Harbour of Refuge

by Aliyah Burke

  “You really enjoy this, don’t you?”

  Her smile threatened to take him out at the knees, it hit him so powerfully. “Autumn is my favourite season. This is my one splurge. My time to get away and just allow the stress of everything to melt away.”

  “You are absolutely glowing.”

  She smiled and turned away. He didn’t understand how she could be so confident about some things, but compliments from him had her blushing and hiding her face.

  After moving down until he stood behind her, Enzo wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head. “Do I embarrass you when I say things like that?”

  “I don’t need compliments, Enzo.”

  “I know you don’t. I like giving them to you.” He nuzzled her behind her ear. “Give me your camera.”

  She turned it over with a suspicious gleam in her eyes. “What for?”

  He winked. “I want some pictures of you.”

  It took some convincing, but he got her to pose for him. Then she took some of him and they used the timer to take some together. The sun had begun to set in the sky when they trudged back up the long trail to his Forester.

  “Thank you,” she said, then gave him a quick kiss after they put their things in the back.

  He grabbed her around the waist, holding her close. “I had a really great time. So, thank you.”

  He didn’t know how to explain the difference in her. She was upbeat anyway, but out here she seemed to shine from deep within. Halyn rested her head upon his chest and looped her arms around his waist.

  “I’m beginning to see why you come out here every year.”

  “It’s something magical, for sure.”

  He couldn’t agree more. “Is this why you have a house on the edge of town?”

  “Yes. If I could live up here and support myself I’d do it in a heartbeat. I’m really jealous of Jaydee’s house. It’s gorgeous, and she has the lake as well as the mountains.” She sighed. “One day. I mean I love the town and area but, I’m just…absolutely captivated by it here. It’s my refuge.”

  “Let me get some food into you, then we can figure out what to do tonight.”

  She tipped her head up and waggled her eyebrows at him. “I know what I want to do.”

  “Oh, baby, so do I. Food first. We’ve only had a light lunch.”

  “Fine.” She stuck out her lower lip in a pout and he didn’t hesitate. He swooped in and sucked it into his mouth, grazing it with his teeth.

  “I’ll make it up to you. Promise.”

  When she cupped him through his jeans he groaned and set her from him. It wasn’t easy, not when every inch of his body screamed for him to strip her naked and sink deep inside her wet heat. Pound her until she came hard all over his cock, then flip her over and do it again. And again until neither of them could move.

  He wanted to prove it was more than just sex between them. To both him and her. So he ignored his raging desire and helped her into the passenger side. They held hands on the way back to the cabin and once there she showered while he began supper.

  The meal again went smoothly and they spent the evening cuddled before another fire. She fell asleep in his arms and he closed his eyes before brushing his lips over her forehead. This qualified as damn near perfect for him. Three more days of this, then it would be back to the real world.

  He carried her to the bed prior to tending the fire. A rumble of thunder echoed through the mountains as he crawled into bed beside Halyn. I’m glad it didn’t rain today so she could have her day taking pictures. He fell asleep with the first pitter-patter of rain hitting the large window in the bedroom.

  * * * *

  It was the movement on the bed that woke him. Turning his head, he opened his eyes to see Halyn crawling back in. She immediately snuggled up to him and he curled his arms around her.

  “Morning.”

  “Morning to you. It’s raining.”

  He peered out of the window. “I see that. So what does that mean for the day?”

  She glided her fingers along his waist. “I say we stay in bed and see what happens.”

  He rolled her over to her back, wedging himself between her legs. “I do like the way you think.”

  It wasn’t until a few hours later they made it out of bed. They sat at the dining room table enjoying waffles, fruit and bacon. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her. She was wearing one of his shirts, panties and nothing else. Her hair hung freely around her face and she had an adorably satisfied look on her face.

  She tucked some hair behind her ear and swirled her coffee in her mug. “What?”

  “Nothing.” He gestured with his chin. “Are you sure you don’t want to eat anymore?”

  “This on my plate is good for me.” She stabbed a strawberry then ate it, a cock-hardening moan slipping from her throat.

  He clenched his fingers around his fork, forcing himself to stay in his seat.

  “What’s on for the rest of the day?”

  She stretched, his shirt pressing enticingly against her firm breasts. “Not sure. Another nap?”

  He grinned. “Sweetie, you never need to ask me if I’m good with keeping you in bed. We could stay there the rest of this trip, I would have no problem with it.”

  With a wink, she dug into the remainder of her waffle. “I think I want to bake cookies. It would be nice to have the smell in the house while the rain is falling.”

  After the dishes were done, he built the fire back up so the crackling filled the air. A mug of coffee in hand, he stood by the living room window and stared out at the beauty around them. Even the grey haze of the day couldn’t detract from what Mother Nature offered.

  Slender arms curling around his waist snapped him from his musings. Her breasts against his bare back sent spikes of electricity through him. Lowering one hand to caress her skin, savouring the closeness they shared.

  “You okay?” she asked.

  “I’m fine. Was just looking out at this and wondering how amazing it must be in the winter months, surrounded by snow.”

  “It’s gorgeous then, too.”

  She moved to his side and he dropped an arm around her shoulders. “You’ve been here?”

  “Once. Joe and Mila had a Christmas up here and I came for a day. Almost got stuck, I have to tell you, my Z28 is not a winter vehicle.”

  He chuckled. “No, I ’spect not. Need something with all-wheel drive.”

  “I would be better off with it, that’s for sure. But I so love my car.”

  “Me too,” he said, kissing her temple.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Setting his drink on the windowsill, he turned her to him. Enzo swiped his thumbs over her lips before cupping her face in his hands. “Halyn, stop worrying, please. I’m having a wonderful time here with you.”

  “I just know you are usually much more in the mix of things and here…it’s—”

  “Perfect.” He covered her lips with his. “Absolutely perfect.”

  “If you’re sure.”

  “I am.” And it wasn’t a lie. He felt more relaxed here than he’d ever felt anywhere else.

  “I’ll be in the kitchen.” She gave him another light kiss before slipping off and leaving him there alone.

  Not really alone, though. The cabin wasn’t that big and he could hear her gathering ingredients for cookies. Music poured through and he smiled at her choice. She loved her classic rock. Finishing his coffee, he walked back to the kitchen.

  Halyn sifting flour in his shirt was apparently a huge turn-on for him, for his body reacted immediately. She’d pulled her hair away from her face and it bounced with each motion she made.

  “You here to help or just ogle?”

  He leaned against the counter. “I’m thinking ogling.”

  “Oglers don’t get finished product.”

  “I meant help. I’m here to help.” He grabbed her around the waist and buried his face into her neck. Lord, she smelt delicious. “Put me to
work.”

  * * * *

  Halyn watched Enzo as he climbed up in the tree to get the Frisbee she’d just launched there. He wore loose-fit, well-worn jeans and a T-shirt that had seen better days but made him look so yummy.

  It was their last full day and thankfully it had dried up so they could be outside. She’d fixed them a picnic lunch, which they’d eaten earlier. Now they were playing Frisbee—or would be, had she not put it in the trees—near the edge of a large meadow. The grass was a beautiful golden colour, blending in with the rest of the scenery.

  “I’m beginning to think we need to move to the middle of this meadow. You’re deliberately putting this thing in the trees just to see me climb.”

  She smirked, her hands clasped loosely before her. “Now why would I want to do that? Possibly to see all those muscles working together in such mouth-watering splendidness? Me? Are you sure?”

  He swung down and landed without so much as a grunt. She blinked at him and held out her hand for the Frisbee. When his gaze narrowed on her, she swallowed.

  “I’ve got you figured out, Ms Jennings. And yes, I think it’s all a ploy to get me up in the tree.” He stalked her and she retreated. “I don’t know if that’s legal.”

  Holding up her hands, she tried stalling him. “Maybe we could just agree it won’t happen again?”

  He arched an eyebrow. “I’ve gone up five trees. Now you want me to believe it won’t happen again?”

  “Sounded good,” she squeaked as he reached her and lifted her over his shoulder. “Enzo! Put me down.”

  One hand delivered a smack to her ass. “Oh, no. I have something else in mind for you.”

  She craned her neck trying to figure out where he was taking her. The closer they got to the small pond, the more she struggled. “Enzo. Don’t. Don’t throw me in there.”

  He didn’t respond, just tightened his hold on her and continued. At the edge he whipped her off his shoulder and she screamed. Only she didn’t fall—he had her safely in his embrace.

  “Do you really think I’d do that?”

  Heart pounding, arms wrapping around his neck, she breathed deeply. “I wasn’t sure. You didn’t say anything.”

  “There are many things I would do, that, not so much. Maybe in the ocean on a warm day. Never in the mountains, especially when it’s so cool.”

  She buried her face into his neck. “Thank you for not dropping me. And I’m sorry for throwing all those into the trees.”

  He carried her back to the blanket where they’d had lunch and laid her down. Enzo positioned himself so he could stare at her and she didn’t even shiver when the wind picked up. His body put off so much heat she hadn’t the slightest chill.

  Running her hand up and down his arm, she watched him as he did the same to her. “I think we should go back.”

  He skimmed her cheekbone with a knuckle. “Tired?”

  A slight shrug. “Sort of.”

  His grin informed her he understood her perfectly. “Let’s go, then.” A hard, fast kiss before they both scrambled to get all their things. In less than an hour they had returned to the cabin, the picnic basket along with her camera ignored on the floor as he took her against the wall.

  Yes. One of her best vacations ever.

  * * * *

  “Five. Four. Three. Two. One! Happy New Year!”

  The cheers were tremendous as they counted down into the New Year. Halyn blinked before she found herself swept up in Enzo’s embrace as he kissed her deeply. Toes curling inside her stiletto heels, she melted against him, wrapping her arms around him and threading her fingers through his hair.

  He rested his hands on her hips, holding her near so she could feel the erection within his slacks. She whimpered, moving closer, moaning in frustration when he retreated. The heat in his gaze was enough to singe her little black dress.

  “We’re at a party, sweetheart. I have to be here for a while longer, and that will all go to shit if you keep doing that to me.”

  “Happy New Year,” she said, stepping to lean against him.

  Autumn and winter had flown by with her growing ever closer to him and Liev. It had been almost idyllic, but she knew better. Racing season was ready to commence. He had to begin his training, and everything else which came with his job.

  He’d flown them down to California, to the team’s party. She’d met the new manager, Steven Krube, and Luke’s wife and child. Right now, Liev was asleep in a hotel room with one of the crew’s older children watching him.

  Walking away, she went to get another drink, smiling and congratulating those she passed. With a thank you to the bartender, she turned back to seek Enzo out in the crowd. He stood with a group of women who fawned over him. It didn’t bother her as much as she’d figured it would. She understood that part of the game, but he’d never given her so much as a flicker of reason to doubt he would be faithful to her.

  She sat on the stool, sighing and nursing her drink. It was impossible to ignore the nagging feeling that had been creeping up her spine since they had landed. A rift had always been there between them—the racing—and now she was feeling it expand.

  This was a world she neither understood nor belonged to. Sure, she could fake it. She had the day she met him in Monte Carlo. But she had no interest in it beyond him being safe, whereas he fit in this world of the fast and rich.

  I was shocked he’d even purchase a Subaru when he got the place in Oregon. Thought for sure he’d have got his own Lexus or something similar.

  Women had diamonds dripping from them—it actually turned her stomach to see the excess. With each passing second, she felt more and more out of place. After finishing her drink, she made her way to the ladies room. She was just about to leave one of the stalls when the door opened.

  “I just don’t know what he sees in her.”

  “Me either. I know if I was the one on Enzo Cassano’s arm I wouldn’t be wearing that dress, it’s like, seriously outdated.”

  Tears sprang to her eyes at the remarks. If she were Mila, she would have confronted them. She wasn’t and she didn’t like confrontations.

  “I know. But really, a toy store owner? What a massive step down for a man who used to date supermodels. I don’t know what he sees in her at all. She’s…well, so simple. Have you seen her hair? Really? Try a relaxer next time. God, it’s awful.” They both laughed.

  “I’m going to flirt with him some more. I know he’s interested. Before long I’ll be at his side, and that kid of his will be at a boarding school.”

  “You’re evil, Rachel.”

  “Hey, like I want to raise someone else’s brat.” The sound of lips smacking replaced the talking. “Let’s go.”

  “Have you seen her lately? I’ve not seen her since they kissed after the countdown.”

  “Nope, let’s hope she left, that way I can get my kiss from him for the New Year.”

  The door opened and shut again, leaving Halyn alone. Just more proof I don’t belong in this world. She walked to the sink. After washing her hands, she stared at her reflection. Simple makeup, her dress—yes, was a few years old—but it was one she’d thought would be fine. A little black dress wasn’t supposed to go out of style. Her hair was drawn up to the top of her head, the curls adding depth to her look, framing her face in what she’d thought was a cute way.

  With a self-deprecating sigh, she sank the tissue in the trash and walked out. “I want to go home,” she told herself.

  Enzo found her at the bar where she sat nursing a cranberry cooler—a non-alcoholic mix of cranberry juice, lime juice and club soda.

  “There you are,” he said, placing a kiss on her cheek.

  She wriggled one foot. “Not used to wearing these shoes, wanted to sit for a bit.”

  “I promise a foot rub later. A few of us want to go up to the pool room for a game. You want to come?”

  “No. I think I’ll just keep this seat and rest my feet.”

  “They’ll have chairs up ther
e.” He nibbled along her neck.

  She closed her eyes and inhaled the familiar and intoxicating compilation of cologne and Enzo’s own, personal masculine scent. Tonight it was paired with the faint hint of alcohol.

  “Go,” she insisted, false cheer injected in her voice.

  “I’ll be back soon.” One more kiss then he slipped off through the crowd.

  “Refill, ma’am?” the bartender asked about forty minutes later.

  “No, thank you.” She drank it and pushed her glass away. “Have a good night, and Happy New Year.”

  The man smiled. “Same to you, ma’am.”

  With a deep breath she got to her feet, scanning the floor for Enzo’s manager. Spying him, she moved to his side and waited patiently for him to notice her.

  “Halyn,” he said. “How are you?”

  “Fine, Mr Krube. Tired, however. Could you let Enzo know I went back to my room?” With Liev on the trip, she’d not wanted to share a room with Enzo. She hadn’t thought it best for Liev.

  He stepped closer and lowered his head. “Everything okay?”

  “Yes, sir. He went to play pool, or something like that. I’m getting a headache and think it best I just head back. If you see him could you let him know? I’ll call him as well.”

  “Of course. It was a pleasure meeting you. Let me walk you to the door.”

  Before leaving the room, Halyn looked back at the lavish setup. Not her world. Exhaustion nipping at her heels, she left and took the elevator to her suite. Her shoes were first to go, followed by the dress.

  She showered then fell across the bed, waiting for sleep to come. Honestly, it didn’t come easily. All she could see were the women who thought she wasn’t good enough throwing themselves at Enzo.

  Chapter Nineteen

  He’d fucked up. Somehow. Enzo wasn’t sure how, but he knew he had. And he didn’t like it one bit. He stood across the room and watched Liev eating breakfast with Halyn.

  Last night when Steven had told him she had returned to her room because of a headache, he’d known he should have gone after her. He hadn’t, staying instead for a few more games of pool. When he’d woken this morning, he’d seen the note Liev had left him.