Forever

by Saffire , Blue

  Eva stops mixing the ingredients she has in a large bowl and looks me in the eyes. “But why? I was eighteen,” she says innocently.

  “Eighteen and too damn good for me. You’re still too good for me,” I grumble. “I was twenty-seven, I wasn’t right for you.”

  “Oh,” she says into the bowl and returns to mixing.

  I stand and round the corner to wrap my arms around her waist. “You should want better than me,” I whisper in her ear.

  She places the bowl with the spoon in it on the countertop and turns in my arms. She brings her soft hand up to cup the side of my face. I turn to kiss her palm and pull her body closer to mine.

  “You do know I was never following King around. It was always you. I’ve had a crush on you from the first time you rode up on your dirty bike with no shirt on.” The vulnerability in her statement pulls at my heart.

  It’s clear in her eyes it was a big step for her to admit this to me. When she reaches her hand between us to wrap around my shaft, I hiss out a breath. All efforts of trying to ignore my hard-on fade away.

  I move my hands to her ass to grasp a healthy amount of flesh in my palms. Dipping my head, I aim to suck her full lips into my mouth. As she gasps and her pretty lips part, I plunge my tongue in and deepen the kiss.

  I groan as she starts to pump me with her silky-smooth hands. It feels so fucking good. I start to play with the lips of her pussy from behind. I keep chanting in my head that I will not fuck her.

  Eva crumbles all of that shit when she pushes me back and drops to her knees in my kitchen. I watch those full lips wrap around my cock, like I’ve imagined so many times. It’s then that I realize that I’ve always known she was made for me.

  As I hit the back of her throat, I growl. I’m not a small man, but my baby girl takes me like a pro, all while her eyes are locked on mine. When she moans around me, causing my balls to vibrate, I crack.

  I pull from her mouth, reaching down to toss her over my shoulder. I slap her ass then lick the sting away. Eva yelps and wiggles in my grasp.

  “I think it’s been twenty-four hours,” I say as I step into my bedroom and toss her on the bed.

  I shake my head at the wicked smile on her face. I don’t know what I’ve gotten myself into, but I know I wouldn’t change it for the world. With each hour I spend with her… Shit, I think I’m falling in love.

  Chapter 11

  Teach Me

  Eva

  “No, that won’t work. Remember, we’re looking to get them the most room and function out of each suite. Where can you get creative with the layout? Come on, use your innovation,” Owen says as he places a hand on my knee and taps his finger absently.

  I stare harder at the blueprints he has rolled out on the coffee table in his home office. Pushing a hand into my hair, I furrow my brows in thought.

  Instead of heading into the office, we’ve been working from home. It’s been more intimate, but in a one-on-one student-teacher sort of way. I love the patience he has for me. I’ve been so surprised he’s allowing me input on projects.

  This one is a multimillion-dollar project he’s working on. I don’t want to disappoint. I’m determined to pull my weight and learn.

  I glance at the budget once again, allowing the math to run through my head. When I look back to the blueprints, I see it with new eyes. I nod.

  “Okay, I can make this work,” I mutter and bite my lip. I snap my fingers when it clicks into place for me. “I got it. Here. The plumbing would be more efficient and cost effective if we move the baths here.

  “The closets can move here, giving each master suite a spacious master walk-in. That still leaves a huge footprint for the bedroom,” I say, nodding at my own words.

  Owen kisses the side of my head. “Perfect, baby girl, that’s what I was thinking. Why don’t you draw up the changes for me? I’ll check them when you’re done. I need to run some numbers and look at something else,” he replies.

  I take the pencil from his hand, staring at him in awe. He’s really going to allow me to draw out these changes. It’s only been a week and he doesn’t do things totally by CAD. I’ve been sort of hyped to use paper and pencil. However, one mistake and I could ruin the entire thing, I could cost him thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.

  He stands and gives my shoulder a squeeze. “You can do this. I’ll look them over,” he repeats.

  He turns and moves to the drafting table with more blueprints spread out on it. I stare after him for a few beats, still in shock. Owen, however, gets back to work. I note how sexy he looks with his slacks on and his sleeves rolled above his elbows.

  I smile to myself. We may work from his place every day, but we dress as if going into the office. I wish I would have packed more.

  I shrug off the thought and turn my attention back to the table. As I wipe my hands on my circle skirt, I give myself a pep talk before I scoot to the floor and get to work. I can do this.

  Apparently, I get so focused on the blueprints I lose track of time. I’ve just finished addressing the rooms in the west wing when Owen grabs my attention.

  “It’s quitting time, darlin’. It’s time you eat something,” he says as he stands with a tray in his hands.

  I furrow my brows, but quickly roll up the blueprints and move everything aside. When he puts the tray down, I see he’s made us sandwiches and has a pitcher of sweet tea and two glasses. I can’t help but smile.

  “You made this for us?” I tease.

  His cheeks turn red under his beard. “Don’t get too excited. Pastrami and cheese are the extent of my culinary skills.”

  “And here I thought you were hopeless in the kitchen.”

  “Bite the sandwich first. I might be,” he says with humor in his voice.

  I pick up the sandwich and take a bite. It’s amazing. I don’t even mind the onions on it. I nod my head and look over my shoulder at him sitting on the couch.

  “Not bad at all.”

  He smiles and grunts before grabbing the plate with his sandwich and tucking in. We eat in a comfortable silence. I’m too busy musing at the fact that he made us sandwiches instead of letting me know he was hungry.

  I’ve cooked for us every day since I’ve been here. As I clean my hands on one of the napkins, I can’t help but wonder if he doesn’t like my cooking. Maybe my pancakes are the extent of what he thinks tastes any good.

  He leans to place his plate on the tray and fills a glass before he picks it up, drains it, then replaces it on the tray. I look away when his gaze lands on me. He shifts over on the couch and wraps his arms around me from behind, bringing me into his warmth.

  He buries his face into my neck. It’s like a reflex the way I take a breath and close my eyes. I could get lost in this feeling so easily.

  “No work tomorrow. I want to take you for a ride,” he murmurs.

  “Sounds good. I had planned to sleep in and read a book, but I like your idea better,” I reply.

  “You can bring your book.” He kisses my skin. “I like having you here with me. My days end peacefully.”

  I can’t help myself. I have to ask. “Is my cooking bad?”

  “What?” he says.

  “Well, you made those sandwiches. I thought maybe you didn’t like my cooking and didn’t want to hurt my feelings.”

  He roars with laughter. “Darlin’, you were so into those blueprints and I was hungry. You’ve cooked every night this week. The least I could do was make a couple of sandwiches, so my woman doesn’t starve or have to fuss over me.”

  “Oh, I would have stopped sooner. I lost track of time.”

  He tilts my head back and pecks my lips. “You’re fine. I’m going to have a few beers on the roof for a bit. You want to come with me?”

  “Sure, but I want to hit the shower first. I’ve been sitting here in these clothes all day,” I reply.

  The thought of pulling on one of his T-shirts brings a smile to my face. I love wearing his things. His clothe
s smell like him.

  “On second thought, those beers can wait,” he says before clasping a hand over my throat and devouring my lips as he holds me in place.

  He nipples at my lips, coaxing my mouth open. I breathe him in as he pushes his tongue into my mouth. I reach for his hair and hold him to me.

  This is my favorite part of the day, drowning in his intensity. It’s something I look forward to. When he growls and lifts me, I smile.

  It might be a while before we get to those beers. I don’t mind. Being consumed by this man is nothing short of amazing.

  Brick

  “Eva, baby,” I say as she rests across my chest.

  She mutters something and nestles deeper into my body. We were just talking before she drifted off. We never did make it for those beers. Watching her writhe beneath me is a much better pastime.

  I stroke her soft skin with a smile on my lips. This week has been what I’ve been missing in my life. After a hard day of work, I get to watch her in my home and ravage her body in my bed.

  Right as my mind turns to King and how I’ll handle things with him, my phone rings. I inhale, ready to face my brother. However, when I pick up the device, it’s Jemma’s number that appears.

  “Shit,” I grunt.

  I don’t realize my body has stiffened with irritation until Eva stirs and looks up at me. I’m even more pissed now that she’s been awakened by my cousin and her bullshit. I ignore the call and cut my ringer off.

  “Everything okay?” Eva asks sleepily.

  “Yeah, it’s fine,” I reply.

  She gives me a quizzical look. I’m not going to get into what’s annoying me. When my phone lights up again, I flex my jaw and tighten the fist not pressed to Eva’s back.

  She keeps those brown eyes on me. Her thoughts running across her face as they often do. A tiny, wicked smile graces her lips.

  “Maybe I can help you relax,” she says, reaching beneath the covers for my soft cock.

  It hardens the moment she touches me. As she looks at me through her lashes and moves to settle between my legs I tense with anticipation. Blood rushes through my veins and all is forgotten other than my woman.

  Yes, she will make a great old lady.

  “Yes, baby, just like that,” I coach as she gets a rhythm going.

  “Mm,” she hums before sucking up the saliva she covers me in.

  The sound of her slurping and the feel of her head bobbing take me to another place. What have I done to earn this woman? I don’t know, but I’d pay the king’s ransom to keep her.

  Chapter 12

  Let’s Ride

  Eva

  I press my face to Brick’s back. I don’t know why I can only think of him as Brick while on the back of his bike. This is heaven and my dreams come true. It’s a gorgeous day for a ride.

  Disappointment fills me as he pulls to a stop. I wanted the ride to last forever. However, the magnificent view of waterfalls and green grass draw my attention.

  I hop off the bike and nearly bounce in place. This is a dream come true. I close my eyes and let the peaceful sound take over.

  “This is tranquility. If there was a picture for the word in the dictionary, this place would be it,” I say and sigh.

  I open my eyes when he wraps his arms around me, pulling me into him. The smile on his face is so enchanting, I’m entranced immediately. He’s so gorgeous. The picture of perfection and I’m me.

  How did this happen? Once again, I berate myself for my poor choice of clothing and awful packing skills. Although Owen has made me feel special all morning, I can’t help feeling self-conscious in the oversized sweatshirt and leggings I dressed in for today’s trip.

  I keep thinking of his ex-wife and her expensive looking clothes and thin body. On a good diet and a lifetime at the gym, I’d never look like her.

  Owen guides one hand under the back of my shirt and into the waistband of my leggings to squeeze my ass cheek. His voice brings me deeper into him and all things Owen. “I thought you would like it here. You can get lost in one of your books. I always find myself deep in thought while out here,” he says.

  “And you made us sandwiches,” I squeal teasingly as I think of the things I watched him pack.

  He shakes his head at me and places a soft kiss against my forehead. His beard tickles my skin. Releasing me, he goes to get the blanket and food basket he brought along for our ride. My heart melts. This man is sweeter than I ever thought possible.

  I never want this to end.

  “Me either,” he says and pecks my lips.

  I give him a surprised look. I hadn’t realized I said the words out loud. My cheeks heat. I’m such a dork.

  “Come here,” he commands as he begins to lay out the blanket.

  He steps into the center and holds out a hand for me. First removing my backpack, I then take his hand and follow him down to sit. Without hesitation, I curl into his lap and snuggle into him.

  What did I do for comfort before him? It’s as if these days when I want to center myself, I seek him out. It’s a welcome but scary feeling.

  Like free-falling and knowing someone’s waiting to catch you. I try not to read too much into it. Sometimes I’m still not sure this is all really happening.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “Not yet,” I answer, turning my face up to the sky and closing my eyes.

  I smile as he traces my face with his thumb. His callused hand is gentler than a soft blanket brushing across the skin. I feel precious in this moment.

  “You’re beautiful. I’ve watched you grow into a gorgeous woman. You’ve always been an old soul, but you still amaze me,” he says.

  I flutter my lashes open, locking eyes with his intense green gaze. There’s something in Owen’s expression that appears and disappears so fast. Before I can inquire, he leans in and captures my lips.

  I’m breathless within seconds. I turn into him to wrap my arms around him and get closer. The kiss goes from heated to scorching so quickly I whimper as it’s all I can do.

  He groans loudly when his phone goes off. “This is club business, I have to take it,” he says.

  I move out of his lap and he stands. He walks away and I shrug my shoulders and dig into my little backpack, pulling out one of the books I’ve been reading for my final independent study class. I get lost in highlighting and making notes.

  When Owen returns, he startles me a bit. He hadn’t walked off that far. I had just become so absorbed by the pages in front of me. Something Misty and King chide me about all the time.

  You need to be more aware of your surroundings, Eva.

  As their words play in my head, I become aware of Owen and his change in demeanor. I put my book away as he sits facing me, a distant look in his eyes. Placing a hand on his knee beside me, waiting for him to meet my gaze.

  When he does I give him a bright smile and the tension between his brows release. He returns the smile, and those beautiful green eyes light up with it.

  Brick

  I forget all about the call I was on as soon as her smile sucks me in. It’s like the sun above, bright and coaxing, making you want to bask in it. Her face is so adorable and innocent.

  Eva has no idea what kind of man she sleeps with every night. If I were a better man, I’d tell her. However, King has always said Eva is oblivious to the club life around her and he intends to keep it that way for as long as he can.

  I can’t say I blame him as her eyes tell me how truly sheltered she is. And I’m fulfilling my duties with little remorse. That call will result in someone being put in harm’s way. I did what I had to do.

  “You want to eat now?” We say at the same time.

  We laugh. I’ve found we’ve been doing that more often. Speaking each other’s thoughts and finishing one another’s sentences. I narrow my eyes for a second as I think on this.

  Eva is taking up a place in my heart. Each day, more and more, I see her in my life in a permanent way. When I wake, she’s the fir
st thing I seek out.

  Eva’s cheeks glow and she ducks her head. “Let me feed you,” I say. “We can take a dip after.”

  “A dip?” she says with wide eyes as she snaps her head back up.

  “You’re not afraid of a little water, are you?”

  The defiance that sparks in her eyes reminds me my Eva may be all kinds of innocent, but she’s a Lost Soul deep down at heart. She’s Cage Kennedy’s girl. Blood or not, Cage taught her to be tough and fearless.

  “I don’t have anything to swim in,” she says thoughtfully, but with that confidence I love to see.

  “Yes, you do. You were born with it.”

  “You want to skinny dip?” she says, the doe-eyed look returning.

  I lean in and kiss her lips. “I plan to do more than skinny dip. I want to hear your voice echo off the walls of the cave behind that fall.” I nibble her soft lips for good measure.

  The look of lust in her eyes when I pull away gives my naughty girl away. My jeans tighten. If her stomach didn’t pick this very moment to growl, I’d forget about lunch and take her straight to the cave.

  “Later,” I say and wink.

  * * *

  ***

  I brush my finger over Eva’s hair as she rests her head in my lap. We’re digesting our meal and enjoying the quiet. I’ve been running what I’ll say to King over in my head.

  “Hey, Owen,” Eva says softly, causing me to look down at her and come out of my thoughts.

  She’s watching me closely. I move from her hair to trace her full lips. As if I’m prying the words out, she slowly opens her lips.

  “You’re older than me. Do you remember my mom or Cage?”

  I smile at the fond memories that surface immediately. “Yeah, I remember them. Rose was like the mother I never really got to know and Cage, he was the only real father figure I had. I owe everything to him,” I reply.