“Mon trésor, did you really think you would make it all the way here without me knowing.” I’m still lost and amazed that he is here. ‘How did you know where I am staying and what time I would be here?’
“Come on, you are already checked in, let’s go up to the room, and I will explain.” With that, he took my bag, wrapped his arm around my shoulders and kissed my head as he led us toward the elevators.
Chapter 16
Ash
When I first found out Lana had left home and headed this way without telling me, or hell, for not telling anyone; I was so pissed off. Brad called me and told me that her credit card was used to book a room in Atlanta. I didn’t know what to think when I got that call. I was happy because I would see her again soon, but at the same time, I was angry that she would be so careless with her life. We are still not sure what Josh is up to, so her safety is still a concern. I also wanted to know why Chase didn’t tell me. However, by the time I talked to him, it was clear that I knew she had left before he did. When he did figure it out he was good and pissed off that she would do something like this; it seems that my sweet little princess bribed them to go out and lied about someone coming to stay with her while they were out. He started making plans to follow her out here as soon as he realized what she did. I assured him that she would be ok and I would intercept her as soon as she got here. I asked him to hang around and keep an eye out here and there for anything from Josh.
So here I am sitting in her hotel lobby waiting for her to arrive. Did she really think she could make it all the way here without me knowing, doesn’t she know that security and protection is what I do for a living. Oh, wait, she doesn’t know exactly what I do, we never got around to the everyday things about each other; she has an idea of what I do but not exactly. We will have to remedy that, and soon.
I can see the look of confusion cross her face when she sees me sitting her. I greet her by letting her know she is already checked in and start escorting her to her room. As angry as I was, it feels good to have my arm around her again so soon. When we step onto the elevator and are behind closed doors, I let go of her bag and pull her into me. It takes her a second, but she lets go and relaxes into me. All too soon I have to let go so we can go to the room. As soon as we step into the room, I drop her bags on the floor and grab her by the waist. I spin her back around, so her back is up against the door; she tilts her head up to look at me and bites her bottom lip. I run my thumb across her lips gently pulling her bottom lip free. I can’t wait any longer; I need to taste her; so I do.
She opens her mouth willingly, as she runs her hands over my shoulders and around my neck until her they are in my hair. I break the kiss and lean my forehead to hers; ‘If I don’t stop now we will not get any sleep tonight; it just feels so good to be able to touch you again. I know it has only been a few days, but damn I missed you.’ She gives me a small chuckle and tells me that she missed me too. I take a half a step back; grab her chin lightly and tilt her head, so she is looking me in the eyes. ‘If you missed me then why try to sneak into the city without telling me?’
I am glad she is still pinned to the door because I can see the change in her demeanor and she looks for an escape route. When she realizes, she is not going anywhere she gives a half shrug and looks at the floor. When she looks back up, she says, “I just wanted you to be able to concentrate on work and taking care of your dad and sister. You have enough going on without dealing with my mess too; I’m a big girl and can take care of myself. I had planned on getting settled then I was going to call you. I know your type; you are protective and will go out of your way to help someone. I didn’t want you to feel obligated to help me; you know one less burden to deal with. I wanted you to be able to focus on your family and work; then we could see where things stand and where they go.”
I don’t know whether to be grateful that she considered my schedule and everything going on; or be pissed that she sees herself as a burden and thought I would feel obligated. Before I can decide how I feel about what she said, I reach down to scoop her up into my arms and make my way to over to the bed. When I set her down I tell her; ‘we have a lot to talk about, but for now we need sleep. It’s late, and I want us both to have a clear mind when we talk. So do what you need to do to get ready for bed, and we will talk when we wake up.’ She hesitates only for a minute then quickly makes her way into the bathroom. Ten minutes later we are crawling into bed together. When she climbs in, she tries to stay on her side of the bed, but I’m not having it. I reach over, turn her onto her side and pull her body into mine, wrapping one arm around her waist so I can keep her close. We both give into the comfort of having the other one there, I kiss the top of her head, and we drift off to sleep.
I wake to a warm, soft body pressed up against me. It is much better than waking alone like I have don’t for countless nights. Especially the last several nights since I have been sleeping on the couch at dad’s house so I could be close to the main entry points.
I wasn’t real certain how she would react to me being at the hotel when she got here, especially since she didn’t tell me she was coming much less where she was staying. So far her reaction has surprised me, I am hoping it stays this way. I know she has been on her own for a while, so she is used to doing things her way. She doesn’t want to have to depend on anyone, nor does she want to be seen as a burden to anyone. Although she will go above and beyond to help others, for some reason she doesn’t think she deserves the same in return.
I reluctantly ease out of bed; I want to go get coffee for when she wakes up. I remember how she likes her morning coffee, and I’m not sure I want to see her without it. Things are already rocky with me showing up out of the blue without explanation, and I have a feeling that it will fully register with her today and I will have a lot of explaining to do.
As I am making my way back from the coffee shop around the corner, I nearly stop in my tracks. I catch a glimpse of Andrew Young, and he is standing directly across from Lana’s hotel. I make myself act as though I didn’t see him and walk straight past the entrance to the hotel. I find my way to the back entrance of the hotel. Thankfully, I catch an employee walking out, and I am able to catch the door so that I can get inside. My mind is running all over the place now. Why is her here? Did he follow me last night? The one good thing is that if Andrew is here, then he is nowhere close to Clara; I just don’t want him to learn about Lana. On my way up to Lana’s room, I call Brad and bring him up to speed. I want him to tap into the street cameras and trace Andrews movements so that maybe we can get an idea of what he is up too.
I ease into the room hoping that Lana is still asleep. As the door clicks shut, Lana steps out of the bathroom. I hold up the coffee cup for her to see and she gives me a beautiful smile. When she reaches for the cup, I grin and hold it out of her reach. Then I quickly brush a kiss across her lips and hand her the cup. We walk over to the bed, and as she sits down, I take a quick peek out the window making sure I cause as little movement as possible with the curtain. I can see Andrew trying to stay in the shadows, now he is talking to a short, stocky man that I do not recognize, so I make a mental note to see if Brad gets him on the cameras so we can run facial recognition software and find out who he is. When they are done talking the two of them walk off in opposite directions. I drop the curtain and head over to where Lana is sitting on the bed.
“Ash, what’s wrong?”
‘Nothing, I just remembered something I needed to tell Brad at work, but I can take care of it later.” Not the whole truth, but close. I do need to let Brad know about the new player.
“Ash, do not lie to me when you walked in the door, you had a worried look on your face, and even though you smiled at me when you kissed me your body was tight with tension. Then you went to the window, barely moved the curtain and let out a slight growl at whatever or whoever it is you saw. “
Damn, she is observant. I chuckle as I sit back against the headboard and pull her into my side. ‘I
t’s nothing important for right now, just work stuff. I know that is not the answer you were looking for, but that’s what we are going with until I know more, ok?’
“I will temporarily accept that answer as long as you promise to let me now if there is anything I can do to help.”
I quickly give a nod of agreement and change the subject. We hash out a proposed schedule for the day, starting with a shower; together of course. I lead Lana into the bathroom and turn on the water. When I turn back around I, lock eyes with her and take off my shirt. She immediately reaches up to place her hands on my chest. The skin on skin contact is so charged it is almost like a burn that is instantly followed by pleasure. I reach up and grab her wrists and quickly spin her around where she is facing the mirror. We lock eyes in the mirror. We watch each other as I lift her hair moving it off one shoulder. I lightly trace a finger down her neck until I am touching her t-shirt. I reach down and slowly slip the shirt up and off. She is perfect standing before me in nothing but the tiniest scrap of lace panties. Still watching in the mirror, I bend and slide those panties down her legs and help her step out of them. Then I gently run my hands back up her legs as I stand back up; I let my hands fall down her around her waist. I lean in and start lightly kissing her neck. I feel her shutter and see her close her eyes. When I reach the curve where her neck meets her shoulder I am rewarded with a soft moan and another shiver. I whisper in her ear to open her eyes. She does so, and I run my hands across her abdomen and up to her breast. I gently squeeze them and lightly pinch her taught nipples. I run one hand up to her throat and the other I let skim back down her abdomen and down to her sex. I slip one finger between her soft folds and circle her clit. With this touch, she closes her eyes again. I tell her to open her eyes; I want her to see what I see. I take my hand from around her throat and trace it back down to her breast where I lightly run my thumb across her pebbled nipples. I whisper to her, ‘you are fucking perfect, do you understand me? You are perfect, and today you are mine. This body belongs to me and only me.’ She gives me a light nod, and I start to play with her clit again. She is moaning a little louder now. I slide my fingers through her folds again only this time I slide one finger into her tight pussy. After I slide it in and out a few times, I add a second finger then press my palm against her clit. I am rewarded with a full body shiver. ‘Baby, you are perfect, I want you to cum for me, I want to see you let go.’ She doesn’t make me wait, her breathing is sporadic, and she is rocking against my hand as I fuck her with my fingers. “Ash, I’m cumming.” ‘That’s it let go for me.’ It takes all of my willpower not sit her on top of the counter, spread her wide and feast on her. That will be happening, but for now, it is time to get in the shower. I quickly rid myself of the rest of my clothes and guide us both into the shower. As soon as we are under the water, I pull her close and allow my hands to roam over her soft skin.
I kiss her as if my life depends on it. This woman brings me to my knees, and she doesn’t even know it. I don’t know what it is about her, but already I know I do not want to let her go. In only a few days she already has the undeniable power to destroy me, not that I would admit that out loud, but inside, I know and fuck that scares me.
I lift my lips from hers I spin her around to face the shower wall. I bend down next to her ear and tell her to put her palms flat against the shower wall. She does so without question. I use my leg and foot to spread her legs to widen her stance. I ease my hand up the back of her neck into her hair grab a hold enough to pull her head back so she can look me in the eye. ‘I want to take my time with you, tease you, taste you, and fuck you until there is no question who you belong to.’ I hear a sharp intake of breath and feel the shiver run through her body. ‘But right now, after watching you cum on my hand, I am too worked up to take my time. I just need to be inside you; so, this is going to be hard and fast.’ With those last words, I push my steel hard cock all the way into her tight wet pussy. It takes everything I have, but I pause a minute to let her body adjust to me.
She starts to move her hips, “Ash, I need you to move.” That is all I need to hear. I pull back and slam back into her starting a rhythm that works for us both, but I know I will not last long. I reach around and rub her clit. ‘Come on baby; I need you to get there for me.’ I feel her muscles start to tighten around me and I know she is close. After a few more hard strokes I pinch her clit, and she falls over the edge. The feel of her orgasm squeezing my dick pushes me right off with her.
We stand connected and bracing ourselves against the shower wall until we catch our breath. Once I am able to move, I reach over pour shampoo into my hand and start to run my hands through her hair. I gently massage her scalp as she moves and leans slightly into my chest. I move her just enough to rinse the shampoo out and I do it all over with conditioner; once the conditioner is rinsed out I started with body wash. After I am sure there is not an inch of her skin left untouched, I rinse her one last time. I tell her to go ahead and step out so she can start getting ready to leave. She protests saying she should get to wash me too. I tell her if she does that we won’t be getting anything done today because it is already taking everything I have not to just carry her back to the bed. With a huff and a small laugh, she steps out of the shower.
Once she is out of the shower, I quickly wash and get out. I want to get dressed and see if Andrew is still lurking around outside; or if he actually left after his meeting with the other man. I also need to call Chase to see if there has been a Josh sighting since Lana left town last night.
Chapter 17
Lana
I wish Ash would tell me what had him worried or so deep in thought earlier. Although his distraction method is perfect, I know there is something bothering him. I know I told him I would accept his answer that it was simply work stuff, but I hope he realizes that I won’t accept that answer for long.
The thought crosses my mind that if his work case is bad enough that it had him looking out the hotel window with a snarl, then he obviously should be dealing with that rather than spending the day with me taking care of moving issues. Now, I just have to figure out how I am going to convince him of that.
I am so lost in my thoughts that I do not hear Ash open the bathroom door and am startled by his voice. “What’s running through that pretty little head of yours?” I just smile at him and give a slight shake of my head then continue to put on my boots. He comes to stand in front of me. He grabs my hands and pulls me up to stand in front of him. He wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me into his body. Once we are touching chest to chest, he kisses me softly then rests his forehead on mine. “You know this thing between us will not work if we can’t tell each other what is bothering us.”
I laugh ‘ok, pot meet kettle.’ This gets me a chuckle from him. “Touché princess, touché.”
‘You want to know what I was thinking? I was thinking that if whatever it is you are working on has you stealthily looking out the hotel window with a growl then it is pretty serious business. You have already told me your dad’s accident wasn’t an accident and it is related to your work. So again that tells me whatever you are working on is some pretty serious shit. So as much as I want to spend time with you, the truth of the matter is that you need to be working and protecting your family. Not out helping me pick out living room and bedroom furniture.’
Before he can argue, I add ‘no one even knows I’m here, so I am not in any kind of trouble, for once. But your family may be in trouble, and they need you to protect them.’ How do I make him understand that while I want to spend time with him, but right now I feel like he needs to be with his family.
Chapter 18
Ash
It is nice that Lana is thinking about my family, but she needs to understand that her safety is just as important to me. That and I just want to spend time with her to get to know the woman that I am so quickly falling for.
I ask her to sit down so we can talk.
‘Sweetheart, let’s talk. So, we det
ermined right before I left to come to Atlanta that we had discussed nothing about anything substantial to show who we are in our daily lives. I know from being around you that you like to help others, and you are a great nurse and co-worker by the way everyone at the hospital treated you. I know you made the move to Atlanta because you were accepted to Emory, but I do not know what program you are in or what your goals are. I know very little about your family, but I do know that you loved them greatly. I want to know more, hell I want to know everything about you, but that is a start. Now, this is what you need to know about me. I do live Nashville currently, but I spend a good chunk of time in Atlanta because this is where my family lives. Well, my sister now lives in Baltimore for school, but this is still where we call home. I own and run a company called Four Seasons Security. My employees and co-workers are my second family. There is nothing that I won’t do for them. My job essentially is to keep people safe and to get them out of bad situations. While my family seems to be right in the middle of the case we are working right now, I also know from seeing you with Josh that he will not just stop coming for you just because you moved to a new city. You yourself told me that you have linked him to killing your brother and that means he is dangerous. I have the contacts to get the ball rolling to help you prove that Josh was involved in the accident your brother was in. I know you can take care of yourself, but at the same time, I know that I didn’t help the situation with Josh. First, he escalated to a physical point when he saw me pack bags into your house. Before that, he had not broken the restraining order, but when he saw you with me, he lost his composure. He lost his composure again when we saw him at the grocery store, and I told him that we are getting married; I am sure that is not sitting well with him. I have a feeling that he is just waiting for the right moment to show himself and what his end game actually is. Now, I know my way around Atlanta very well, I have been here since I was a teenager. You, my dear, have just gotten here and do not know your way around which can be dangerous if you are trying to get away from someone. By spending the day with you today, I will get to see where you are living and can map out escape routes for you. Although I hope you will never need them, but it will be better to have them just in case. Plus, I want to help you pick out furniture, I need to make sure you get a bed that is comfortable and big enough for me too. I plan on spending a lot of time with you while you are here. I do not want you to think that the only reason I want to spend time with you is to keep you safe, while that is a factor, you should also know that I just enjoy being around you. I like being able to talk with you, laugh with you, touch and kiss you whenever I want. Now, if you do not feel the same way then just tell me, and I will make sure you are safe, and I will leave you alone; but I think you feel the same as I do. I know we have only known each other for a very short time, but I swear it feels like you have always been a part of my life. As far as my family goes, right now they are safe, they have people with them. I will also be making a call today to have some of my team come join us here in Atlanta. Brad, who you will certainly meet and get to know well because he is one of my best friends and my right-hand man at the office; is already chomping at the bit to get down here because his little sister, Nicole, is with my sister Clara. They have been friends since they were little. So, while I will still have work stuff to take care of, I will have help here to ensure everyone I care about will stay safe until we get everything taken care of. While we are talking about my work, I want you to promise me that if I tell you to move, get down, run or anything of the sort you will do it without question. I promise it is in your best interest and after it is over I will explain to you what was going on. I know that is a lot to ask of someone who is as independent as you are, but it is my job to keep people safe, and sometimes that puts me in the direct line of fire. Now, that you have a small insight to my train of thought and what I do for a living are you ready to go get some breakfast and go furniture shopping?
His To Protect (Four Seasons Security Book 1) Page 8
