Desperate (A Contemporary Romance)

by Katerina Winters

  Lying on his stomach with his face pointed towards her Gabriel looked so peaceful. The normally stern face softened slightly by sleep making her want to reach out and caress his handsome face. Letting her gaze wander she noticed the sheets bunched around his waist showing off his well-defined back and shoulders. There was so much heat radiating off his body it only made her shiver. The room was practically freezing, though Gabriel didn't seem to mind. The combined warmth from his radiating heat and the extra blankets he must have covered her with last night created a warm cocoon she didn't want to leave—but she really had to pee.

  Moving cautiously due to her breast and the man sleeping beside her, Salene carefully peeled back the covers. Swinging her legs off the bed onto the plush carpet Salene prepared herself for the stiff pain through her chest as she began to stand she felt the grip on her wrist.

  "Where are you going?" Gabriel’s scratchy morning voice rumbled behind her as he anchored her down with the grip on her wrist.

  Too sore to turn back around to look at him, she replied honestly. "I have to pee."

  Slowly he released her. "One can never be too sure when it comes to you." He replied gruffly.

  Sighing, she took that as a sign he was still angry.

  Coming out of the bathroom Salene felt a little better, especially after washing her face. Salene noticed that all of her bathroom toiletries were lined up neatly on the counter next to the second unused sink. For some reason, the presumptuous act only made her smile. Standing in the doorway of his closet Gabriel was just pulling on a T-shirt as she closed the bathroom door. It was hard to believe that she actually slept next to him all night. Recalling her vivid dream last night, she still could practically feel his lips against hers. Was it even a dream? The beginning of the dull ache from her breasts made her wince as she sat down heavily on the bed.

  "Here," helping her adjust back against the pillows Gabriel stepped back giving her an unreadable look before turning towards the door. "Sit tight, I will bring you some food so you can take your meds."

  The throbbing ache in her breasts wouldn't allow her to go back to sleep despite how tired she was. The bright orange-ish yellow light that peeked through the blinds told her it was very early in the morning. Looking over at her phone on the nightstand Salene’s stomach knotted as she watched the blue notification light blink off and on letting her know she got a text. Dear Lord, it was probably from Kevin, she did not want to read that at all.

  Coming back in with the same wooden tray from the night before Gabriel placed it over her lap. With wide eyes, Salene stared at the loaded assortment with a touch of trepidation. There was oatmeal, yogurt, banana, and toast. There was no way she could eat all this.

  The plush bed dipped lightly beside her as Gabriel climbed back in next to her, propping up his own pillow against the headboard similar to her own. Self-conscious over her tired appearance Salene tried to smooth her voluminous curls with one hand as she took a bite of the warm oatmeal.

  The silence was killing her, she could just feel Gabriel sitting there. Too nervous to look at him to see what he was thinking she cleared her throat.

  "Thank you for helping me," Salene was honestly grateful for everything he has done, she underestimated the amount of downtime or at least the severity of the downtime. If he wasn't here, she would be miserable.

  "Well, it would've been nice to be there from the beginning." The displeasure in his voice was quite audible giving her, even more, reason to keep her head down focusing on the food on her lap. "But thankfully I followed my gut and was able to track you down."

  The coolness to his words made her turn her head to face the fire in his gaze directly. "Gabriel I'm…"

  "No Salene," he cut her off like a lash of a whip. "I want to know what the hell happened." Turning more towards her in the bed, Gabriel sat up with one leg folded while the other leg was stretched out. The look on his face told her he was very serious, he wanted answers. "Everything was so damn good when I left."

  There was an underlining thread of desperate confusion to his tone. He was honestly confused and hurt by her actions, and for some reason that really made her want to cry. Somehow the brief moment of vulnerability from Gabriel seemed wrong somehow. Gabriel was too big, too strong and just too arrogant to have a moment like this. Salene was partly honored he was showing it to her and equally sad she was the cause.

  "I know," she moaned with a sigh, pushing the tray further down so she could turn slightly to look at him. "I wish I had a better reason to give you, but I don't." Not able to look at him fully she let her gaze wander the room. "I was just so nervous that maybe you really left because you had second thoughts or something, Salene could tell he was going to interject, so she rushed to continue. "I'm very sorry, I really wasn't trying to leave I just… I just figured I would get my surgery and feel some semblance of independence again and maybe some added confidence."

  Carefully the hard lines of his face softened as he absorbed her honest words. Shifting his arm onto the headboard Gabriel lounged up against the pillows giving her an accusing stare.

  "My God, you have no idea just how angry I was to find out you had run off to do this," shaking his head as if he still couldn't process the reaction. "Hell, I'm still angry."

  "I'm truly sorry," biting her lip in anxiousness Salene wasn't sure what else she could say.

  Narrowing his eyes, he looked away for a moment before turning back. "Consider this right here," he pointed down at the bed. "Me taking it slow. Because the moment the doctor gives you the all-clear sweetheart," he paused raising one golden eyebrow with sinister intent. "This taking it slow thing is going out the fucking window."

  Relief, happiness, arousal, and so many other emotions flooded her as she took in his forgiveness. Salene wasn't sure what to focus on first, but she knew she wanted to be open and honest with Gabriel.

  Smiling coyishly, "I think that is fair, besides," Salene could feel her face grow warm at her next words, she knew once she said the unspoken words she would be releasing any invisible bonds of constraint he was holding in place. "Since I'm recovering you're the boss."

  Like a great panther, his pupils constricted at her words of obedience. With silent grace, he changed positions until he was pressed directly next to her forcing her to lean back against the pillows to look up at him.

  "My God Salene you have no idea just how badly I want you." Just inches above her lips the depths of his words shook her to her core.

  Pulling at his shirt, she forced him to complete the distance. The kiss was absolutely electrifying. Hungrily his lips moved against hers as his tongue probed against hers skillfully. Salene's moans intermingled perfectly with his growl like noise of satisfaction.

  Cursing under his breath Gabriel pulled away from her leaving her with a breathless pout. Running his hand through his hair, Gabriel got out of the bed and paced in front of it.

  "Fuck you're going to make me break one of the rules the doctor gave me," thinking about it he smiled devilishly with this shrug. "Well, the only rule she gave me actually."

  Seeing the confusion on her face, Gabriel continued. "You are to avoid any sexual arousal until the doctor gives you the all-clear, even if that means virtually fucking hell for me," he grumbled as he replaced her tray of food back to its original position. "So do me a favor Salene," fluffing her pillows in frustration. "Keep those beautiful lips to yourself. I'm on a mission to get you recovered."

  Hiding a smile Salene took a bite of her oatmeal in a sign of compliance.

  ***

  The next few days of her recovery was beyond anything she could ever expect. Each day Gabriel provided her his undivided attention, doting on her every need without fail. It was nearly too much to take in at first. On some days he would simply work from home giving them plenty of time to relax together in bed watching TV. Every aspect of her recovery was taken care of by Gabriel, from pills, meals, drinking the appropriate amount of water, and even buying her an extra surgical re
covery bra to add to the two she already had. Salene was pretty sure he would have tried changing her bandages if she didn't take charge of that herself.

  As per the doctor's instructions she was finally able to take a proper shower forty-eight hours after surgery. Technically that meant she could remove the sterile-strip bandages and look at her breast, but Salene couldn't find the courage, opting to change them away from the mirror. Using Gabriel's bathroom was odd at first especially considering he made her keep the door ajar. That decision consisted of them arguing back and forth over the likelihood of her falling or her needing him for any reason—he won the argument. The odd feeling of using the large bathroom quickly wore off. The grand tiled shower had about a thousand different faucets including a rain waterfall feature, taking a shower was utter luxury. As for their relationship the air between them seemed so surreal somehow, all the animosity was completely gone replaced by a resonating mutual attraction. Every suggestive word caused the man's eyes to darken with want as he fought to maintain his doctor ordered restraint. The dark promise was still there, however, only heightening her nervous expectation for the day they would come together.

  Today was different, the tranquil routine of her recovery was broken by her follow-up appointment. With the minimal inspection she had the courage to do on her own, Salene was able to tell that the overall size of her breast has definitely reduced, which was the goal. However, now she found herself worrying about aspects she never even considered before the surgery. All she can think of was what if the price of reducing her breasts cost her to have ugly scarred breast for life.

  On the way to the clinic, it was evident to see she was lost in her anxious thoughts. Like a silent pillar of support, Gabriel waited patiently next to her as she stared out the waiting room window. The exam however, went a lot better than she was imagining. The doctor removed the strips covering her scars in front of the mirror on the opposite wall. The sight of her breasts made Salene nearly cry in relief. They were everything she could have dreamed of and more. Two normal C size breast sat high on her chest with a subtle pinkish anchor like scar towards the bottom. The doctor promised the scars would fade with time and the use of the cream she prescribed.

  Now standing in the master bathroom, Salene stared at her reflection through the foggy mirror. Running her fingers down the curve of her breasts she let each of her fingers strum over the tips of her nipples. The doctor warned her there might be some nerve damage resulting in numbness around her nipples, that should fade away over time with the body's natural healing. Watching her fingers glide over to the brownish pink bud Salene's breath caught in her throat in fear when she didn't register the feeling. No, she breathed deeply she was just panicking, she told herself besides it was only the second week since the surgery.

  Grabbing the man's long-sleeve flannel shirt off the counter, she slipped it on buttoning it up. Exiting the bathroom, Salene smiled softly at Gabriel, who was standing near his dresser looking at his phone. Wearing a pair of long basketball shorts and no shirt Salene inwardly sighed at his sculpted body.

  Seeing the worried look on her face he gave her a quizzical look. "What's wrong?"

  "It's nothing I was just…" Salene was going to make up an excuse, but Gabriel cut her off.

  "Come here," Gabriel put down his phone and crooked his finger towards her beckoning her to come forth."

  Slowly she rounded the bed to his side, sitting on the edge of the bed Gabriel grabbed her hand, tugging her closer to him until she stood practically between his knees.

  "Tell me," he urged patiently as his thumbs softly rubbed the back of her hands in comfort.

  Looking into his molten gaze, Salene just wanted to crumple against him and tell him everything running through her mind. She wanted his arms around her again just like the night of the storm repelling all of her worries with his warm strength. Dammit, why did he do this to her, normally she was stronger than this.

  "It's really nothing I swear, it's just that," she paused feeling self-conscious. "I tend to worry."

  Smiling handsomely, he leaned back and gave her a teasing look. "Oh, I've noticed." He paused releasing her hands letting his own settle around her waist. "I have also noticed how good my shirts look on you."

  Trying her best to ignore the flare of heat that stirred within her she pressed on.

  "Well I'm just a little worried because the doctor said there might be some nerve damage," Salene watched distractedly as he began to unbutton the last two buttons of the shirt. "I… I tried… But I couldn't feel any… Gabriel!" She whispered in shock as he unbuttoned past her blue panties bringing his face inches away from her hot center.

  "Go on," he said as if he wasn't the cause of the interruption. "You were saying you were worried you might have lost feeling in your breast." He added helpfully.

  Swallowing Salene shifted nervously on her feet. "Well yes and I read some women even have complications breastfeeding when they have children later on."

  Hot rough hands dipped past the practically open flaps of her shirt and settled onto her bare waist searing right to her soul. Gripping his shoulders in support Salene bit her lip to stifle the forthcoming moan. Sliding his hands down, his fingers bit into her plump flesh of her ass pulling her close until his forehead hit her stomach.

  "Gabriel," she moaned softly clutching at the hot skin on his shoulders. Her body was tingling like mad at the intimate proximity.

  Green eyes briefly glanced up at her before focusing back on his prize before him. Inhaling deeply, he nipped at the tender flesh right above the elastic band of her panties sending delicate tremors of awareness down her spine. Standing up Gabriel crowded her close letting both of his hands glide up from her ass settling high on her waist again.

  "So you are worried about something that may or may not happen in the future correct?"

  When he put it like that it only made her feel foolish, instinctively she wanted to step back, but the grip he had around her waist was firm.

  "Despite what may or may not happen in the future," Gabriel pulled her close until she could feel the evidence of his growing desire press against her stomach. "I have a feeling you will be an excellent mother."

  The subject of children wasn't something she meant to bring up, Salene was just venting her worries, but she couldn't deny the rush of heat he caused by his words. Boldly Salene pushed herself up onto her toes pressing her lips against his firm lips. Gabriel reacted to the kiss with a fierce intensity as if his control was already at its brink and she pushed it over the edge. Vaguely she could hear the remaining buttons of her shirt pop off as he snatched the fabric apart. Opening her mouth to his Salene cried out softly as he deepened the kiss stealing the rest of her breath away. The feeling of his callused hands pressing against her breast ever so gently caused her to jump. Gently his thumb worked her nipple back-and-forth and side to side until she broke the kiss with a ragged moan.

  "Now the other," he teased her mercilessly as he shifted her to the crook of his arm letting her already weakened body dip backward slightly.

  With her mind in a fog of chaotic desire, Salene had no warning of the sensation of his teeth scraping across her other unattended nipple. Letting out a small cry Salene clutched at the powerful shoulders as he took her cry as a sign for more. Closing his mouth over the assaulted nipple, he sucked it violently. Arching back completely on the support of his arm Salene cried out. The intensity of the damp heat between her legs was unlike anything she had ever felt before, Salene would do anything at this point to make him satiate the need he was causing.

  Tracing his tongue one last time around the pink scarring underneath her breasts Gabriel pulled her straight to meet his kiss. By now she was completely at his will, and he knew it.

  Nipping bruisingly at her lips he smiled cruelly. "Well, you can go ahead and put your worries to bed sweetheart."

  Out of her mind with want all Salene could do was stare, her lips she could feel were swollen into a pout while her cur
ls were absolutely everywhere. This man was nothing like her past lovers, no polite kisses no slow advances. This man was a pirate who planned on taking everything from her as she begged—and she wanted him to.

  "Stay very still," his words were low and rough in his command.

  Releasing her Gabriel sat back on the bed before her, hooking his fingers into the waist strips of her panties he pulled down the thin material. Gasping in shock Salene tried to cover the trimmed curls with her hand.

  "Wait!" She was so embarrassed. "I didn't get a chance to get a wax. I didn't think…"

  Pulling her hands away Gabriel gave her wicked smile. "No baby, this is exactly the way I like it."

  Gripping her ass, he pulled her close until his face pressed against her hot core, making her pull back in shock.

  "What did I say Salene?" Green eyes sliced up to hers in warning.

  Mouth dry Salene nodded quickly as she stood still in place, her heart racing as she waited for his next move. Holding her steady with one hand, Gabriel let his other hand slide down the back of her leg stopping at her knee. Carefully he lifted her knee until he placed it on his shoulder. Dear God, her body could sense what he was about to do, and she felt like she might collapse.