by K. C. Lynn
It was the answer I hoped to hear. Smiling, I lift to my toes and press a soft kiss against his lips.
A growl claims his chest as he lifts me off my feet, trapping me against his hard body before stealing my mouth in a knee-weakening kiss. One hand slips beneath my skirt, grabbing my behind that’s minimally covered by a lace thong.
“Trinny was right,” he groans. “This is a nice fucking dress.”
“I’m glad you approve. I wore it just for you,” I admit breathlessly, my head tilting to the side as he trails his lips down the column of my neck.
A throat being cleared breaks us of our moment. “Knock, knock.”
Christopher turns me away from the door and withdraws his hand. “Cooper,” he greets, placing me on my feet.
Heat invades my cheeks, and I pray he didn’t get a glimpse of my bare ass.
“Sorry to interrupt. Cade told me I could find you guys here.”
“Tell me you have something,” Christopher says.
Cooper nods and my heart kicks into overdrive. “The inspection came back and our original suspicion was right. The vehicle was tampered with.”
My stomach hollows out, fear clawing up my throat.
“Who?” Christopher bites out the question.
“Forensics is still processing evidence but it sounds like they might have something for us to go on. We should know more in a couple of days.”
My mind reels with who could have done this to me.
“In the meantime, I want you to be cautious,” Cooper says, his eyes trained on me. “Make sure you’re with someone at all times.”
“Don’t worry. She won’t be leaving my side,” Christopher assures him.
“I figured, but wanted to be sure. I’ll be in touch as soon as I know more.”
“Thank you, Cooper,” I whisper, having a hard time finding my voice.
With a nod, he walks back out the door, leaving Christopher and I alone once again.
My hand moves to my queasy stomach, a shaky breath parting my lips.
“Hey, look at me,” Christopher orders softly, tilting my face up to his. “You okay?”
I shake my head, tears building behind my eyes. “No. I’m not. I know this was something you all expected but I was certain you were wrong. That the inspection would show a malfunction or…something.”
He gathers me into his arms, holding me close. “It’s going to be okay.”
“I just don’t understand. How can someone hate me enough to want to kill me? I haven’t done anything.”
“I don’t know. But I’m going to find out. I promise, no one will ever hurt you, Alissa.” The conviction in his voice brings a small measure of comfort to my terrified heart.
CHAPTER 19
Christopher
My hand is linked with Alissa’s as we walk into the main house later that evening, the smell of Faith’s home cooking making my stomach clench in hunger.
“Come on, buddy. Pin him already. Wha—what’s he waiting for?”
I follow the sound of Ruthie’s frustration, pulling Alissa behind me, and find Cade and her on the couch. My sister sits on his lap as she yells at the fight they’re watching on television.
“Hey.” Cade nods, greeting us.
“Hey.”
My sister climbs off his lap, her eyes remaining on the TV as she walks over and gives me a brief hug. “Hi,” she says before moving to Alissa. She wraps her arms around her too but again makes no eye contact. Her attention is riveted to the fight as she takes her seat on Cade’s lap again. “Big Guy, pass me my root beer, will ya?”
Smirking, Cade hands her the can and throws an arm around her shoulders as she rests back against him.
Grunting, I tug on Alissa’s hand, leading her out of the room, her laughter following us.
“I take it she likes watching EFC?”
“Yeah, she got into it when Slade started working at the gym,” I explain, thinking about how she would live at the gym if she could.
We enter the kitchen and find Faith standing at the counter preparing supper. Mia is next to her on a stepstool, wearing a pair of jean shorts with fancy jewels on the pockets, and pink cowgirl boots with the hat I bought her.
Sensing our entrance, Faith looks over her shoulder and offers us a smile. “Hey, guys.”
“Kistipher!” Mia squeals, her big brown eyes sparkling with excitement. She hops off the stool and charges for me.
Bending down, I scoop her up into my arms. “Hey, kid. Nice hat,” I say, flicking the brim of it.
“Thanks, my favorite brubber bought it for me.”
“I’m your only brother,” I remind her dryly.
“You’re still the best one.” Her tiny arms squeeze the life out of me before she reaches for Alissa.
“Hey, little miss.” Alissa smiles, happily accepting her.
“Wanna come see my room? Daddy bought me a humongous dollhouse that has a barn, stable, and horses.”
“I’d love to. Let me just check with your mom and see if she needs any help with dinner.”
“Thanks but you go ahead,” Faith tells her. “I’m almost done. We’ll be eating shortly.”
Alissa turns her smile my way, her earlier upset from Cooper’s visit fading. “We’ll be back.”
Once they head out of the kitchen, Faith eyes me over her shoulder again. “Come here please so I can greet you properly. My hands are full at the moment,” she says, nodding down at where her hands are stuck in a bowl.
Walking over, I lean down and kiss her cheek rather than accept one from her. It earns me a grateful smile.
“You’re looking good,” she observes. “It looks like you’re actually getting some sleep.”
That’s because I’ve been exhausting myself by being buried in Alissa every chance I can. I refrain from saying that though and give her a half-assed shrug. “Sleep has been a little easier lately.”
She shoots me a knowing look but thankfully doesn’t voice whatever she’s thinking and moves onto something else. “How was class today?”
I rest against the counter, crossing my arms over my chest. “Not bad. We finally picked our song for the fair.”
“That’s great. What did you decide on?”
“A mix of Queen’s greatest hits.”
She nods her approval. “Nice, I like it.”
“I figure if they don’t catch on to any of the instruments it will be easy enough to create our own beat.”
“A cappella. Smart thinking.”
“I’ve been known to make smart decisions a time or two.”
The response drags a chuckle from her but it quickly fades into a sad smile. “Cade told me about Cooper’s visit. How’s Alissa holding up?”
“As good as she can be, I guess. She was pretty shaken up earlier.”
“I don’t blame her. I would be, too. I can’t fathom why anyone would do this to her.”
“Me neither but whoever did is going to fucking pay.”
Her hands stop their task, concern darkening her green eyes. “The legal way, right?”
“I guess that depends whether or not the cops get him first.”
“Christopher…” Her warning is soft but not subtle.
“Listen, I’m not out for trouble but I’ll do whatever necessary to protect her.”
Sighing, her tense shoulders deflate. “I get that. I’d never expect anything less from you. I know how much you love her.”
I don’t bother denying it because she knows more than anyone how much I’ve loved that girl since I was fifteen years old, and I will for the rest of my life.
“Just be careful. I’m scared for you both. I’d never survive it if something happened to you.” Her words are nothing more than a choked whisper.
I push from the counter and drape an arm around her shoulders, hating to see her so upset. “Come on. Nothing is going to happen to me. I’ve been in far more dangerous situations than this.”
“I know. I’m sorry. It’s just…”
<
br /> “What?” I ask when she trails off.
She turns her face to the side, her emotional eyes meeting mine. “It was hard enough to let you go, never knowing if you’d return. I’m proud of you for serving this country, you know that, but I’m also glad I don’t have to lie awake at night anymore, wondering if you’re still breathing and if I’ll ever get to hug you again.”
The confession has a burn developing in my chest. If only she knew how close I came to death if Billy’s and my timing had been swapped. How many nights I’ve lain awake, wishing it had been me and not my best friend. But now, as I witness her fear, I realize how badly it would have affected my family.
“I’m grateful for you, Faith. For everything you’ve done for Ruthie and me. I don’t tell you that enough.”
“You don’t need to,” she says, wiping her tear-stained cheek on her bare shoulder. “I’m just as thankful. This family would not be what it is without you guys.”
“Maybe not but Cade’s shirts wouldn’t go missing all the time.”
My words elicit a laugh from her like I hoped they would. “True, but I have a feeling he likes it even more than her.”
Grunting, I take a step back, thankful for the lighter moment. “I’ll bet his wallet doesn’t.”
“That girl is worth every penny,” she says, moving to the sink to wash up.
I hand her a dishtowel to dry her hands with.
“Thanks. I’m almost done here if you want to go get Alissa and your sister.”
Nodding, I leave the kitchen and head up the large staircase to Mia’s room. The sound of their hushed voices has me pausing just outside the door.
“The big horse is Kai and the other one is Penny. And this is their baby pony, Lala.”
“Oh I love that name. It’s a very pretty pony.”
“Yeah, they make cute babies.”
Alissa’s giggle drifts from the room, igniting a warmth through my whole body.
“Are you and Kistipher gonna have babies?”
I tense at the question, my chest tightening at the thought of Alissa’s stomach swollen with my baby.
There’s a long bout of silence before she answers. “Why do you ask?”
“Well, aren’t you his girlfriend again?”
“We’re hanging out together again if that’s what you mean.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
I bite back a chuckle at my sister’s honesty.
“Oh.” Alissa pauses, clearing her throat. “Well, I’m not sure.”
“Do you want to be?”
Hope surges inside of me as I wait for her answer.
“Yes. I do,” she answers. “I’ve always loved your brother.”
“Mama says that’s how you have babies. By loving each other,” Mia informs her.
I choose that moment to enter, saving her from having to answer anything else. “Dinner’s ready.”
Both of their heads snap up in surprise. Alissa’s eyes lock with mine, seizing the moment. By the expression on her face, I have no doubt she knows I just heard everything.
“Oh good. I’m starvin’,” Mia announces, standing.
“Go see Mom and wash up. We’ll be right there,” I tell her, my eyes remaining on the girl in front of me.
“Okay.” She skips away, oblivious of the tension consuming the room.
“I’m guessing you heard all that,” Alissa mumbles softly, climbing to her feet.
“I did.”
“I wasn’t sure what to say. So I just tried to be honest.”
The uncertainty in her voice sends me forward. I stop just in front of her, my hand moving to her satin cheek. “You’ve always been mine, Alissa. Even when we were miles apart and years separated. Never fucking doubt that.”
The smile that claims her lips lures me in. With one arm curled around her waist, I reel her in for a long kiss, tasting the need that rivals my own. I don’t pull back until I sense her need for air.
Slowly, her eyes flutter open, lips parted and swollen. “I’m pretty sure you could kiss me for the rest of my life and I would never have enough.”
Her honesty has a million emotions banging around inside of me. If she only knew how badly I want to keep her forever. How much I ache to make things right between us again. Would she still feel this way if she knew what I’ve done?
“I know you’re going through a lot right now,” she says, sensing my internal battle. “Things I know nothing about, but I hope you know I’m here. I’m always here for you, Christopher.”
I wish I could tell her everything, tell her the truth and promise her I’m worthy of her love, but the fact of the matter is, I’m not. Not after what I’ve done.
Rather than dwell on that and ruin the moment, I drop a kiss on her head and sling an arm around her shoulders. “Come on, baby. Let’s go eat so we can go home.”
*
The evening is warm as we trek across the property back to my house, the locusts filling the summer night with their steady call. Alissa’s arms are linked around my neck and her knees hug my hips as I carry her home on my back. She jumped on as I was descending the porch steps, something she always used to do. It’s a blast from the past, right down to her bubblegum snapping in my ear.
“I’m happy we had dinner with your family tonight,” she says softly. “I’ve always loved hanging out with them, and it helped take my mind off things.”
I had a good time, too. Seeing her so at ease with my family again, laughing and fitting in…it felt right—normal. Something I haven’t had in a long time. I can tell it meant a lot to Faith, too. She’s always been big on family and Alissa was a part of ours for a long time.
She always will be.
I catch sight of something out of the corner of my eye. Twisting my head to the side, I come face-to-face with the massive pink bubble she’s blown in my direction. She taunts me with it, waving it in front of me.
Smirking, I lean forward and bite it, popping it with my teeth.
Her squeal of laughter is muffled as she tries to dodge the attack but she’s not quick enough. “Aw, man. I used to be so much faster back in the day,” she giggles, cleaning the pink stickiness off her face.
I grunt. She wasn’t fast then either.
“Okay, question. No lying. How much heavier do I feel now compared to back then?” she asks, amusement thick in her voice.
“Carrying you around has never been a challenge, even when my skinny ass arms were doing it.”
Giggling, she turns her face to the side, brushing her lips across my jaw. “I loved those arms…and hands.” She follows her words with a sharp nip to my earlobe.
“Be careful, Alissa. My control is thin right now,” I warn, my voice tight with restraint.
“Hold that thought, Walker. First, I have a present for you to open up when we get back to the house.”
“Good. I have one for you, too.”
The response elicits a laugh from her. “I have a feeling yours differs from mine,” she says, her voice softening. “I bought something for you when I was with my dad today.”
“Why?” I grumble, though I can’t deny the shift I get in my chest.
“Because it’s perfect for you,” she whispers, her lips pressing a gentle kiss to the corner of my eye. “I hope you love it.”
“That’s a given, Lis. I love anything that comes from you.”
She rests her forehead on the side of mine, her arms hugging me tighter as I climb up the steps of my porch. The moment we enter the house, she slides down my back and grabs my hand. “Come with me.”
My eyes drop to her ass as she leads me down the hall, my cock hardening at the sight.
Inside my room, she retrieves her purse from the nightstand then turns to me. “Close your eyes and put out your hand.”
Leaning against the wall, I do as she asks, my curiosity piquing.
Her delicate fingers touch mine as she places something in the palm of my hand. “Okay, now.”
Opening,
I take in the thick black leather bracelet that has guitar strings woven into it. A pick is anchored in the center with the words…
Music is the voice of the soul.
“Let’s see if it fits.” Taking the bracelet, she fastens it around my wrist. “Perfect.”
I’m speechless, unable to find the right words for what I’m feeling. Next to the drum set Faith bought me for my sixteenth birthday, this is the best gift I’ve ever been given.
“Do you like it?”
A heavy breath escapes my tight chest. “Yeah, Lis, I love it.” Reaching out, I sweep a hand under her hair, cupping the side of her slender neck. My mouth descends hard, taking what I crave every second of my dark existence.
Moaning, she grips the bottom of my shirt, dragging it up my stomach. I lean back, helping her clear it over my head. Before I’m able to do the same to her, she drops to her knees before me.
My blood ignites with heated force, a primal hunger surfacing. Her gaze holds mine as she works the buckle of my belt and unbuttons my jeans. The moment she wraps her fingers around my stiff cock, I’m lost, my head swimming with pleasure.
I pump into her fist with a hiss, fucking her hand.
Her pink tongue darts out, licking the swollen tip.
Teasing.
Reaching down, I grip the bottom of her jaw, forcing her to open. “Put it in your mouth.”
Her eyes storm at the order. Tentatively, she leans in and wraps those pretty lips around my cock, sucking me into the heat of her mouth.
A growl rips from my chest as the beast within me rises.
She sucks me from base to tip, swirling her tongue around the sensitive head.
“That’s it, baby. Just like that.”
The words renew her effort, her hungry mouth greedy.
“You remember, don’t you, Lis? The way I like my dick sucked?”
She hums her response around my shaft, sending fire to spread through my veins.
I wrap her silky strands around my fist and push forward, sending myself deep in her throat. She relaxes her mouth, relinquishing all of the control over to me, but her cheeks remain hollow, gripping every thrust I deliver.
“You look so pretty right now with my cock fucking your mouth.”
