by S. L. Scott
The cotton covering me comforts me. It’s tempting to wear Bennett’s clothes all day. There’s the faintest scent of him on them from the drawers where they’re kept. I hold the collar to my nose and take a deep inhale. My soul settles as he fills my lungs.
Reaching for the pink panties he was so kind to bring back from Paris, I roll my eyes and then look at myself in the mirror. My lip looks fine, which surprises me. The bruise along my jaw isn’t huge, but it’s changing to a new shade of anger—purple. A shudder runs the length of my spine, but I take a quick staggered breath to tamp it down, not wanting to think about that night.
Bennett makes me smile.
I have no makeup on and my hair isn’t brushed, but the smile on my face . . . it’s happiness unrestrained. That’s what he’s given me, which is more than I’ve had in the last eighteen years.
I leave the panties where they are and walk out of the bathroom. “Bennett?”
“Yeah?” he calls from a distance.
I meander down the long hall, peeking in each room to see if I might find him in one, but I don’t. The handsome man is sitting at the table by the kitchen with a laptop in front of him working. He doesn’t look up, engrossed in what he’s reading. I pad across the floor until I’m across from him, breaking the concentration that carved lines in his forehead. “Hey, you didn’t change clothes.”
“No,” I reply, coming around and sitting on his lap when he leans back. Tucked in his arms, I rest my head on his shoulder. “I decided to live in my boyfriend’s clothes for my remaining days.” I shrink my neck, realizing what I said a second too late. Closing my eyes, I stay quiet and so still, hoping he didn’t hear me.
His mitt of a hand rubs my leg. I love watching him touch me like we’ve been together forever. “Boyfriend, huh?”
“I knew you couldn’t resist.” I get up but am pulled right back down.
“Like there was a doubt? I mean, just look at you.”
I’ve been called pretty before by old boyfriends, overheard my dad’s friend at my sweet sixteen party talking about how much I’d grown up, and even from Bennett, but that he acts like he’s the one who lucked out isn’t a concept I’m familiar with. “What about me?”
“You’re gorgeous, Winter. Everything about you is so beautiful. The way you laugh, your hair right now, and that mischievous grin you give when you have a good comeback. Your body is fucking amazing.”
“No carbs.”
“Yeah, so you say, but a little bread and a few happy pounds won’t turn me away.”
“Happy pounds? That’s good stuff right there.” The words and his hands on me. “Go on.” I kiss his cheek as he runs his hand over my hip.
“Your eyes tell the story of your past pain, but your lips kiss me like there’s no tomorrow.”
My cheeks heat as I look down, but in Bennett style, he won’t let me shy away even when it gets hot in the kitchen . . . or my face. Lifting my chin up, he pulls my gaze to his milk chocolate-y eyes. “I thought you were going to call me pretty, but you mentioned the other things you’re attracted to.”
“Those other things make up who you are. You are pretty—inside and out—but you’re so much more. It’s a disservice to the other senses if I only appreciate your beauty with my eyes.”
Too obvious if I just flail right here on his lap and then melt away? I tighten my arms around him and kiss his neck. “Bennett?” I whisper. “You make me want to eat pasta again.”
His laughter heals my soul in so many ways.
I lean back just enough to get the full view. It would be a shame if I didn’t. He was made to be admired and in more ways than just physically, but when I see his smile, he just about does me in. Again.
“I’ve never been a good judge of character until I met you,” I say.
He hums, pressing a kiss on me. His arms tighten around me, understanding I mean more than I’m saying, and then he looks into my eyes. “I won’t abuse your trust.” His deep and husky voice contradicts the sunny day shining through the windows but speaks to my core.
“I know we have a lot to talk about. It wasn’t to put it off but to keep you safe. I don’t know if I can, though.” Shame washes through me. “I couldn’t even keep myself safe.”
“If your life and mine are in danger like they were back in Paris, we need to know the details.”
“They aren’t pretty.” The irony of me using pretty again but not referring to beauty isn’t lost on me.
He runs his finger along my bottom lip and then kisses it. “I can handle it.”
“I’m afraid you won’t look at me the way you are right now.”
Lifting me up, he spreads his legs and brings me in. I’m not tremendously taller than him in this position, and he’s still sitting down, but it’s enough for his head to tilt back, giving me the advantage. “Look, Winter.” He sighs and rubs his hand over his jaw. “If people are trying to kill you, or me because I’m with you, then we’re in deep trouble. We all get involved in shit that wasn’t meant for us at one time or another, so don’t feel like you have to protect me from the truth. I can handle it, but more importantly, so can you.” He stands up and kisses my cheek. “Honesty is the only way we’re going to get through this.”
This is how it should be. This is what a healthy relationship looks like.
Working his way around me, he heads into the kitchen. He adds, “I’m abiding by the same rules. I just hope you look at me the same as you are right now.”
“In awe, but slightly cranky?”
“That’s hunger. I’m making you food.”
“And I’ll eat said food on one condition.”
With eggs on the counter, he grabs a bowl from a cabinet and then rests his palms next to them while eyeing me. “Lay it out for me, sweetheart.”
“I’m taking you up on your earlier offer. If I eat breakfast, I get you right after.”
“Scrambled or fried?”
“Over easy.”
Pulling a spatula from the drawer, he cocks an eyebrow. “Are we talking about eggs or sex?”
“Maybe both, but let’s start with the eggs.”
He eagerly cracks an egg into the pan. “You got it.”
I hop up on the counter and watch this man cook just for me, even seasoning the eggs in the pan. “No man has ever cooked for me before.”
“What about boyfriends?”
“Definitely not. What about you?”
Sneaking a peek over his shoulder, he chuckles. “I’ve never dated a guy, so no.”
This time, he has me laughing, and then he’s focused on me. I push him playfully away and then pull him back by the front of his shirt and straight into a kiss. “Are you burning my breakfast?”
Spinning and scooping up the spatula, he says, “Nope.” He gets a plate from the cabinet and serves it up. “Here you go.” Retrieving a fork from the drawer under where I’m sitting, he presents it to me. “Ma chérie.”
“Merci, monsieur.” I take a bite, but stop, to ask, “What?”
“I just like watching you eat.”
I inhale half and then say, “Little clouds of deliciousness. You’re a good cook, Everest.”
“I’m good at the basics.”
“Trust me. You’re better than good. You’re great.”
“You catch on quick. I find that so incredibly sexy. To keep my end of the bargain, I need to reply to a few emails while you eat. Set the dishes in the sink, and I’ll tackle them later.”
“When are we leaving for the inquisition?”
He sits down in front of his laptop again and laughs. “Funny.”
“That’s what you say now.”
He types something but then stops and looks back at me again. “Nothing you say—”
“Will be held against me?”
“I was going to say, be used against you. I’ve had you as a girlfriend for, what, a few hours? I’m not looking to ruin it that fast.”
Shaking a finger at him after setting the plate i
n the sink, I say, “That’s good. Play the long game when it comes to the breakup. Gives my heart some time to recover.”
“You’re full of the funnies today, Ms. Nobleman.” He tracks me while I walk along the wall of windows.
“I’m here to please.”
“You can’t say things like that when I have to work.”
Giggling, I keep my eyes on this amazing view. “Well, don’t work too hard. I have plans for you, including you being hard in all the right ways.” Bennett needs to get some stuff done, so I go back into the bedroom and open the curtains before slipping off the baggy clothes and going back to bed. Jet lag is a thing, and naps are glorious, so any excuse will do.
I try for sleep, but when I close my eyes, I can only see Kurt’s fist coming toward me. I hear the smack of his hand against my cheek and feel the pain erupt as if it just happened. I endure the punch to my ribs, the wicked snarl on his face, and struggle to breathe. How did I once fall for this man?
The bonus appearances of my father, often standing to the side doing nothing to stop the monster from hitting his daughter . . . A father is meant to be your hero, but mine would turn a blind eye or, worse, watch passively.
An expert could tell me what this nightmare means, but I already know.
My jaw starts to hurt, and I realize I’m clenching my teeth. Taking three deep breaths and slowly blowing out helps. I roll over, away from the window I thought would bring peace and pull the covers over my head.
* * *
As I float in that blissful state between sleep and wake, warmth cradles me in his arms and joy fills my soul. My back heats from the body holding me.
Safe.
Comfort.
Home.
My hair falls like a wave over my shoulder, tickling my back, as I’m roused by kisses in the crook of my neck. “Mmmmm.” I roll over, and my lips are kissed before my eyes open.
Gentle hands find my breasts and hardness against my hip. Kisses cover my chest, and a hungry pulse beats through my veins. When I finally open my eyes, what I see is better than any dream.
I run my hand through Bennett’s dark hair and let him ravage me. God, he feels amazing, too much at times, that I can’t hold still. Like now. I arch up, and when his eyes find mine, he smiles. “Don’t mind me,” he says, “I’m just earning my keep.”
Even freshly awoken, I can’t resist him—heart and humor—and laugh softly. “I will never mind you earning your keep, but I think it’s my turn to return the favor.”
His hand flattens against my belly, keeping me down. “Nope. We’re not doing that. We’re not keeping tallies or tit for tats, though you have great tits. We’re just doing what feels good and what feels right.”
“You feel right.”
“Get ready then because I’m about to make you feel so right that it might be wrong.”
“Never.”
I hadn’t noticed the packet next to me until he swipes it and lies back, ripping the foil. Not two deep breaths pass before he’s settling between my legs, making himself at home while over me. Reaching up, I hold his face and then lift to kiss him.
He comes down with weight while pushing in slowly. I suck in a breath and dip my head back as I lower my hands to his shoulders and hold on to him. I want all of him all at once. The stretch, the burn, the sweat, and the fall after.
His lips are at my ear, kissing behind it, tugging my lobe between his teeth. His breath sends delectable shivers through me as he pushes all the way in.
My mouth cracks open, and he kisses under my chin. The sound of the sensations we’re creating is getting to him. His heavy breath takes over, and he’s thrusting, moving and pumping, until I say, “I want to see you.”
Opening his eyes, Bennett takes me in with wide pupils and a determined vein in his forehead.
We stare into each other’s eyes as our bodies push and pull, tug and take. Speed is not the goal as we get off-kilter. The rush goes to my head as I struggle to keep my eyes open. Without my permission, my body constricts, and I’m falling headfirst into the beautiful abyss. Bennett dives in behind me, and when our lips meet again, it’s with a promise of a kiss.
Bennett makes love a possibility again. He’s affirming, which is refreshing, even though he claims he’s selfish, but from sightseeing to sex, he puts me first every time. In the face of danger, he didn’t push me away to keep himself safe. He brought me into the family fold to protect me at the expense of his own safety.
It doesn’t matter what I throw at him; he’s strong and undaunted, and patient like no other man in my life has ever been. But the way he trusts me makes my heart flutter and my mind feel at ease. Something I never thought I’d experience.
As we lie here, words aren’t needed as an unspoken contract seals us together. In the golden light of the afternoon sunshine, I start to fall. Slowly at first, and then as if I’ve cannonballed into the bliss, I feel light and free to swim in this love because his heart is mine, and mine is his.
22
Winter
The hot seat is warmer than I thought. I tug at my collar and use my shirt to fan myself.
Bennett closes his laptop across the table from me, and says, “Don’t be nervous. We’re all on the same team.”
“You don’t know what I’ve done.”
“Did you hire those guys to kill me?” His whole demeanor is casual as he stares at me.
“No!” My voice pitches anyway. “I would never do that.”
“Exactly.” Sitting back, he adds, “That’s why you don’t have to worry. I know you have your reasons. We’re just going to ensure that everyone is safe moving forward and that the ones responsible pay for what they’ve done.”
“That might be me.” My stomach clenches as I speak the words I’ve been afraid to say in fear of losing him.
“What are you talking about?” More interest lies in his eyes, the lighter side of caramel turning to brown sugar.
The sound of the front door opening invades the apartment, and I startle when I hear, “About time you got your ass back into town.”
Bennett stands. Tapping the table, he says, “It’s going to be okay,” then walks around to greet his brother.
He thinks this will be easy, that I’m clear of responsibility, but I’ve just confirmed one thing—he wagered before he knew the bet, and now he’s the one I’ll hurt next.
I stand and when I see another giant fe-fi-fo-fumming into the space. I’m starting to see why they need such large apartments. While Ethan has lighter hair than Bennett, his oldest brother is a shade darker—hair, skin, eyes—and handsome like both of them. The Everest genes don’t mess around when it comes to good looks.
The woman with him is as beautiful as I would have suspected for not only a princess but someone married into this family. I whisper, “Do I curtsy?”
Bennett grins and then shrugs. “If you want, but you don’t have to.”
“Please don’t,” Ally says with a kindhearted smile, reflecting what Singer said about her. With something black in her hands, she comes to me and shakes my hand. “I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Ally. It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too. Bennett was telling me you’re a princess.”
“I am. I can’t take any credit since all I did was be born to earn the title.”
Bennett’s brother leans forward to shake my hand. “Wait until you hear about the foundation she set up. She’s incredible. I’m Hutton. It’s nice to meet you, Winter.”
“You too.”
I take it no one lounges around these parts, and there’s definitely no resting on your laurels in this family. The other thing very clear is how much the Everest men love and adore their wives. I’ve never witnessed such adoration. How they must thrive on such devotion.
“Now that everyone has met, how about we sit in the living room?” Bennett suggests.
The men move to the living room section of the open space while Ally holds her hands out. “I brought you a change of c
lothes. I’ve put in an order for a few more things that should arrive by early afternoon, but I thought a pair of yoga pants and a T-shirt could help you get by until the other items arrive.”
Taking the stack of soft black cotton from her, I’m left speechless. As I stare at the clothes, I feel temperamental tears forming, so I wipe at my eyes, embarrassed. “Sorry. I’ve been an emotional mess lately for some reason,” I say, trying to justify my overwrought emotions.
“No need to apologize. You’ve been through a lot. I can only imagine how you’re handling it.” She touches my upper arms and brings me in for a hug. Even though I just met her, the embrace is heartfelt, and for some dumb reason, my tears multiply. “You’re a strong woman. This will pass, and you’ll be free from these worries.” Something in the soft lilt of her accent is so incredibly soothing. How long has it been since I’ve felt such warmth and comfort in the arms of a friend?
She leans back, her hands warm and comforting on my shoulders. “We’re all here for you, Winter. Just let us know how we can help, and we will.”
“I don’t understand. How can everyone be so nice? You don’t even know me.”
“But Bennett does,” she replies. “That makes you family.” I notice how her eyes dip from mine. “He should have an ice pack in his freezer. You’re not swollen, but it might help lessen the bruising. Come on, we’ll look together.”
Ethan and Bennett’s voices are low, their dulcet tones heard, but their words indiscernible. I watch their body language from the kitchen. I’ve brought stress and danger to his doorstep, to all of their lives.
“Surprisingly, he doesn’t have one. I can bring one down later, but for now, this bag of peas will have to do.” She opens a drawer and pulls out a tea towel. There’s such a comfort in the way she moves around like she’s here all the time and then wraps the peas inside. “Ten minutes on. No guarantees it will help since it’s already formed, but it’s worth a try.”
