“Hey, babe,” he said before kissing my forehead.
“Did you have fun at the gym?” I asked.
He nodded. “Yeah.”
“Good.” I smiled. “I have a surprise for you.”
He raised an eyebrow. “What would that be?”
I shut off the TV and stood. I grabbed his hand and tugged on it until he stood. “Come on.”
I held his hand as I led him into the kitchen. As soon as we stepped into it, I could smell the chicken in the oven. It actually smelled good. Maybe I could cook after all.
“Something smells awesome,” Reid said.
I released him and pointed to the table. “Have a seat. I made dinner.”
His eyes widened. “That’s my surprise? You cooked dinner. I’m not sure if I should be scared or not.”
I elbowed him. “Shush. I’m not trying to poison you, I promise.”
“I hope not,” he said as he sat down. “Because paying rent on your own is a real bitch.”
I ignored him as the timer on the stove went off. I hurried over and grabbed two oven mitts before opening the door. The chicken wasn’t burned, so I took that as a good sign. I lifted the pan out of the oven and set it on the burners on top of the stove.
I grabbed a couple of plates out of the cabinet and silverware out of the drawer. Reid watched me as I set the table. Then, I grabbed the salad out of the fridge. He smirked at me when I put it on the table in front of him.
“It looks like you really pulled out all the stops. I can’t wait to see what you made for dessert.”
I froze. Shit. I knew there was something I’d forgotten.
Reid laughed at the expression on my face. “You didn’t get anything, did you?”
I shook my head. “No. I can run to the store and get something though.”
He grabbed my hand and pulled me closer. I stared down at him.
“You’re not going anywhere. I can think of something we can do for dessert.”
He pulled me down onto his lap and deeply kissed me. My pulse raced as I kissed him back, loving the feel of his lips against mine. I’d never grow tired of this, of us.
“Sounds…fun,” I said against his lips.
“It will be.”
When we finished dinner, Reid helped me load our plates and the other dirty dishes into the dishwasher. I had felt nervous about him trying the chicken, but he’d taken a bite without seeming nervous at all. He definitely got brownie points for that. He’d gained even more when he told me how much he loved it. I didn’t think guys could get much better than Reid.
When everything was finally loaded into the dishwasher, he turned it on before turning to face me. Heat rushed through my body as he looked down at me. His eyes were so intense, and they showed every emotion he was feeling. Lust seemed to be the main emotion at the moment. I stepped closer to him and wrapped my arms around his neck. Standing on my tiptoes, I deeply kissed him. He moaned as his hands found their way into my hair. He ran his fingers through my dark strands as I pushed him up against the counter.
He finally broke the kiss and released me. My chest rose and fell quickly, need filling my body.
“You okay with this?” he asked softly.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
He gave me a pointed look. “Last time was different. We both know that. We agreed to take things slow to see where we would end up. If this is too fast, just tell me. I’m serious.”
The fact that he was worried about whether or not I was okay with having sex touched me more than he could ever know.
“I can’t think of anything I want more at the moment, Reid,” I said before kissing him again. “I want this.”
“Thank God,” he mumbled before picking me up and carrying me back to his bedroom.
As soon as we made it to his room, he released me. Without a word, he pulled my shirt over my head and tossed it on the floor. My jeans went next. He kissed me as I fought to take his shirt off. I finally broke the kiss and pulled his shirt over his head. Without taking a second to think about the fact that I was about to have sex again, I reached for his jeans and unbuttoned them. I pushed them along with his boxers down his legs.
Once he was free of them, he tossed me onto the bed. I arched my back as he kissed his way between my breasts and down my stomach. He grabbed my underwear and pulled them off without hesitation.
He dropped to his knees and pushed my legs apart. I only had a moment to wonder what he was doing before his head was buried between my legs. I gasped and clawed at the sheets as he swirled his tongue around my clit. Overwhelmed with the sight of his head buried there, I closed my eyes. My chest rose and fell quickly as every nerve in my body came alive.
I tried to close my legs when the feeling became too much, but he stopped me. As he continued to use his tongue to please me, his fingers found my entrance. He shoved two inside, and my hips thrust upward. My body shook as an orgasm rocked through me. I expected Reid to move away, but instead, he continued to thrust his fingers in and out as I came. His tongue flicked over my clit over and over again as he worked my orgasm from my body.
When I was finished, I lay on the bed, breathless. My body felt like jelly.
“Jesus,” I whispered.
“No, just me,” Reid said as he stood and grabbed a condom out of the drawer.
I snorted, unable to stop myself. “That was so bloody corny.”
He grinned as he ripped the package and slid the condom on. “I love when you say bloody. It’s so…English of you.”
I didn’t respond as he settled on top of me. He thrust his hips forward and entered me. I tightened for a moment, expecting the same pain as last time. I relaxed and let out a sigh of relief when I felt nothing but pleasure.
“It only hurts the first time, Bree,” Reid whispered. “I wish you had told me you were a virgin. I would’ve been easier with you.”
“Doesn’t matter now.” I pulled him down to kiss him.
Our tongues tangled together as he slowly started rocking his hips back and forth. I clung to him, desperate to get closer. I tasted myself on his lips. I wasn’t sure if that turned me on or grossed me out. Either way, he broke the kiss before I could decide. He kissed a path down my neck as his tempo increased.
“Sorry, babe, but watching you come earlier has me worked up. I’m not going to last very long.”
His thrusts increased as he fought to control himself. I gripped his arms, noticing how stiff his muscles were.
“Let go, Reid,” I whispered into his ear.
He groaned, and his body shook as he finally stopped fighting with himself. I watched his face as he came. He was breathtaking. He didn’t hold back, and I would remember the look of ecstasy on his face for the rest of my life.
I awoke a few hours later to the sound of someone moaning. I sat straight up in bed, ready to launch myself at anyone near us. Instead of an intruder, I saw Reid tossing and turning in bed next to me. He let out another low moan before thrashing around.
He was dreaming. I bit my lip as I debated on what to do. I knew you weren’t supposed to wake someone up when they were dreaming, but he seemed like he was having a nightmare. I didn’t want him to suffer.
Without thinking, I leaned forward and touched his shoulder. Before I could say a word, Reid’s fist connected with my jaw. I cried out as I fell off the bed. I hit the floor with a thud.
“Bloody hell,” I mumbled.
I struggled to sit up. Reid had one hell of a right hook.
“Holy shit, Bree. Are you okay?”
I winced when the overhead light came on. Reid stood above me, looking stricken.
“I’m fine,” I said as I stood.
“Jesus Christ! I fucking hit you!” He ran his hands through his hair.
“You didn’t mean to,” I said. “You were sleeping.”
“Like that makes it okay. I’m so sorry.”
I winced as he reached out and touched my cheek. It hurt like a bitch. I had no doubt that I�
�d have a bruise by morning.
“Reid, seriously, it’s okay. I’ve had worse. Are you okay?”
He looked at me like I’d lost my mind. “I hit you, and you’re asking if I’m okay? Are you out of your mind?”
“Look, if you had been awake and nailed me like that, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. It was an accident, so stop feeling so damn guilty.”
He looked away. “I’m still so sorry, Bree.”
“Want to tell me what you were dreaming about?” I asked.
He wouldn’t look at me. “I don’t remember.”
“Bullshit. That night…when I walked in on you right after I moved in, you were on the floor, shaking. I assume it was because of a dream?”
“Yeah.” His voice was barely above a whisper.
“Reid, talk to me. Please. Maybe I can help you. Whatever is bothering you doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Maybe if you talk about it, it’ll help you.”
“It doesn’t matter. It’s just my past catching up to me,” he said as he finally looked up at me.
“I know a thing or two about past demons,” I said as I stared at him.
He looked so broken. I’d never seen him like this.
“Bree, just let it go, please.”
I sighed. “You know that you’ll eventually have to tell me what’s going on, right? Preferably before you accidentally punch me again.”
He winced but nodded. “Yeah, maybe.”
“No maybe. We will talk about this—and soon.”
I turned and walked toward the door.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“I think it’s better if I sleep in my room tonight.”
Without another word, I slipped out of his room and into mine. I walked to my dresser and pulled out my pajamas and underwear. After pulling them on, I walked to my bed and collapsed down onto it. My jaw was throbbing from Reid’s punch. I sighed as I rolled over and punched my pillow.
It seemed I wasn’t the only one running from something. Reid obviously had something haunting him as well. I had no idea how we could make something permanent work between us when we were both keeping things from each other. I was no relationship expert, but secrets and lies seemed like a fast way to end something between us.
I awoke to the sound of a gun being cocked. My eyes instantly sprang open. I almost wished I’d kept them closed. I stared down the barrel of a gun that was only inches away from my face.
“Hello, Bree.”
I swallowed roughly before turning my head to look at the man who had spoken. He leaned against the wall and stared out the window with his back to me. He turned slowly and smiled at me.
“Hello, Father.”
He chuckled. “I bet you never expected us to find you. I have to say, of all the cities I thought you might go to, Dallas was never one of them.”
“I thought Dallas would be a nice change.” I glanced at the barrel of the gun and then at the man holding it. Bradley.
He was one of my father’s little bitches. We’d never gotten along, and I saw the gloating look in his eyes now. He was pleased to be the one holding me at gunpoint.
“It took us a while to find you. I must say, you covered your tracks nicely. A new name, new hair, new life—you’ve had this planned for a while.”
I didn’t dare say a word. He didn’t know about Wesley’s involvement in my escape, and I planned to keep it that way. If I was going to die at the hands of my father, I wanted to do it without taking Wesley with me. I owed him that and so much more.
I looked to the door as it swung open. My heart started pounding against my chest when I saw Reid. He looked from me to where Bradley’s gun was and then to my father.
“Ah, Reid. How nice of you to join us,” my father said.
“Bree, what the fuck is going on?” Reid asked.
I closed my eyes and willed myself not to cry. Wesley might be safe, but Reid definitely wasn’t, and it was all my fault.
“Move,” a familiar voice snapped from behind Reid.
My mouth dropped open in shock as Reid moved out of the doorway. Wesley was behind him, and he had a gun in Reid’s back.
“Wes,” I said his name before I could stop myself.
His eyes met mine, and I nearly lost it again. The kindness and warmth that had always been there when he looked at me was nowhere to be seen. His eyes were cold just as they had been when we’d go on a job. Wesley was gone, and a killer stood in his place.
“I wouldn’t try reasoning with Wes, my dear. He’s been extremely pissed off since you left.”
“Bree, what is going on?” Reid demanded.
“My apologies. I should have introduced myself already. I’m Bree’s father, Oliver.”
Reid looked back and forth between my father and me. “I suppose I can see the resemblance now that I’m actually looking.”
I would’ve laughed if my situation weren’t so dire.
“Yes, I suppose we do look a bit alike. Fortunately, our similarities end there.”
“Do you mind telling me why you’re here and why your boy”—he motioned back toward where Wesley was standing—“has a gun embedded in my back?”
“Ah, yes. I suppose that is a bit of a problem, isn’t it? You can thank your roommate for that one. It seems my daughter has brought a lot of trouble to your doorstep.”
Reid kept his eyes on my father even though I was watching Reid. “What kind of trouble?”
My father smiled, and my stomach dropped. Whatever he was about to say would ruin everything.
“Bree has not been completely honest with you, I’m sure. She probably failed to mention that she ran away from my home in London.”
Reid frowned. “She told me she wanted a fresh start. That still doesn’t explain why I’m up close and personal with a gun.”
I couldn’t believe how calm Reid was being. Most men cowered at the sight of a loaded gun, especially when it was pointed at them. Either Reid was a fool who saw no danger, or he was a brave idiot. Neither boded well for him.
“And did Bree tell you why she needed a fresh start?” my father asked.
I looked over Reid’s shoulder and saw Wesley watching me. For a moment, I saw sympathy fill his eyes. He looked away, but it was too late. I’d seen it. No matter what Wesley was doing at the moment, he was still on my side—or at least, he wanted to be.
Reid shook his head. “No.”
“Of course she didn’t.” My father turned his attention to me. “You’ve caused a lot of problems, Bree. The Irish were displeased with your departure, and they made sure that Nico and I were aware of it. We lost two men and were left to deal with several others who were injured because of you. Their deaths are on you, my dear daughter. I hope your little attempt at freedom was worth it because when we get home, things are going to get ugly.”
“Like you give a damn about them,” I spit out. “None of your men mean a thing to you, Father. Don’t try that bullshit on me.”
He frowned. “Oh, but you’re wrong, daughter. You see, one of those men was very important to me and to everyone else. Nico’s death has caused a war between us and Ireland. Where a truce was imminent, all it took was one moment of stupidity on your part to launch a goddamn war.”
I sucked in a ragged breath. “Nico is dead? That’s impossible.”
“Oh, it is very much possible. You see, the Irish thought that we’d backed out on our side of the deal. It seems the Irish boy really was quite desperate to have you. You’ve started a war between us and them. They will stop at nothing to have you.”
I looked up to see Reid staring at me with a blank expression.
“Who are you, Bree?” Reid asked.
My father held up his hand when I opened my mouth. “Before you speak, Bree, I want you to answer one question for me.”
“What?”
“Do you want your friend here to live? Because if you tell him who you are, he will not walk away from this alive. I can promise you that much.”
“He has nothing to do with this. Let him go!” I shouted.
My father shook his head. “If you want him to live, I suggest that you listen closely to my next words. You will leave this apartment with us tonight one way or another. If you don’t fight us, he lives. If you so much as scratch Wesley or Bradley, I will personally make sure your friend is lying on the floor in a pool of his own blood. You’ll have a front row seat to that as well. So, are you going to do as you’re told? Or do we need to encourage you?”
“I’ll go with you. Just leave him alone,” I said quietly.
Everything I’d tried to hide had come back after me with a vengeance. My father was here—in Dallas, in the same room as Reid. All the secrets I’d tried to bury were now on full display, pointing a gun at not only me, but Reid as well. I wanted to cry. No, I wanted to start shooting. But it was pointless. Someone would die. And I knew that it would be either Reid or me. Maybe even both.
“Good.” My father nodded at Wesley.
I stifled a sob when he raised his gun to the back of Reid’s head. Without a word, he hit Reid, and Reid fell to the floor, unconscious. My entire body sagged in relief. I’d thought that Wesley was going to shoot him. Reid would wake up with one hell of a headache, but at least he would wake up.
Wesley briefly made eye contact with me before looking away. Unlike last time, no emotion was there, nothing to give me hope. I refused to believe that he didn’t care about me any longer. After all, he was the one who had helped me escape from my father and the Irish. He had to be faking it to keep my father from growing suspicious.
“Now that Wes has taken care of that problem, I think it’s time that we go,” my father said.
I looked over to see him watching me with a smug look on his face. He enjoyed causing me pain. He reveled in it.
“I need to grab a few things,” I said as I threw the blankets off of me.
I ignored the gun that was still pointed at my head as I stood and walked to my closet. I pulled out my gym bag and carried it back to my bed. I moved over to my dresser and grabbed a few outfits and underwear along with my training clothes. I was going to take whatever I could. I had no idea where we would be going next. It wouldn’t surprise me if I ended up in a ditch beside a highway by morning.
The Consequences of Sin Page 11
