by Melody Anne
She wasn’t going to make love to him again because she was scared, or because her adrenaline was pumping out of control. She was doing it with a rational mind and a clear conscience. She was doing it because she’d thought she was about to die, and though she’d been scared, she’d been glad it was while she was in Owen’s arms.
She cleaned up everything she could; then she made a cup of coffee and went into the living room and waited. The longer it took Owen and his brothers, the more calm she felt. Yes, there was a bit of panic, as she had no doubt she was still in love with Owen, but that didn’t matter right now. All that mattered was they were alive. And they both needed to feel something that was good and pure and magical.
“You look stunning,” Owen said from behind her.
Eden smiled as she turned to look at him. She’d felt him enter the room. It was odd how in sync the two of them had always been when they weren’t angry or bitter. It would be so easy to fall back into a pattern of what had once been.
“Are you finished?” she asked.
He nodded. “My sister arrived, demanding to come inside, but I managed to calm her down and send her to my parents’ place. Then Declan helped seal up the door he destroyed. It will do until tomorrow when I can get it replaced. They’re all gone now.” There was urgency in his eyes—the same urgency she knew was in hers.
Eden put her cup down and stood, then walked with purpose to Owen. She felt confident, something she hadn’t felt in a long time. Her world had been spinning, and it was time to feel dizzy for an entirely good reason. She reached her arms around him, clung tightly as she saw passion flare in his eyes. It made her feel wanted . . . needed . . . appreciated.
She smoothed her fingers over the rough skin at the back of his neck, just stood there looking into his eyes. She wasn’t scared. She felt content. This moment was right.
Maybe it was the fact that she didn’t know if she had a tomorrow. Maybe it was because there was so much evil in the world, and maybe it was the realization that this man had always been her calm in the storm.
When he bent, bringing his lips deliciously closer, it wasn’t a mad rush to fulfill their needs. It was a sweet tasting, a blending of their passion in the most delicate of ways. She sighed, their lips vibrating as he ran his tongue out, tasting her.
The kiss went on, and Eden pressed closer to him, loving how his hardness engulfed her softness, loving how perfectly their bodies fit together. He backed them up against the kitchen counter, and Eden pulled back, a chuckle escaping her. His expression was confused.
“What is it about your kitchen?” she said.
His confusion evaporated as he smiled. Then he swept her into his arms and quickly carried her through his large house. She kissed and licked his neck, loving the moans coming from him—loving that it was her making him lose control.
They made it to the bedroom and fell onto the bed together, his large body engulfing hers, making her squirm beneath him, hating the clothes keeping them separated. This time when he kissed her, the gentleness was gone. This kiss was full of heat and urgency. Playtime was over.
Owen broke away from the kiss, and Eden whimpered, then moaned as he trailed his lips down her chin and sucked the skin of her neck, continuing lower, making her quiver.
She loved him. She’d tried not falling back into that place, but it was impossible with his hands and lips caressing her body. She truly loved him, and being with him had always been magical. It had never been an act she’d grown complacent about.
He undid the buttons of her blouse, his lips following as he revealed more skin. She squirmed beneath him. Her movements aided him in removing her clothes as he sped up the process. His tongue lapped at her breasts, and she felt heat building in beautiful waves.
She tried helping him undress, but her trembling fingers weren’t very helpful, so he threw off his clothes, the sound of ripping material hanging heavy in the air.
Then he lay against her, their skin scorching each other’s as she felt his thickness resting between her thighs. Perfection. This moment was utter perfection. She felt as if they’d never been apart. They were made for each other.
He tried to break away from their kiss again, but she held on tightly. “I’m done with foreplay,” she told him as she wrapped her legs tightly around his solid hips. “I need you to fill me.”
The last word came out on a moan as he thrust inside her wet body. There was no resistance. She was more than ready for him—always ready. She clenched around him, holding him tight, not wanting this moment to ever end.
“Home. I’m home,” he said as his lips caressed hers, his urgency growing as he began moving his hips, pulling almost fully out of her before thrusting back in, their bodies clashing together in perfect harmony.
“Yes,” she cried out, unsure if she was agreeing with him or calling for more. Her orgasm was building, and she was greedy for the release. She felt him swell even more within her, filling her to completion. He moved faster and she met him, thrust after beautiful thrust.
Her body shook beneath him as she felt the imminent release. And then a cry of pleasure was torn from her as he echoed her yell, both of them shaking as they gave each other a beautiful release.
Owen collapsed against her, then tried to turn, but she kept her legs wrapped around him, held him tightly, feeling reassured by his heavy weight. She felt herself growing tired. She knew she shouldn’t stay, knew she shouldn’t let this be about more than sex. She also knew she was long past being able to think that way.
Her sleepiness made her weak, and Owen turned onto his back, pulling out of her, making her feel unbearably sad at the loss of them being connected as one. But he didn’t let her go far as he pulled her into the cradle of his arms, her head resting on his chest where his heart was a steady rhythm of comfort.
“I should go,” she said with a yawn.
“No.” It was a simple word, spoken almost pleasantly, but there was steel in his voice. He didn’t add anything as he reached down and pulled the covers over them. She didn’t have the will to fight him. She snuggled in closer and fell asleep, feeling utterly peaceful.
This was home. This was where she’d always belonged. Maybe she’d simply accept it for as long as it would last.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Eden opened her eyes before slamming them back shut. She tried again, this time opening them only to a slit. The curtains were open, and the sun was up too high in the sky for it to be early morning.
She was still wrapped around Owen, closer than she’d been when she’d fallen asleep, if that was even possible. She was practically on top of him. Her body shifted and she felt his arm tighten around her as he gripped her hips and pulled her over him.
She immediately felt his thickness between her legs, and her body heated and grew wet in response. She looked down at his alert expression and knew he’d been awake for quite some time.
“Mornin’,” she mumbled, feeling self-conscious for some reason. She found herself wanting to cover her chest. As if he could read her thoughts, his hands traveled from her hips, up her stomach, then cupped her breasts, squeezing them, making her even wetter, making her wiggle against his hardness even while she told herself to get off him.
“You were snoring,” he told her with a smile while his thumbs rubbed across her hard nipples. She had to bite her lip to keep from crying out.
“I don’t snore,” she said indignantly.
“Okay,” he said with a smile, as if he knew so much more than she did. She tried to move off him, but he simply moved one hand back down to her hip, shifted her body, and thrust up into her, making her forget why she needed to go anywhere.
He was leisurely as he moved his hips in small thrusts while his fingers pinched her nipples and rubbed her breasts. She sighed as she looked at him. His eyes were flashing, but his face was serene.
“We should stop now,” she said. There was no oomph to her words. The last thing she wanted to do was stop.
&
nbsp; “We’re doing what we should always be doing,” he said, letting go of her breasts so he could hold both hips and thrust up a little harder into her. She clenched around him as more heat rose in her body. She began rotating her hips, making him groan as she sank down on him.
“We aren’t a couple anymore, Owen,” she said, her voice husky.
“If it makes you feel better to say that,” he told her. “But you’re mine.”
The words were spoken with such possession that she felt more heat shift through her.
“Oh, no more talking,” she gasped. She splayed her hands against his hard chest, pinching his nipple, making him cry out in surprise and maybe a bit of pain. That made her smile as she took over.
She rode him, her head thrust back, her body on fire. Then she cried out as she clenched around him, feeling his body tense as he released deep inside of her. As she once again collapsed against his hot skin, she realized there never had been any truth in her words of protest. She was exactly where she needed to be.
But . . .
“I can feel it whenever you get lost in your own head,” Owen said as his hands ran up and down her flushed skin. “Quit trying to rationalize this. Quit trying to run away. We’re adults, doing what we need to do. Enjoy the moment.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever just lived for the moment,” Eden told him.
“I know. It’s one more thing I’ve always loved about you. But sometimes we get so wrapped up in what we’re supposed to be doing, and what others think we need to do, that we stop living. Let’s agree to live and not feel guilty about it,” he practically pleaded.
She processed his words and wondered if she could ever be that type of woman, the type of person who could live without worrying about consequences. She didn’t think so. It seemed an almost impossible thought to even imagine.
“We’re different, Owen. You live for a thrill. I enjoy organization,” she said. “There’s nothing wrong with either choice.”
“And there’s nothing wrong with adapting to different situations,” he said.
She thought about that. “But isn’t it wise to know when you’re simply banging your head against the same brick wall?” she asked.
“If you’re equating our relationship to a brick wall, I’m a bit disappointed,” he told her with a chuckle. “I’d like to think you could come up with something better than that, like maybe beating a dead horse.”
“Do you ever take anything seriously?” she asked. She tried pulling away from him, but he lifted her chin, making her look him in the eyes.
“I take us very seriously. We’re too important not to. Once I was young and stupid, and because of that I risked losing you forever. But I see the look in your eyes. We’re never over, Eden—never.” The words were spoken with such conviction that she couldn’t help but believe him.
“Sometimes in life we don’t get what we want, and sometimes we think we want something but later realize it’s a blessing we didn’t get it,” she told him. The words hurt to even say.
“And sometimes,” he said softly, gently holding her chin. He kissed her lips so delicately she found tears forming. He still wouldn’t allow her to look away, allow her to put her guard back up. “Sometimes we don’t realize what’s right in front of us, and we let it get away when it didn’t want to be set free. I won’t ever be that foolish again.”
She couldn’t answer. Her throat was too tight. Instead, she deepened the kiss. For this moment, she didn’t want to be strong; she just wanted to be with him. He turned her and made love to her again. This time she didn’t have the strength to guard her heart. She was his, just as he was hers.
She just didn’t know what that meant.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Owen dropped Eden at her car after a whole lot of protesting. He was still worried someone was after her. She’d had to point out that it was daytime, and she wasn’t planning on going hiking through the woods anytime soon.
She wanted to do more investigating before she was pulled from this case. It was Tuesday morning, and she was sure someone would be in at any time to tell her to hand everything over. If she could have it all wrapped up by then, she’d be safe to do what she wanted when she wanted.
When this was settled, she realized her life would most likely go back to normal. She and Owen wouldn’t be in this danger, and there’d be no need for them to stick so close to each other. That thought was far less pleasant than her other thoughts. But that was their reality. Even if they did love each other—and she could admit there was still love between them—that didn’t mean it solved their problems. It didn’t erase the past.
Needing caffeine before she did anything, Eden snuck into the kitchen at Roxie’s place, hoping her friend was out. It wasn’t that she didn’t love her best friend, it was just that Roxie was going to be able to read her like a book, and she wasn’t sure she could talk about what she was thinking, as she really didn’t know what her plans were.
She was out of luck, though.
“You know, you can call when you’re going to be out all night. I was worried sick until Kian got back and told me you were still with Owen,” Roxie said, leaning in the doorway, tapping her foot but wearing a Cheshire-cat grin.
“News always travels fast in a small town,” Eden said, surprised that heat was infusing her cheeks. If anyone knew of her history with Owen Forbes, it was Roxie. The two of them had been in love with the brothers from the time they knew what love was.
“I’m not going to force you to talk, but you were there for me when I was going through hell, even when I tried to push you and everyone else away. I realized that wasn’t what I really wanted. You should know I’m here for you now,” Roxie said. She moved over and poured herself a cup of coffee and sat at the kitchen island.
Eden was torn. She wanted to spill her guts to Roxie, but she also knew the words would come out in a jumbled twist. She didn’t know what she was feeling. She knew there were many emotions, but she couldn’t seem to sort them out.
“I don’t think I’m ready yet,” Eden finally said.
She looked at Roxie and was relieved when her friend didn’t appear to be disappointed. She gave her a reassuring smile. “Why don’t you fill me in on the investigation, instead?” Roxie asked. “Is my brother-in-law going to jail?”
She asked the question as if she was asking Eden to pass her a donut. It suddenly gave Eden the giggles. She couldn’t hold them back after the first one escaped. Roxie smiled as she sipped her coffee, waiting for Eden’s hysterics to be over.
“Yes, I know Owen isn’t guilty. I called the investigators, and they’re clearing him for duty,” Eden finally said. “I don’t know why I ever thought he could be a criminal. Maybe it was easier to feel that way than to admit he’d walked away from me, that I hadn’t been good enough to keep him around.” Suddenly the need to laugh was gone.
“You know that isn’t what happened. There’s always more to a story,” Roxie said.
“Yes, there is, but it hurt so much when he left. Too many people leave me,” Eden told her. “I don’t know why it’s so hard to stay.” She had to fight to not fall apart. “My mother was the first, but she wasn’t the last.”
Roxie was quiet for several moments, as if trying to form her words carefully. Eden appreciated that. She didn’t want her friend to spout empty words.
“I did the same to Kian. I walked away because I was dealing with demons I couldn’t talk about. I hurt him.” She winced as she said this. “But fate is a funny thing, and though I wish I could change how everything happened, I wouldn’t change how it turned out—not for anything in the world.”
“You guys were meant to be together,” Eden said, feeling that to her very soul.
“Just as you and Owen are,” Roxie pointed out.
“It’s different with us,” Eden tried to say.
“Hogwash. We say whatever we need to say in order to feel better about our actions. But at the end of the day, what’s meant
to be is gonna happen whether we want it to or not,” Roxie assured her.
“I’m not a big fan of fate right now,” Eden said, her eyes narrowing.
“Yeah, I get that. You’ve had it rough this year,” Roxie said. She reached out and patted Eden’s arm.
“I’ve decided no one’s in charge of my destiny, that the decision is in my hands, and only my hands.” She said this with such force, she knew she was trying to convince herself as much as her friend.
“Good. Woman power,” Roxie said, holding out her closed fist for a bump. Eden tapped it lightly and smiled.
“Okay, okay, you can quit mocking me now,” Eden told her.
“I would never,” Roxie said with a chuckle.
“It’s just that when things hit rock bottom, they really sink,” Eden told her.
“Man, do I ever know that,” Roxie said.
“Then don’t you think that we can change all of that? Shouldn’t we be allowed to define our own destinies?”
Roxie was quiet for a moment as she looked at her friend.
“No. I think we can take many paths, but at the end of the day, what’s meant to be will be, and we’re going to arrive at the same destination no matter what road we take to get there,” Roxie told her.
“Well, that’s not at all what I want to hear. You’re being a terrible friend right now,” Eden said, but the smile on her lips took away the sting of her words.
“I’m just trying to keep it real,” Roxie assured her.
“I think I’d rather live in a fantasy world. I want to write my own story.”
“We do write our stories,” Roxie said, her smile growing. “That’s what makes us unique. It’s just that a few plot twists are thrown in along the way to keep us from getting writer’s block.”
The scary thing about this conversation was that Eden got it. She could completely see Roxie’s point. Maybe her story had been written. Maybe it just needed one hell of a good editor to fix all that was wrong.
