her hand.
She was studying the picture of Kara through the clear plastic. Her shoulders were slightly hunched, her frame frozen.
Approaching her, not even attempting to discern her mood, he gently slid his arms around her waist and propped his chin on her shoulder. She traced her finger over Kara’s picture.
“She was beautiful,” Lainey said, her voice gravelly.
“She was,” he said softly, clutching her back to his front.
“And she wasn’t born with the sole purpose of saving the world.”
He chuckled. “Nope. She was just a regular person. We can’t all be Einsteins like you, Lainey.”
Setting the wallet on the table, she slowly rotated in his arms. Lifting her hands, she cupped his cheeks, his breath catching at the emotion swimming in her eyes.
“I have no idea how to do this,” she said, her words laced with hesitant concern. “I’m terrified I’ll push you away, and you’ll give up on m
e, so let me be crystal clear.”
Hunter felt his lips curve, although her tone was extremely serious.
“I have a planet to save, but before I can, you had the courage to implore me to make a choice. I need to find the fortitude to stop straddling this line of indecision I’m so precariously balancing on. I think of everything that lies ahead, rescuing our team, preventing my grandfather from detonating the nukes, ensuring the New Establishment doesn’t prevail even if we stop him. It’s an almost insurmountable mission. But I think I’m finally ready to accept that I need your support in every possible way in order to succeed.”
The pads of her fingers caressed his jaw. “The truth is, Hunter, I think I’m in love with you.” Joy flooded him as she shrugged. “I don’t understand it, and that’s really hard for my scientific brain, but I have an extremely daunting task in front of me, and all I know is that I want you by my side. As my partner and my lover and my anchor. It’s a lot to ask for someone like me, who doesn’t really understand love at all. I hope you’re willing to take the journey with me.”
Hunter released a deep breath, thrilled at her words and the genuine sentiment in her amber eyes. Sliding his fingers into the soft hair at her neck, he grinned, studying her gorgeous face.
“I’m so ready to take this journey with you, duchess. I’ve been ready for several years now. It’s about time you caught up.”
His knees almost buckled at her brilliant smile. “Time travelers aren’t known for their expediency. Occupational hazard.”
His chuckle surrounded them. “Noted.” Glancing down, his gaze rested on the open wallet. Reaching for it, he slid his finger behind Kara’s picture to pull out a different photo. Lainey’s own face smiled back at her.
“I keep them both in here,” Hunter said, “so I can remind myself how lucky I am. I’ve loved two amazing women in my life. It’s more than I could’ve ever imagined.”
A Paradox of Fates Page 23
