by Alexa Riley
Tonight I hadn't agreed to a date, but I did say it was okay for her to introduce us. Eve can be relentless when she wants to make something happen.
I didn't want Chris to get into an altercation because of me, even though he looks like he can handle himself. He’s a little over six foot tall and looks like he works out. Isaac is still bigger, and there’s no missing something simmering under his skin right now. He’s pissed. He might have every right to be, and this is my mess, not Chris’s. I don't want to make it messier than it already is, and I also don't want to cause another scene.
“Isaac.” I place my hand on his arm, over his tux. “Please.” I look up at him and then put my other hand on his chest, trying to get his attention. He looks like he’s about to explode, but finally I feel his eyes on me as I turn to Chris. “It’s okay.”
“Are you sure?” he asks, and when Isaac starts to lift his head, I dig my fingers into him, keeping his attention.
“Yes, Isaac and I need to talk.” That is an understatement. “I’ll see you out there.”
“All right.” He finally gives in, but I hear the hesitation in his voice. I have no doubt that if I don’t come out of here soon, Chris will come back to check on things.
I don’t take my eyes off Isaac as Chris leaves the room, and it’s utterly silent until the snick of the door closing echoes in the quiet room.
When I open my mouth, nothing comes out, and just when I realize I don’t know what to say, his lips are on mine. The shock of him kissing me is fleeting, and before I tell my body how to react, I’m kissing him back. He growls into my mouth, and the sound travels through my whole body. When I try to get closer, he’s already grabbing me and lifting me off my feet. I gasp as he pins me to the wall, and he uses the opening to sweep his tongue into my mouth. God, it feels so damn good that I never want it to stop. I’ve dreamed of this for years, but my memory didn’t do it justice. This, this is why I fell into bed so easily the first time. One touch, and I’m done for.
His mouth leaves mine as he kisses lower and goes for my neck. Faster than I can think, he pins both of my hands over my head with one of his while the other starts to pull up my dress.
It’s happening again, and I don’t try to stop it.
It feels too good being close to him and having his body pressed against mine. Every inch of me is starved for attention, and he’s eager to feed me. In one hard pull, my panties are torn from my body, and heat flashes like fire between my legs. Holy hell.
“Wet,” he says against the skin on my neck before he bites down on me.
I cry out and jerk against him as his hand cups my sex and spreads my folds. The pleasure with a bit of pain is sending me higher and higher. I need it.
“Was this for him?”
I push myself into his hand, needing him to do something, but he’s stopped. My clit throbs with the beat of my heart, and all I need is one little touch to get me off. I don’t know how Isaac does this to me, but I would swear my body knows it belongs to him and no other. Why else has it only ever craved this one man?
“Answer me,” he demands, his tone leaving no room for hesitation. “Was this for him?”
“Who?” I have no idea what he’s asking.
“You’re wet. Was it for him or me?” I stare at him, but only a whimper of need leaves my lips. “It doesn’t matter. It’s mine now. Every drop.”
He releases his hold on me, and I begin to protest, thinking he’s stopping, but he only drops to his knees in front of me. He grabs the backs of my knees and tosses my legs over his shoulders before he buries his face between my thighs.
“Isaac!” I cry out, digging my fingers into his hair, and he devours me like a starved man.
I try and fight my orgasm off, not wanting to cum already, but my body is betraying me. It’s too fast, too hot, too damn good that I can’t hold back. My climax is as greedy as his mouth, and my hips thrust as I hump his face. Shame has left my body, and I grab his hair with both hands, pushing his face closer to me.
When he sucks my clit into his mouth, I lose the fight. The orgasm bursts through me, and I cum so hard black spots dance in my eyes, my legs giving out. I don’t know what’s happening as the tidal wave of pleasure takes me under, but somewhere in the back of my mind I feel Isaac keeping me pinned to the wall.
He kisses the inside of my thigh and brings my leg back down to the ground. I let my fingers untangle from his hair and drop my arms limply to my sides. When he looks up at me, that deadly edge is still in his eyes as his tongue comes out to lick his wet lips.
I’ve never seen anything more dangerous in my life, and yet I want him to fuck me right here on the floor.
When my dress falls back into place and he stands up, I blink in surprise. “We’re leaving,” he says as he takes me by the wrist and pulls me out of my bedroom.
“I can’t leave,” I say, dazed.
“I wasn’t asking.” My legs are weak, and my body still tingles from the pleasure as I have to hurry my feet to keep up with his long strides.
When we round the corner, he stops, and I almost run into his back. I look up to see my brother and Chris with Eve a few feet behind them. Her eyes widen as she takes in Isaac and then my no doubt crazed expression.
Isaac’s hand tightens around my wrist for a moment before he steps in front of me, blocking them from my view.
Before today if you asked me who might win in a fight between my brother and Isaac, I’d say it would be a toss-up. The only reason I think Paul got a swing on him the night of the wedding is because Isaac didn’t see it coming.
Right now, though, with that look in Isaac’s eyes, I think he might actually be able to take Chris and my brother at the same time.
“Is everything okay here?” Dasher asks.
“It’s fine,” I say quickly, wanting to de-escalate this as quickly as possible. There’s a party in full swing only a few feet away with dozens of people. One of whom is my daughter. I swallow. Our daughter.
I step out from behind Isaac, pressing myself into his side as I put a smile on my face. “Isaac wanted a spin around the dance floor with me. Didn’t you?” I look up to him with pleading eyes.
There’s a moment when he turns to me, and I hold my breath to see what his reaction will be. I silently plead with him, not wanting this to end the same way as last time, and mercifully his eyes soften. It’s not much, but I’ll take it.
He lets go of my wrist only to tangle his fingers with mine. This grip is gentle and soft, but I’m not kidding myself into thinking that I’ve only bought us any more than a little time.
My brother doesn’t look like he’s buying anything.
Chapter 4
Isaac
I’m silent as her fingers squeeze around mine and she leads me down the hall and to the stairs. I look over the railing at the crowd below, and I don’t want to get in the middle of all those people. Maybe I’ve been in a cage for too long, and something in me has changed. But as she looks over at me and nods toward the stairs, I know that I would go anywhere with her.
The happy crowd is milling around, and the music that was playing before is slower now. They’re playing something soft that sounds like Christmas, and Jillian leads me to the center of the dance floor.
She turns in front of me and smiles shyly, stepping close. My hands naturally go to her waist, and her hands rest on my chest like we’ve done this a thousand times.
“I don’t know how to dance.” My voice sounds like I haven’t used it since the last time I saw her. All those years ago.
“Me either.” Her cheeks are still flushed from earlier, and my core clenches. She looks away shyly, and I pull her flush against me, causing her eyes to meet mine.
“Keep them on me, Jill,” I say as she softens in my arms.
“It’s so strange,” she whispers, almost to herself.
“Am I that bad at dancing?” When she smiles at me, I feel like I could scale a building in one jump.
“I think y
ou’re doing just fine.” We sway to the music, and the rest of the room fades away. “I mean…that you’re here.”
“I would have come sooner.”
Her eyebrows draw together at that, and I wonder how much she knows. As soon as I got out of that cell, the first thing I did was try and find my brother. Not only for revenge, but to find her. From the look of confusion in her eyes, maybe he never told her what he did. It doesn’t matter, because I’m not going anywhere without her.
“Isaac, don’t you think this is a little crazy?” She glances around to the crowd and then back to me. “It’s been so long since…”
She trails off, and images of that first meeting play in my mind. So many times I clung to those memories because it’s all that got me through. Now that I’m here, and I’ve got my hands on her, I know that even the memory of her couldn’t compare to the beauty in front of me.
“You think I don’t know you?” I reach up, and as I trace the edge of her cheek, she leans into the touch. “This.” I nod to the way she responds to me. “This is the only thing I need to know.”
“But—”
I shake my head, and she stops her objections. “Your favorite flavor of ice cream or which side of the bed you sleep on are tiny details compared to what I feel.” I smile, and it may be the first time I’ve done it since I was ripped away from her. “Those small things are insignificant in the woman you are, and I can learn the rest of them as we go. But this…” I trail my finger lower and between her breasts. I leave it there over her heart as I feel it beating against her chest. “This is the only thing that matters, and you can’t fight it.”
She swallows hard but doesn’t say a word as I wrap my hands around her back and hold her close. She rests her head on my chest, and I close my eyes, just savoring the feel of her soft frame against me. One song turns into another, and I don’t know how long we dance, but I’m not sure I ever want it to end.
“Mint chip,” she says softly, and I pull back to look down at her. “My favorite ice cream. And I like to sleep on the right side because it’s closer to the bathroom.” Her smile is shy as she tucks her chin, and I feel my own in answer.
“Mint chip is disgusting,” I tease, and the laugh that bubbles up in her surprises us both.
She rolls her eyes, and I feel her hands slide around my waist. “Oh yeah? And which one do you think is so great?”
“It used to be cookie dough.” She makes a face as I bring my hand up and slide my thumb across her bottom lip. “But I think now it’s coffee.”
“Coffee?” Her nose scrunches in the most adorable way.
“I think you’d had some right before that first kiss.” Her eyes widen, and because I can’t help myself, I lean down and touch my lips to hers.
I shouldn’t kiss her in a room full of people, but I know if I don’t I’ll break apart. It’s not long, and I don’t linger, but the way I look at her afterwards gives her the promise of more.
“I did,” she whispers softly, as if remembering that same moment with me.
The music picks up, and the crowd around us begins to dance faster. I look down at Jillian, and just as I’m about to ask her to leave with me, I hear someone running up behind me. Years behind bars looking over my shoulder have made me paranoid and jumpy. I swing around quickly while moving Jillian behind me to protect her.
But when I see a young girl standing there giving me a look like I’m crazy, I drop my defensive arms. I feel like an asshole, but before I can apologize, she turns her big blue eyes on me. Eyes so like my own, so like my brother Paul’s.
She just pushes past me like I'm a fluffy cloud in her way as she takes Jillian’s hands. “Mommy, can I have some more cookies? Aunt Eve said I had to ask.”
My spine locks in place as I stare down at the dark-haired little girl and then to her mother. This is her daughter. I’m speechless as I think back to every time Paul came to the prison. Never once did he mention they had a baby. He probably kept it from me so I wouldn’t try to know my niece. But as I stare at her profile, which is so similar to her beautiful mother, I can’t help but thank god I’m here. I got out, and now I’m here to meet this special girl that might be the only good thing that came out of Paul.
“Hello,” I say, crouching down to become eye level with her.
“Hi.” She looks me over. “I’m Rae.” She cocks her head to the side like she’s trying to decide something. “Why were you dancing with my mom?”
“Because she’s a fantastic dancer,” I say, trying to hide my smile.
“No, she’s not,” Rae disagrees and then shrugs. “I’ve tried to teach her, but she has no rhythm.”
I bite my lip to keep from laughing as I look up at Jillian, who is ghost white. “Maybe you can teach me then?” I say to Rae.
“Maybe.” She looks me up and down as if gauging my figure. “But probably not. You’re too bulky, like my uncle.”
I want to blurt out that I am her uncle, but I don’t. I don’t want to scare her, and clearly Jillian is taken aback by this meeting. There’s so much we need to talk about.
“Mommy?” Rae tugs her hand to get her attention. “Cookies?” Her tone is impatient and pleading.
“Sure.” She nods over to who I assume is Eve. “As long as Eve says it’s okay.”
Rae is gone before I can blink, and she practically runs with the waiting woman to the kitchen. I catch a glimpse of a guy standing near the doorway, watching us like a hawk.
“Is that your brother?” I ask and she nods. “Jil—
“I can’t go with you,” Jillian cuts me off. “I live here with Rae.”
I nod as I take her hand in mine. “Then I’ll stay.”
Chapter 5
Jillian
I can feel everyone’s eyes on us.
I know my brother is waiting to corner me, and I’m not even sure what I’m going to tell him. The reality is I owe it to Isaac to talk to him about everything first, but this isn't the time.
At least the party is starting to die down, and I’m thankful Dasher can’t grill me on what’s going on. More than anything I want a moment alone with Isaac because people keep stealing looks our way. I’m sure the gossip is already spreading.
“I should check on Rae,” I tell Isaac, ready to make some kind of escape.
“I could use a cookie.” He gives me a soft smile, making my insides flutter. The more time I spend with him, the more those dark clouds in his eyes begin to fade. And maybe I’m starting to relax a little too.
Isaac hasn't put together that Rae is his. Or if he has, he hasn't said anything. My best guess is that like the rest of the world, he thinks she’s Paul’s. I hate that. I really do, but again, it’s not really the time.
I don’t think Isaac wants to find out he’s a dad when a dozen other people are around to witness it. I’m sure it’s going to be a giant shock to him, and I have no idea how he’s going to react to that news. He might hate me, and I don’t know that I can blame him. If someone kept my daughter from me, I’d hate them too. What a mess I’ve made of things.
“Paul didn't tell you about Rae?” I ask, and he shakes his head. His jaw flexes each time Paul’s name is mentioned and even though it’s subtle, I catch it.
“She’s a beautiful little girl. She looks just like you.”
I smile and duck my head to hide my blush. It’s silly because he’s already had his face between my thighs tonight. Him saying I’m beautiful shouldn't make me feel shy, but his gaze on me makes me weak.
There are so many things I want to ask him, but when we enter the kitchen I spot Rae, and all of my questions dissolve in my mouth. Most of the catering people have cleared out, and she’s sitting at the counter with Dasher and Eve. They both look my way, and I know they’ve got their own curiosities burning under the surface.
“I saved you a frosted one.” Rae holds up a cookie, and her eyes bounce right over to Isaac. I don’t think she’s ever seen me close to a man before. “You can have one too,”
she tells him as she reaches for another and holds it out to him.
“Thank you.” He takes the cookie from her and then bites off a big chunk. He watches her for a moment, and my stomach tightens just as Rae interrupts my thoughts.
“Aunt Eve is pregnant again!” she squeals in excitement that I’m sure has everything to do with the amount of sugar she’s ingested tonight. Soon enough she’s going to crash from that high and be out like a light.
“Really?” I ask as I look to see Dasher’s hand resting on her stomach. I had a feeling she might be.
“Yes, I’m not far along so we’re not telling anyone. Well, except you guys.” Eve waves her hand.
“Oh.” Rae covers her mouth, realizing she spilled a secret.
“It’s fine, sweetheart.” Eve kisses her cheek and gives her a cuddle.
“I asked Mommy for a brother or sister for Christmas. You think Santa misunderstood and put the baby inside you?”
Both Eve and I try to smother our laughter.
“I told you, honey. That’s not how it works,” I manage to say.
“I know.” She gives me a very dramatic eye roll. “You need a husband.” She looks back over at Isaac, who has polished off his cookie. “Are you married?” Everything inside of me freezes.
There were many nights I lay in bed wondering where Isaac might be and what he might be doing. For all I knew he had a wife, but I hadn't seen a ring on his finger. Maybe it was foolish thinking, but I didn’t get the feeling he was the type of man to cheat.
“Not married.” He gives her a half-smile. “Yet.” He winks as Rae’s eyes widen.
“I think that’s enough talk of marriage,” my brother cuts in. He’s protective, and I get it. I don’t have a good track record when it comes to men, and he’s had to save me once before.
“Dasher,” Maggie calls as she carries their son into the kitchen. “He’s awake.” She walks over, placing the baby in Dasher’s arms, and my brother relaxes for the first time since he laid eyes on Isaac.
