Passion, Vows & Babies_Unbearable

by Kristen Hope Mazzola

  “I must have dozed off.” I rubbed my eyes as Bear rolled over onto his side.

  I held my breath as he wrapped his arms around me. Relief consumed me as I melted into his embrace.

  “I’m sorry for waking you, I just didn’t want to startle you.” The slight hint of whiskey rode on his breath, the aroma comforting me as I nestled into the crook of his shoulder.

  “I’m glad you are home,” I whispered.

  He kissed my forehead. “I’m glad you’re still here.”

  “Where would I have gone?” I was shocked that he would have thought that I would leave without even saying goodbye.

  “I don’t know. I was just worried I would come home and this would have all been a dream.”

  “Well, I can assure you that the road rash can prove none of what happened over the last week and a half was conjured up in your mind.”

  I woke up to an empty bed and the sweet smell of pancakes coming up from the kitchen. I hopped up, not even bothering to put on the jeans Jaxon had brought me. I was still moving a little slow from my injuries, but I didn’t need anything more than some strong Motrin to take the edge off.

  Bear was in the kitchen in camo boxers and a black and white polka dot apron with frills on the ends. I stood in the entry of the kitchen watching him hum to himself as he stirred the bacon and flipped a flapjack onto the top of the pile he was forming.

  “I never would have pegged you for a man with an apron,” I teased, wrapping my arms around his broad frame from behind. I could barely touch my fingertips together around his middle.

  A deep, throaty chuckle escaped before he turned to look down at me. “Someone was wearing my shirt, and bacon grease splatter hurts like heck when it attacks a naked chest.”

  He swiftly kissed the top of my head before pouring more batter into the sizzling pan.

  My stomach grumbled at an embarrassing volume, and my cheeks burned as I grabbed a piece of bacon that was cooling on a paper towel.

  “I guess someone likes the smell of my cooking.” Bear winked at me as a small smirk played on his lips.

  I rubbed my hollow stomach. “I think my tummy was just talking to the bacon, beckoning for its fatty goodness. It’s amazing to not be eating the bland hospital food for a change.”

  “Didn’t order from Al’s, I take it.”

  I shook my head. “The sleepies took precedence over hunger last night.”

  He scraped the last of the batter into the pan. “Ready to eat?”

  I nodded, helping bring the plates to the small table in the corner of the kitchen. “Thanks for doing this.”

  “You’re my guest. It’s only right that I feed you a proper breakfast, darlin’.”

  Before taking his seat, he poured us both mugs full of coffee. “Cream and sugar?”

  “Never. My daddy never took fixins in his joe, so I grew up not knowing anything different.” There was nothing better than a good cup of strong coffee and some greasy bacon in the morning.

  Sitting at that table, staring at Bear from across the worn wood, it sank in: he reminded me of my father and brother—not in a creepy incestuous way that would give me the heebie-jeebies and make me seek out a Freudian professional for some couch time, but in a very comforting, homey way. It was a feeling I hadn’t experienced since my brother signed his name on that dotted line. I was proud of Liam for serving our country but I truly did miss having him around.

  I sat in content silence as I noshed on buttery, maple syrup-covered pancakes that tasted like they were made from heaven’s own recipe for flapjacks.

  As the last couple of bites rolled around in my mouth, I moaned from the euphoric tasty trance I had been cast into.

  “That good, huh?” Bear asked while clearing my plate and setting it in the sink. He untied the apron and threw it onto the top of the refrigerator.

  “I don’t think you’ll ever get me to leave now that I know those little clouds of fluffy deliciousness can be created within this kitchen—especially if you wear that apron.”

  Bear put a stopper in the sink, starting to fill it with hot water and soap to soak the dishes and pans. With his back to me, he teased in a singsong voice, “Don’t flatter me too much, darlin’. I know the apron is a panty dropper, but try not to fall too hard for me.” As he turned back toward me, his jaw hung open.

  “What?” I asked, looking around the small room to try to figure out what had him so struck.

  He threw his hand over his eyes as he stammered. “I’m sorry. I-I didn’t mean—I didn’t realize. I’m so goddamn s-sorry.”

  My entire body flushed as every inch of my skin prickled while the realization of what he was seeing sank in. I still wasn’t wearing anything other than his white cotton shirt. I was beyond mortified. How could I not have thought that thatwas weird until that moment? How did it take him so long to notice?

  “Oh, damn. Fuck.” I pulled my knees up to my chest, pulling the thin fabric over my body. I had never felt so exposed in my entire life. How could I be such a damn foolish twat?

  Bear dropped to his knees in front of me, pulling me into him. “You don’t have to hide from me, I just didn’t want you to think I was looking.”

  “I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m an idiot.”

  Bear

  On my knees in front of Scarlett, there was nothing I wanted more than to show her how much it turned me on that she was only wearing my see-through t-shirt. I had wanted her from the moment our skin touched for the first time. I had never been more drawn to a woman in my entire life. There was a connection, whether primal or heaven-sent, I didn’t care. It was real and all-consuming. All I knew was that I was never going to let Scarlett out of my life without a damn fight.

  Without thinking too much into it, I grabbed the legs of the wooden chair she was sitting on, whisking her into the middle of the kitchen. Her stormy eyes got wide but right when she opened her mouth to speak, I placed one finger on her plum-colored Cupid’s bow as I shook my head. I leaned up on my knees, letting my lips connect with the soft skin of her forehead.

  “Just let me take care of you. For once in your life, completely surrender to someone.”

  She leisurely let out a breath without muttering a word.

  “Good girl.” My fingers interwove with the fine dark amber curls at the top of her neck, pulling ever so slightly on the tender scalp underneath. “Close your eyes, darlin’. I want you to just concentrate on the feeling.”

  She did as I instructed.

  “That’s my girl.”

  I unfolded her arms from around her chest, resting her hands on the tops of my shoulders. Tenderly, I pulled my shirt up over her knees, guiding her legs down around my sides. Taking my time, I rolled the pads of my fingers over her ears, down her neck. Over the fabric, I teased her plump breasts, and then I ran my hands down the insides of her thighs. The smallest touch made her shudder. I stared at her lips as the corners pulled ever so slightly up and her cheeks blushed the most adorable hue of deep strawberry.

  Pulling the collar of my shirt to the side, I rolled the tip of my tongue over the edge of her collarbone, being sure to give the same attention to both sides of her body. The only utterances she let slip were subtle gasps and involuntary moans. As I explored her body, I made mental notes of each sound and where on her body pushed her to that edge. I noted how she cooed when my nails lightly dragged over the top of her back, how she shuddered when I nipped at the sensitive spot where her neck met her shoulder, how goose bumps rose when my fingers connected with the insides of her knees. They were all spots most men would overlook, lazily just going for the usual places. Scarlett deserved for me to know all the places that lit a fire in her, most of which she probably didn’t even know herself. It was my job to know every inch of her better than she knew it; that was the only way to truly make her mine.

  I pushed her legs apart, able to see her desire pooling instantly. My mouth watered at sight of her need and want, but I couldn’t be greedy.
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br />   Cradling both sides of her face, I whispered, “Open your eyes. I need you to look at me, Scarlett.”

  Her dark gray eyes fluttered open. She was drunk with passion. It filled her irises.

  “I need you to tell me you’re mine. I need to hear you say you want this. You can say no, but if you say yes, please know what you’re promising. I will take it extremely seriously. You being mine is not just about passion and sex. You’re not a fuck or a conquest.”

  “Bear, I want to be yours. I want this. I want you.” She cooed, biting her bottom lip.

  I kissed her lips quickly. “Say you’re mine—not that you want it, but that you are.”

  “I am yours, Bear, completely and solely.”

  A low growl escaped from deep within me. It was the first time I had ever needed someone like that, and there she was, unwavering in her resolve to put her trust in me.

  “Close your eyes again, darlin’.”

  With the slightest hint of a smile on her lips, she did as I commanded again. The primal beast within me roared with excitement. I yearned to devour her, but I forced myself to take a deep breath. Spreading her legs a little more, I kissed from her knee to upper thigh. I wanted to drink from her nectar instantly, but I let my fingers slide over her slickness first, watching closely as her body reacted to each soft touch and tease. After taking in as much as I could and waiting as long as possible, I finally gave in to my thirst. It was the most amazing sensation; my entire body went into hyper-drive as my taste buds slid over her pulsing clit and plunged into her wetness.

  Her body shook as her moans turned into cries and pleads to send her over the edge.

  “Not yet, Scarlett. I have something else in mind for us.” I reluctantly pulled away from her. “Are you on birth control?” The words felt bitter, but it was a necessary and responsible question.

  She nodded while biting her lip. The anticipation of what she knew was coming next was thrilling.

  I yanked my boxers down and pulled my shirt off of her body. Even though I had touched every inch of her bare skin, seeing her completely for the first time took my breath away. It took me a couple of seconds to regain my composure. I was thankful that I had made Scarlett close her eyes, because I probably had the most inane look of elation plastered on my face.

  Pulling her dainty body into my arms, I directed her legs around my waist. I climbed to my feet, slightly leaning back on the wall behind me. With my hands under her ass, I slowly pushed into her opening, filling her tightness as gingerly as I could. She gasped, her eyes flying open as I bottomed out in her. Holding her right there, I pulled her body more toward mine, letting our lips finally connect. I rocked her and her kisses quickened ever so slightly with each thrust. Her walls tightened around my cock as I throbbed deep inside her.

  “Oh, fuck, Bear!” She cried into my ear as her teeth sank down into my shoulder.

  I roared out Scarlett’s name, slamming harder and harder into her.

  It was the best climax of my life, the longest, most euphoric ending to an encounter I could imagine ever having.

  As I lowered her to her feet, she just sat down on the linoleum floor. “I don’t think my legs work yet,” Scarlett remarked as she looked up at me.

  Sinking to sit with her, I wrapped her back up in my arms. “I’ll carry you for the rest of the day, if need be.”

  Chapter 7

  Scarlett

  Bear and I spent the rest of the day being lazy, enjoying each other’s company. Lying on the couch, stuffing my third slice of deep-dish pizza into my mouth while wearing a pair of Bear’s red plaid boxers and a worn-out Metallica shirt with a hole the size of Texas in the left armpit, I couldn’t picture myself happier.

  My life had fallen apart not even a blink of an eye before. My marriage had been ripped apart at the seams. All of my possessions were still with my cheating scumbag of a husband. My body was swollen and bruised from him running me off the road, and I still had a pounding headache. I had no idea where my cellphone or wallet was.

  None of it mattered. It all seemed so pointless when I tried to think about it.

  All that mattered in that moment was the feeling of Bear’s skin on mine. The delectableness of the pepperonis that were making my taste buds do a little jig in my mouth. The lingering weakness in my knees from the mind-altering, awe-inspiring, earth-shattering orgasm that lasted longer than I could hold my breath.

  That was what mattered to me.

  One minute, I was lost without anything in my life. The next, I felt like I was handed a second chance on a silver platter—well, it was more like it was gift-wrapped in leather and covered in motor oil, but still.

  There was one problem: I had lied to Bear. It was not a complete lie, but a lie was still a lie, even in the smallest sense of the word. I hadn’t meant to; it was completely innocent, but I needed to set the record straight. I knew he would get angry. I knew it was going to be a terrible conversation to have, but I couldn’t let that stop me.

  I swallowed hard. I grabbed the remote from Bear’s hand, turning the television off. It was time.

  “Bear, I have to tell you something.” I shifted in my seat, scooting away from him a bit.

  His hand landed on my thigh. “You can tell me anything, sweetheart.”

  Right as I was about to spit the words out, Bear’s cellphone started vibrating in his pocket. With a grumble, he leaned over and kissed my cheek. “I have to get this, darlin’.”

  I sighed and shooed him away. “I understand.”

  “Knox?” Bear started to pace in the space between the wall unit and the coffee table. “I don’t care what the customer’s other mechanic said,” he grumbled.

  He stopped dead, staring at me. “Where’s Jaxon? Can’t he handle this?”

  Bear gripped the end of his beard and pulled down as he reluctantly gave in to the request on the other end of the line. “Fine. I’ll be in shortly, but I am going to have your head for this one, fuckface.”

  He sat on the stained oak table, grabbing my hands in his. “How about you put on some of those clothes Jaxon’s old lady let you borrow and we take a ride up to the shop?”

  I pouted, throwing my hands over my face like a child. “But you promised you didn’t have to work today.”

  “Please. I promise I’ll make it up to you.” Before I could protest, Bear’s arms were under me and he was walking up the stairs to his bedroom.

  “I would have given in. You don’t have to carry me everywhere to make me do what you want.” After Bear set me down, I grabbed the pair of black cotton shorts and pink tank top out of the grocery bag Jaxon had given me.

  “Maybe I just like doing it.” Bear’s hand gently slapped my ass before I could get the shorts all the way on.

  “All right. I might be able to get used to that.”

  “You’re going to have to, darlin’. You said it yourself earlier: you’re mine now. That means I can pick you up any time I want.”

  Without warning, I was back in Bear’s arms, being held up high in the air above his head. I loved the sight of his muscles flexing under his tight shirt and cut as he manhandled me like a little doll.

  He set me down gently after making sure to kiss me from my forehead to my lips. “Get ready, sweetheart. The guys are waiting for us so I can deal with that douchebag of a customer for them.”

  “Let me just brush my teeth and then I’ll be ready to head out.”

  I ducked into the bathroom with the clear plastic bag from the hospital that contained my few belongings. After scrubbing my teeth and washing my face, I ran my fingers over my hair and recoiled from my hideous appearance in the mirror over the sink. I had scrapes and greenish-yellow bruises all over my face and down my neck. Looking down, I saw the same injuries were covering most of my legs and arms. Up until that point, I hadn’t cared because I was hidden from the general public at the hospital, where it was normal to be injured and grotesque. Now, though, I was going to have to go into public, meet Bear’s fr
iends, possibly run into someone I knew. A sinking feeling took over my stomach as I tried to compose myself.

  I slunk out of the bathroom with my hands covering my face.

  “What is it now?” Bear asked while peeling my fingers away from my eyes.

  “I’m hideous,” I whined with the slightest hint of a giggle laced in the words. I knew how ridiculous I sounded, but I couldn’t help it—I felt utterly ghoulish.

  “Psh.” He tucked me into his side as he walked me out of the bedroom. “I don’t think that could ever be possible.”

  “I don’t know if I should go out in public like this. People might think you beat me.” It came out as a tease, but I was dead serious. It wasn’t the craziest notion in the world.

  “I’ll just tell people you fell down the stairs.”

  I stood with my feet planted firmly in the dirt next to Bear’s Harley. “Are you sure you don’t mind being seen with me?”

  He rolled his eyes and put a helmet on me. “I promise I do not care what you look like. I am going to be showing you off to everyone that will listen to me.” After fastening the chin strap, Bear pecked my lips.

  “Okay. That’s the end of it, I promise, but on our way home, can we stop and at least grab some makeup so I can cover this black eye that refuses to go away?”

  “Yes, of course, sweetheart.”

  Bear got onto his hog then helped me get on the back. I hadn’t ridden on the back of a motorcycle since I tried to teach Jasper how to ride when we were first dating. He was awful, and after two lessons, I refused to let him on my bike ever again. All his friends teased him for years, saying his girl was more of a man that he ever could be. I used to think they were just being jerks, but they were definitely right.