Surviving the Storm (Surviving Series Book 2)

by Virginia Wine

  I brushed a strand of hair off her face. Touching her still caused a low flame to spark. Now we were sitting side by side, revealing the truth. What I had done, why I had to do it. There was no guilt left in me. I enjoyed teaching the bastard a lesson.

  “You have nothing to worry about, not anymore,” I said with confidence.

  “It’s finally over?” she asked, her voice trembling.

  “Yes, the worst is over now.”

  Her eyes were pools of water. I wiped the single tear that slid down her face, her beautiful face. She wept, holding me tight, and it was the closest physical act we had shared since the accident. Maybe it was selfish, but I knew she needed me as much as I needed her. I met her gaze and held it.

  “Come.”

  Standing, I reached my hand out for hers. I held on as though she was my way back home. Starting tonight, I would make new memories in this room, erasing the harmful memories that had consumed me night after night. I was ready to find happiness again—with this woman.

  I lead her to my bedroom. I ached to kiss her, to taste the fullness of her lips. Her sweet, come-hither grin beckoned me closer. I answered as my lips gently swept across hers, tasting the salt from her recent tears.

  Her eyes slid shut. Trailing a finger over her collarbone, her warm skin was so inviting. I tucked another stand of hair behind her ear and whispered in her ear, low and raspy.

  “After all we’ve been through, this still feels right.”

  She nodded as her hands slid up my chest. My tie was loosened, and then she pulled it ever so slowly from my collar. Her delicate fingers flicked open the buttons from my shirt, one by one.

  Then she slid the shirt off my shoulders, exposing the gauze like wrap surrounding my ribs.

  “You’re still hurt.”

  She took a step back, her heart-stopping tenderness and worry evident as she focused on the ace bandage.

  I pulled her body into mine.

  “The only pain I feel right now is my cock throbbing.”

  I pressed her against my arousal as proof. Then I cupped her face between my hands. My eyes tracked back over to her mouth, and our lips collided. The kiss was hungry as I teased her lips apart, and she eagerly allowed me in. Tingles ricocheted through my body as our tongues dipped and swirled. I dragged my lips away for a much-needed breath to undress her. I needed to feel her nakedness against my own.

  “Turn, baby.”

  I forced her palms on the wall, my own holding them in place as my lips rained kisses along her sexy shoulder. All I could hear was her ragged breathing, and a silent plea to proceed. I unclasped the very top hook of her dress, and the zipper slid down her body. She turned and allowed the dress to fall. I hauled in a breath and tensed, finding her completely naked underneath. Her luscious body was completely exposed, and I slowly took in every gorgeous curve.

  She reached for my belt and slid it slowly out of the loops, then quickly unfastened the top button of my pants. The growl of my zipper stretched to the brink, caging my cock behind its teeth. I quickly discarded any remnants of clothing as we strolled to the bed.

  Each perfect inch of her body was a reminder that she was mine as she climbed on the bed, turning and awaiting my next move. I joined her, pressing her back against the bed as I laid on my side, admiring the view. I could have come just looking at her.

  Fascinated by the soft roundness of her heavy breasts, I watched her pert nipples beckoning me for more. I promptly kneaded and sucked them into my mouth.

  She was purring beneath my touch.

  She trailed a hand over the ripples of my abs, gently avoiding my injuries. I trembled at the sensation, but she had always had this effect on me. Our lips came together once more as the fire burned within me, searing my control, urging me on.

  Climbing down her body, I gently pulled her down so that her legs dangled over the side of the bed. Then I knelt between her thighs, nudging her legs further apart.

  “Your pussy is glistening for me,” I said, the enticing image displayed for my eyes only. The aroma was all her own.

  “God, Alex. I love it when you say things like that.”

  Her eyes were locked on mine.

  “Sit up, baby, and watch me.”

  She lay with her weight on her elbows. The look on her face was sweet, but I knew she wanted it dirty.

  I placed a breath on her sex a second before my tongue swept over her. Licking her in a fast-steady pace, I tormented the hidden morsel, sucking on her clit, then circling it. Her sighs and moans were growing heavier, her hips grinding against my face.

  “That’s right, come for me,” I said.

  Her hands were clutching the sheets, and her head fell back, followed by her cry of release.

  I only slowed my pace after she fully rode her pleasure out.

  As my cock begged for more, her eyes locked on mine.

  “Kneel, Madison.”

  Without a word, she went down on her knees, her hand wrapped around my engorged cock. The feathery strokes of her tongue licked the wetness, which was dripping with need.

  I twisted her hair around my fist. I would be driving tonight.

  Her mouth wrapped around my length as she continued to explore the texture of my cock.

  My first stroke was cautious, and she had to have known what was coming. I dragged my cock out, watching its path, then surged back into her hot mouth.

  “Breathe.”

  It was the only warning I gave her as my cock found a pace of its own. I watched her face, her mouth filled with my cock, which was thrusting deep. Her hair dangled from my grip.

  “Take me, Madison. Take all of me.”

  As I climbed to the edge, I pushed and pulled out, watching the erotic scene beneath me. My self-control almost completely gone, I pulled out before I fell.

  I lifted her and tossed her on the bed, and a small giggle escaped her. I kissed her hard, but what I really needed to do was fuck. Something inside of me broke. I wanted her like an animal. My knees wedged her thighs open, spreading them far apart. Her slick heat rubbed against my tip. Poised at her wet entrance, I thrust in hard as I gazed into her eyes.

  “Don’t let me hurt you,” I said. I didn’t know if she could take what I wanted to give her—the driving force invading her body, stretching her softness.

  In a fog of ecstasy, her hips rose to meet mine. We established a relentless rhythm, burying myself as deep and hard as I could inside of her. She moaned as I dipped to kiss her neck trailing down to kiss her tight peaks. Her long sexy legs wrapped tightly around me as she urged on each stroke.

  I could feel the pleasure gathering in both of us. Her pleas and moans were growing, and her knees clamped my naked hips, taking me to the hilt.

  “Fuck, woman.”

  We were in perfect sync. My driving hips shifted, reaching her secret place as I heard the pleasure of her release once again. Every nerve ending fired at once as I fought to prolong the pleasure of my own climax as it surged through me like a freight train. I flooded her with my seed, lasting minute upon minute. Finally, our breathing leveled out.

  I was still throbbing inside her.

  The air in the room was thick with sex as I withdrew from her warm body, ungloved. Skin on skin, it had been a gamble I was willing to take. This wasn’t something casual. What we shared was what dreams were made of. I had a lifetime of promises I wanted to make with her.

  “I love you, Alex.”

  Her voice warm and sultry.

  “I love you, too.”

  I kissed the throbbing pulse at her neck. I knew it wasn’t sex that held us together.

  It was love.

  We fell asleep, our bodies tangled together as one.

  ***

  I woke to her face on my chest, her hair splayed over my body. My morning wood was stabbing at her thigh. I wanted to make love to her all over again. As I reached between her legs, I found her wet. I placed her leg on my hip and shoved into her, savoring the moment she tilted her head
and our eyes locked.

  I took her swiftly. I needed only a taste of our physical connection again.

  That was the blissful moment when I realized that I had no nightmares. It only proved to me that when I took back control, and the source was confronted and disabled, Graham alone had been the cause.

  “I’m famished,” she said. She was tangled up in the sheets, trapped, attempting to straighten herself out.

  “Now that you mention it, I smell bacon.” I got up, reaching for my robe. “I’ll be waiting for you, baby.”

  “Wait, get back here!”

  I turned around, smiling.

  “Nice try, but you caused this mess!”

  I held the sheet in one hand, and with one swift yank, it was on the floor.

  “Nice.” Admiring her nakedness, I was hard again. “Sure you don’t want to?”

  “Later. Food first.”

  We made our way downstairs.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Davis.”

  Madison’s warm greeting caused our cook to turn around and smile.

  “Good morning, you two lovebirds.”

  Madison’s face suddenly turned a sweet shade of pink.

  Not me, I was grinning. I reached over, stealing a piece of bacon, and Mrs. Davis practically shooed me away.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  We enjoyed coffee at the island as she placed two plates full of pancakes and bacon in front of us.

  “Thank you very much.”

  “Alright, enjoy.”

  And then she left us to eat our breakfast alone, but all I could think about was how much I wanted this life, this moment, with this particular woman. Not for just a week, or a month. I wanted years.

  After we were finished eating, I loaded the dishes for Mrs. Davis and poured us each another cup of coffee.

  “Join me?” I nodded to the back patio.

  “Of course. I’ve enjoyed your patio on many occasions.”

  She followed, but there was a pang of regret in me as I realized all the times I had missed with her, just like this. Then I instantly squashed those feelings down. We both chose recliners and studied the beauty of it all. The peace the outdoors brought, and the silence.

  “I don’t want you to be sad when I go home, Alex.”

  I suddenly didn’t know what to say, I hadn’t thought about the inevitable. I should have, but I had been too consumed in my dark moods.

  “I like being here with you, Alex, but I live and work in Sacramento.”

  The knot in my stomach expanded. I’d come to need her in my life, and I wasn’t prepared for her to leave me.

  “I want a whole life with you Madison, and to share my world with you. You’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted like this.”

  “I like that answer,” she said, the look in her wide blue eyes genuinely pleased.

  “I don’t know how to live without you.”

  But I knew the decision wasn’t mine to make. Maybe I was just too fucked-up. She had surely seen the worst of me, but in my mind, it was perfectly clear that she belonged here—with me. I realized that I had to act now—say the words, ask the question, do something.

  “Alex, I knew this was a temporary thing, and that I’ve been here because you needed me. I wanted to be here, to help you through this, but you’re pretty much back to your old self now.”

  Do something, I told myself in a panic.

  “The promises we make today will turn into the life we live tomorrow. Stay with me, Madison.”

  “What are you really asking, Alex?”

  Our bodies were like magnets, growing closer, facing each other now. The pull seemed inevitable.

  “I meant what I said. Don’t go.” I understood suddenly what she needed to hear. “I want you to leave Sacramento, sell your place, and move in with me here. Permanently. Our future is limitless, and we’re in love, but we can’t do this long distance. We’re in too deep.”

  I watched her study me as I pulled her into my arms. She dissolved in my warm embrace, and my heart raced. I was finally ready to take this to the next step—possibly further.

  “Can I think about it?” she asked.

  No.

  “Of course.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Madison

  “Of course, I will. I’d love to help with wedding details,” I said to Eden. “One o’clock? I’ll be there.”

  Alex attempted to smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes, and I understood why. He wanted an instant yes to his question. I did too, but there were a lot of things to work out, and I wasn’t as spontaneous as he was. I was busy mulling things over, weighing the pros and cons. He would just have to give me more time.

  “I guess you heard that this might be an all-day project.”

  He raised both of his hands, palms up.

  “I wouldn’t dare get in the way of two women planning a wedding,” he said with a smile.

  This time he meant it. I could tell, so I jumped in the shower, put on a sundress and sandals, and quickly kissed him goodbye.

  He reached for me as his hand caught my wrist, pulling me into him.

  “That’s all I get?”

  His brilliant smile was filled with mischief. Locking lips with mine, he was reminding me that he was all man. His hand ran up my dress, reaching my lace La Perla panties, his fingers teasing and seeking.

  “Christ.” His forehead rested on mine. “You’re already wet.”

  His words were making me sway.

  “I’ll be late,” I protested with an unconvincing struggle to get away.

  “I’ll be quick, I promise.” He dragged my panties down and then watched as I kicked them away.

  “Are we alone?”

  He hoisted me up on the kitchen island, lifting my dress.

  “Yes.”

  Then his hands were on my knees, spreading them wide. My sex was throbbing as his mouth found my wet heat. Within minutes, I was off the counter and turned around.

  “Hold on, baby.”

  Then I was bent over the cool surface, and I arched my back to better receive him. I was more than ready when he penetrated me roughly and started pounding at a frantic pace. Reaching around, he stimulated my clit. I knew I was in capable hands once my orgasm hit me. He followed instantly as my inner walls squeezed his climax to new heights.

  Three times in twenty-four hours. Could I live without that? No.

  “See? Told ya.”

  His smirk was sweet.

  I kissed him goodbye again, making a pit stop at the bathroom on my way out.

  ***

  A black SUV had been driving behind me after I left, and a gut feeling suddenly assaulted my senses, allowing panic to stir deep in my stomach. I thought I was being paranoid as I watched it exit as I continued. Pulling up to Eden’s home, I saw no trace of anyone. I was simply imagining things.

  As usual, Eden opened the door with a warm smile, welcoming me in.

  “Coffee?” she offered.

  “Yes, that would be great. Black.” I sat on the bar stool facing her as she prepared two cups. “Thank you.”

  I always felt at home here. Eden and Theo’s place had a history filled with love, and it was if I could feel the energy itself.

  “Where’s my brother?”

  I was hoping to discuss Alex’s invitation to move in with him.

  “He wanted no part of this.” She twisted her curly brown hair up and stuck a pencil through it. “That’s not entirely true. He did offer to help, but I turned him down and he understood. He was most likely relieved.”

  Her twinkling eyes met mine over the rim of her coffee cup.

  “Did you need him?”

  I had only thought of speaking to Theo because he’d known Alex since college, but Eden would do.

  “Alex asked me to move in with him.”

  “That’s great!” But then she noticed my reaction wasn’t quite as enthusiastic. “And you don’t want to?”

  “It’s a lot, and I just leased my apartment i
n Sacramento. My new brand and the manufacturer are located there.”

  I could hear the excuses piling up as Eden listened.

  “You’re probably right. It’s not like you’re in love and can’t live without each other.” She tilted her head in an all-knowing look. “It’s a shame, really.”

  I decided not to draw it out.

  “Okay, okay. Yes, I admit it: we’re in love.”

  “Yay, score one for team Alex!”

  “Maybe I’m afraid it’s just too good to be true.”

  I drank the last of my coffee, then placed the cup on the granite counter.

  “Theo told me he’s never seen Alex like this before over a woman.”

  “Like what, exactly?”

  “In love.”

  She sweetly reached out and squeezed my hands.

  “I struggled, too, you know,” she says. “When Theo wanted to move in, of course I wanted him to, but I also wanted a future all my own. I mean, what was the point if we didn’t have a plan or a long-term commitment? Why lead each other on? And when I say ‘future,’ I mean…”

  She raised her left hand, emphasizing the rock on her ring finger, and we both laughed.

  “I also want a family,” she confessed. “And a career. I want it all.”

  “I suppose I do, too. This just seems to be going so fast.”

  “But it feels right, doesn’t it, Madison?”

  “Yes.”

  There. I had admitted it, but I wasn’t ready to run back to Alex with a yes. Not yet.

  “Enough serious talk, let’s get to the exciting project—your wedding.”

  She turned to fill our empty cups as I gazed over to the floor-to-ceiling windows and their stunning view.

  “Your patio is a showstopper.”

  “It’s interesting that you say that, because I plan to have the ceremony here.” She rounded the island, taking my hand in hers, leading me to the dining room. “But first things first.” Setting her coffee on the table, she turned to me. “Will you be my maid of honor?”

  “Yes! Yes, of course I will.”

  She embraced me with such sincerity that it warmed my heart.

  “Wait until you see my plans so far!”

  The dining room table was covered with bridal magazines, Pinterest printouts, with every detail on display or piled high.