The Way You Are

by Carly Fall

  The horse calmed, and they continued on the trail again.

  “He can smell your fear,” she said, glancing over at him, grinning. “That’s why he’s acting up.”

  “What do you mean? I’m not afraid of a damn horse. I’m a Marine, Ruby. We aren’t afraid of anything.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Uh-huh. That’s the second time you said that.”

  “I’m not afraid of this horse!” he reiterated.

  “Okay, Garrett. That’s why you’re white-knuckling the saddle horn and sitting there like you have a broomstick up your butt.”

  “I am not!”

  She burst out laughing. “The harder you try to lie, the funnier this gets.”

  He grinned, and decided to come clean. The least he could do since he’d dragged her into his strange world and spilled his secrets. “Like I said, I grew up in the Bronx, Ruby, in the projects. My main concern was avoiding being smacked up the side of my head by my Nana for stepping out of line and dodging those who wanted me to join a gang. From there, I went into the military. I haven’t had a lot of experience with horses, so yeah, I guess they do scare me a little bit.”

  She nodded. “I can understand that.”

  They rode in silence for a while, and he wondered where her thoughts had taken her. He had to be certain she didn’t say anything to her parents tonight, and he also wondered where the revelation of him turning into a bear left them. But had they really been anywhere to begin with?

  “What are you thinking about?” he asked.

  She smiled as a light breeze rustled the pine trees. The sweet silence helped relax him, and he loosened his grip on the saddle horn.

  “I was just thinking about us,” she said, her voice quiet.

  “What about us?”

  She pulled on the reins, bringing the horse to a stop, and he did the same.

  “I don’t know what to think about you. I’ve known you a few days, and then I find out something that seems so impossible, and I feel like I should be terrified of you, but I’m not. That bothers me. And last night ...” She looked around the forest as if the trees would provide the words she needed. “I’ve never had a night like last night, Garrett. I-I’ve only been with a few men in my life, and well ... none of my experiences were like last night.”

  He couldn’t help but grin as her cheeks reddened. His ego grew a few notches, also happy that he’d provided Ruby with a new experience—not that he’d minded in the least bit.

  “You know I’m not going to hurt you, right?” he asked.

  She sighed. “Yes, I do. I feel it in my soul, but my brain is telling me that I should be afraid, but I’m just not.”

  “It’s a lot to digest.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “I need you to understand how dangerous it is for you to know what you’ve been told, Ruby. There are bad dudes out there who wouldn’t think of killing you because of what you know.”

  “I understand.”

  “I’d hate to see anything happen to you, Ruby Rose.”

  She glanced over at him. “Just curious, but why?”

  “Because I care about you.”

  He couldn’t stop the words before they’d left his tongue, and surprise rattled through him.

  “I care about you, as well, Garrett,” she said.

  He looked over at her. She seemed so relaxed in the saddle, while he’d rather be anywhere but here. That’s the way they were though, both so different. Really, they came from two different worlds—his, the ghetto; hers, the silver spoon. She’d never wanted for anything; yet, he’d spent his whole life hungering for everything, from basic needs such as food and new shoes to a better station in life. Even though they did care about each other, whatever they had here wouldn’t go any further.

  He cleared his throat. “After Joe finds out about your kidnappers, we both need to move on with our lives.”

  She stared off into the distance, and then gently pressed her heels against Boesel’s ribs. Richards followed.

  “It’s so strange, Garrett. It’s like you live in a hidden world that resides in the real world, if that makes any sense.”

  Correct. He did live in another world that existed within the plane of reality she knew, but as he slowly found out, so did a lot of other people.

  Most of civilization went about their daily lives completely unaware of what went on around them, and he used to be the same, until they’d dragged him into their clandestine world and his eyes had truly opened.

  Frankly, he wished he didn’t have the knowledge.

  “You’re right. And you’re much safer in the real world, Ruby. That’s why it’s best if you try to forget what you know.”

  She snorted. “Like that’s going to happen.”

  “Well, at least don’t let it consume your thoughts. If that happens, you’re liable to tell someone, and that’s going to be nothing but trouble for all of us.”

  They rode for a few more minutes in silence.

  “Are you ready to head back?” she asked.

  He grinned. Sweeter words had never been said.

  Chapter 28

  They arrived back to an empty house, which upset Ruby as she had wanted to be around to say goodbye to Zach and Savannah. Even though she’d only known him a few days, he’d really been sweet, not to mention him talking her off her ledge of panic early this morning.

  She stood in the kitchen making tuna sandwiches. She looked forward to her parents’ call later, but at the same time, she didn’t want to speak to them. Being away from her overbearing mother and distant father for a few days had been good for her, and she felt a confidence in herself that hadn’t previously been there.

  When the drama ended, what would become of her and Garrett? Most likely, nothing. What should have been a business relationship of protector and client had somehow gotten derailed and they’d ended up in bed together, not that she would complain about one minute of it. She had no regrets.

  Slowly, she was beginning to accept the fact that another world existed, one she never would have even considered if she hadn’t met Garrett. It unnerved her, but at the same time, excited her.

  “What did you want to do this afternoon?” Garrett asked as he placed his hands on her shoulders, his lips close to her ear. She startled, as she hadn’t heard him come up behind her.

  “You scared me!”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He rubbed her shoulders, instantly relaxing her, and she set the fork down on the counter. “That feels good.”

  “I’m glad. Are you going to answer my question?”

  “I don’t know what I want to do this afternoon. Maybe watch a movie?”

  The longer he touched her, the more her body reacted with the taut ache of need pooling in her belly. What was it about him that made her respond in such a visceral way?

  “Hmm, we could do that, but I also have some other ideas.”

  “Like what?”

  He kissed her neck, his breath hot on her skin. “Well, we could sweep the porch.” His arms came around her waist and he pulled her against him. “Or we could unload the dishwasher.” His lips grazed her collarbone, sending a shiver through her body. “Or we could change the beds in the house.”

  She turned around, trapped between the big man and the counter. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest as she gazed up at him. “None of those sound like very much fun.”

  He traced his finger down the side of her cheek and grinned. “I think number three sounds just perfect.”

  He wanted to do laundry while her head spun with desire and her body throbbed with need?

  “Oh, okay,” she said, trying to get her wits about her as she glanced around the kitchen. A pile of dishes lay in the sink, so maybe it would be good to clean up a bit.

  Taking her hand, he pressed it to the front of his jeans. His long, thick length strained against the fabric, and she gasped.

  He gazed down at her, a small smile playing on his lips, his eyes dancing. “Do you
feel what you do to me?”

  She nodded, unable to speak.

  “That’s why changing the sheets sounds so good to me, Ruby, because that means we have to dirty up the beds first.”

  Right, now she got it. She gently squeezed him and he shut his eyes as he groaned. He pinned her against the counter, his mouth claiming hers as she slid her hands up his shirt, slowly tracing the ridges of muscle. He quickly removed the fabric, tossing it to the floor, and did the same to hers.

  There was nothing gentle about the way they clawed at each other’s clothes, but it seemed they both needed to slake their mutual desire quickly and without foreplay.

  A moment later, finally blessedly naked, Garrett lifted her to the V of the counter, and she shoved the knife and bowl of tuna fish out of the way, sending it all clamoring to the floor. She wrapped her legs around his waist and he plunged into her core. Only then did they share a sweet kiss as he caressed the sides of her face while she ran her hands up his arms.

  “You feel so good,” he whispered as he pulled back and gently slid back into her.

  She sighed and laid her head against his shoulder, the precipice of pleasure getting closer with each of his thrusts. He gripped her hips as he moved, his pace becoming more frantic. She reached back and held on to the lip of the cabinet behind her, meeting his gaze. In his eyes, she noted desire and determination as he moved. As her orgasm approached, she shut her eyes.

  “Look at me, Ruby,” he whispered. “I want to see you.”

  She stared at him, the wave quickly building within her. She clung to the cabinet tighter for more leverage as sweat broke out on his brow. Planting her feet on each side of the counter, he plunged deeper within her, each thrust driving her closer to orgasm.

  They didn’t break eye contact, which only seemed to heighten the experience for her, and she felt as if she would explode from the inside out.

  The wave came crashing down, and she threw her head back as it overtook her body, her whole being quaking in pleasure. An uncontrollable scream tore from her throat, and Garrett yelled as she felt his completion inside her.

  Both breathed heavily, and he hugged her against him. Her body resembled a rag doll’s as she wrapped her arms around his neck, tasting his sweat on her lips. They stayed in the position for a few minutes as they caught their breaths, then he pulled away from her.

  He tenderly kissed her, his hands on the sides of her face. “I need a nap,” he whispered against her lips.

  She nodded in agreement, and he helped her off the counter. As she glanced around the kitchen, her eyes caught sight of his cock, and she realized they hadn’t used any protection.

  Oh, no.

  “Garrett?” she said as he led her down the hall. She loved the way the muscles in his ass and back rolled with each step.

  “What, baby?”

  “We didn’t use any protection.”

  He stopped in his tracks and turned, placing his hand on her cheek and kissing her. “I’m clean.”

  She nodded, seeing the honesty in his gaze. “I am, as well.”

  He led her to the bedroom and pulled the covers back. “After you pretty, lady.”

  She slid in, exhaustion overtaking her.

  “What about pregnancy?” he asked as he climbed in next to her and pulled her close.

  She draped her arm over his waist and rested her head on his chest. “I’m on the pill.”

  “Well, then, I guess we don’t need these.”

  She glanced up, and he held a box of condoms.

  “I thought we ran out last night.”

  He shrugged. “Must have been a gift from Zach.”

  Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I can’t believe he heard us.”

  Garrett laughed. “Well, just think about it. Now that he’s not around to interrupt us all the time, we’re going to do it all over this house.”

  She giggled, but her body warmed at the thought.

  He yawned and pulled her closer. “But for now, we sleep.”

  She dozed off, thinking about her phone call with her parents that would take place in a couple of hours, and her life without Garrett once she left this place. Neither thought made her feel good.

  Chapter 29

  “Hi, honey!”

  “Hi, Mom.”

  “Ruby! How’s my little girl?”

  “I’m fine, Daddy.”

  She took a sip of wine and leaned back against the couch. The night air held a bit of a chill, so Garrett had made a fire after cleaning up the mess in the kitchen. It snapped and popped before her, the heat warming her.

  “Is everything okay, Ruby? Are they treating you nicely?” her mother asked.

  If she only knew just how nicely I’m being treated.

  “Yes, Mom. Everyone has been wonderful.”

  “Hey, Ruby,” another voice chimed in.

  “John!” she exclaimed, recognizing her brother’s voice.

  “So where are you?” he asked.

  He sounded tired, and slurred his words a bit. Perhaps he’d just gotten up after a rough night out. She glanced at the clock. At 6 p.m. Dallas time, he should have been up hours ago.

  “I’m outside of Flagstaff. This cabin is so nice. It’s down a dirt road and has a little clearing, and they even have horses!”

  Her mother sighed. “I don’t understand your infatuation with the beasts, but I’m glad for you.”

  “That’s great, Ruby,” her father stated.

  “Tell me about the men protecting you, Ruby. They’re being gentlemen, aren’t they?” her mother asked.

  Garrett came into the room and kneeled before her, giving her a wink. His hands traveled up her legs and he spread her knees apart. Slowly, his finger caressed the seam of her jeans between her legs. She smiled, slapped his hand, and closed her legs. “Yes, Mom. Perfect gentlemen.”

  “Good. I don’t want my girl around a bunch of thugs or anything.”

  Garrett winked and chuckled and stood staring at her, his back to the fire.

  She chatted with her family a little longer, trying to keep her gaze off of Garrett. She managed, but with difficulty. The man just made her whole body hum.

  “So what’s going on there?” she asked.

  Her mother prattled on about a new member at the club, and how the woman had a thirty-year-old son. A graduate from Harvard Law, he practiced with the city’s largest firm.

  “And he’s single!” her mother chirped. “He’s of Mexican descent and very handsome. I’m going to have you meet him after all this drama dies down.”

  She glanced over at Garrett. A white turtleneck covered his large chest, his legs encased in a pair of jeans that showed off his thick thighs but weren’t too tight. He still wore his boots from getting the firewood earlier. Crossing his arms over his chest, he winked at her again.

  What would her mother think of her sleeping with and falling for a kid from the ghetto? She couldn’t even imagine the epic meltdown.

  That’s what lay at home for her—embarrassing introductions to strangers because her mother wanted her married; her job, which she did miss; and her empty apartment. Why couldn’t she just find it within herself to put her foot down and tell her mother to stop trying to run her life?

  “I’m really not interested, Mom,” she ventured.

  “Nonsense. He’s really handsome, Ruby—I’ve seen pictures. Now tell me, are you watching what you eat?”

  She shut her eyes as the tears stung. Over the past few days, Garrett had made her feel so pretty, so desirable, and she could feel the confidence cracking the longer she talked to her mother. “Mom, everything’s fine, okay?”

  “We better get going, Cheryl,” her father said. “Our guests will be arriving in the next hour or so.”

  Ruby had forgotten about the big dinner, and relief swept through her as they said their goodbyes.

  Hanging up the phone, she laid it down next to her and a tear slid down her cheek.

  “Hey, what’s that for?” Ga
rrett asked, kneeling before her again. “Do you miss your parents?”

  She shook her head. “No. My mom means well, but she sometimes says things that really make me feel bad.”

  He swiped the tear with the pad of his thumb. “Like what?”

  She met his gaze and smiled. “Nothing.”

  “Come here, Ruby,” he said as he sat next to her and took her in his arms.

  She rested her head against his chest, immediately relaxing, but another tear tracked down her cheek.

  The more time she spent with Garrett, the harder it would be to leave.

  Chapter 30

  “Tell me about the first time you changed into a bear,” Ruby asked as they lay in bed that night.

  Oh, hell. “Why?”

  “Because I’m curious.”

  He didn’t want to go there with her. She already knew his secret, and she didn’t need to know the intricate details. It would only provide more for her to think about and to potentially discuss with another person.

  “Please?” she asked, her hand trailing down his stomach.

  “Ruby, I—”

  The little vixen’s hand rested on his cock and she gently squeezed him. He became putty in her hands, and she knew it.

  He sighed as she continued to massage him. Once he grew rock hard, she stopped.

  “Please?” she said again, batting her eyelashes at him.

  “You’re evil, you know that?”

  She laughed and rolled onto her back.

  “You shouldn’t play with a man like that, Ruby,” he said with a smile, propping himself up on his elbow. Damn this woman. He wouldn’t be going soft anytime soon.

  “Well, are you going to tell me about it?”

  He sighed. Over the course of a few short days, he’d shared more with her than he had with any other human being. It both rattled him and soothed him.

  “I don’t want to put you in any more danger than you already are,” he whispered as he fingered her hair.

  “I promise, Garrett. I won’t ever say anything.”

  He nodded and laid his head on her breast and wrapped his arm around her waist. Shutting his eyes, he inhaled her scent and began talking.