“Do I do anything smoothly?” He rolled onto his back.
I laughed. “Of course. You are as smooth as they come.”
“Glad you think so.” He put his hands behind his head. The action accentuated the muscles in his chest and arms.
I was a fan of muscles. I ran my hands down his chest.
He closed his eyes, clearly enjoying my touch. “Are you sure you’re not the one trying to seduce me?”
“Would I really have to try? I thought you were easy.”
“I’m not easy anymore. Remember? I’m reformed.”
I laughed. “I can change that.”
“I thought you didn’t want to sleep with me. You made that clear a few times after torturing me.”
“I don’t want to. But want and need are two completely different things.” I ran my teeth over my bottom lip.
His eyes flew open. “Oh, you need me then?”
“It sounded better in my head.”
He laughed. “You are the most entertaining girl I’ve ever met.”
“Entertaining? That’s an interesting way to describe me.”
“You definitely keep my attention.”
“With or without my clothes on?”
“Both. Although maybe a little more without them.” He raised an eyebrow.
“I can say the same about you.” I ran my hand down his chest again. I couldn’t get enough, and that wasn’t good.
“It’s not fair you know.”
“What isn’t?”
“You get to touch me to stay entertained, and I don’t get to touch you?” His eyes were playful.
“Who says you don’t?” He wanted to play, and I was down for that. I pulled off my t-shirt.
His eyes widened. “You kill me, Vera.”
“You’re the one who complained.”
“But now I’m stuck. You know I want to touch you, but I also value my balls.”
“If I’m asking you to touch me, you’re safe.”
“You promise?”
“Absolutely.” I needed his touch, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I took his hand and placed it on my breast. “See, not so hard.”
He groaned. “Wait. I get what you’re doing.” He pulled his hand back.
“What?”
“The bet. I’d almost forgotten about that.”
“I had forgotten.” I had. With everything else: the plotting, the plans.
“Sure.” He looked anything but convinced.
“Bet is off.”
“Completely off?” His eyes locked with mine.
“Completely and utterly off.” I glanced down and noticed the evidence of his arousal straining against his boxers. “Deal? Forget the bet and touch me already.”
He laughed. “You’re pushy even in bed.”
“Sex is the best stress relief.”
“Who said anything about sex?”
“I did.” I yanked off his boxers. Letting my eyes take in how aroused he was.
“Isn’t that jumping ahead?”
“No.” I pulled off my shorts. I’d let him take off my underwear himself.
“Are you sure?” He leaned up.
“Positive.”
“Good.” In a flash he had me down on my back. He put a finger under the waist band of my underwear and slowly eased them down. “Because I agree, sex is a stress relief.”
“If you fuck half as good as you kiss, this is going to work wonders.”
He ran his lips down my neck. “I thought I was a seven.”
“I altered your score, remember.”
“Still, I wasn’t a ten.”
“Your size makes up for it.” I took him in my hand.
He groaned softly. “Size is really a thing for you.”
“Size in that department.”
“I’m not going to fuck you, Vera.”
“What?” I sat up pushing my body against his. “You can’t back out now.”
“I never agreed to that. I won’t do something that meaningless with a girl I’m going to be seeing over and over.” His word choice had my body warming even more than it was already. “I will however have sex with you.”
“What’s the difference?”
“The difference is I respect you.” He slipped his hand between my legs. “And I need to know you respect me too. I’m worth more than the size of my dick.”
“Once again you surprise me.”
“Get used to it.”
“You know I want you for more than that.”
“Oh yeah?”
“You also have nice abs and a chest that’s drool worthy.”
He narrowed his eyes.
“But that’s not why I want you. I want you because you make me angry, and no one else makes me feel anything anymore.”
“That’s exactly what I was hoping you’d say.”
“Good.” I closed my eyes and eagerly waited for his fingers, but it wasn’t his fingers that I got.
I heard the crinkle of a wrapper before he thrust into me. I opened my eyes. I was already wet from his words, so my body welcomed the surprise. I opened up to him, wrapping my legs around him. He moved in hard and fast movements that had me holding on to him.
“Need you,” He mumbled against me.
“Right back at you.” I thrust my hips against him, letting him know I didn’t want him holding back. The full length of him felt incredible, and I wanted it as hard and fast as he was willing to go.
He took the hint, filling me so completely I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I panted before biting down on his shoulder to keep myself from screaming out. He shuddered a few moments later.
He rolled off me and touched the bite spot on his shoulder. “You bite during sex.”
“Does that bother you?”
“No. I kind of like it. I like that I don’t have to worry about breaking you.” He lay on his back.
“You definitely don’t have to worry about that. I’d worry more about me breaking you.”
“That better not be about my heart.”
I laughed. “Yeah… no. I meant another part.”
“Don’t break my dick.”
“I’ll try not to.”
He laughed and pulled me down so my head rested on his chest. “You think we’ll fight less now that we got that out of the way?”
“Maybe, but for good measure let’s do it again.”
“Right now?”
“Didn’t you bring more than one condom?”
“It’s not about condoms.” He opened his wallet and pulled out another. “It’s that I’m not sure you’re ready for more yet.”
“And that’s where you’re wrong.” I took the condom from his hand and climbed on top of him. “I’m definitely ready for more.”
“You really are so much like me.”
“Quit saying that like it’s a bad thing.” I put the condom on him and slowly eased him inside.
“Don’t worry. I won’t say it again.” He cupped my breasts.
“Good. You better hold on then.”
I’d found the female version of me, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about it. Everything about Vera infuriated me, but those things also made her completely irresistible. I ran my hand down her bare back, marveling once again at how soft her skin was.
“Mmmm.” She murmured. She’d fallen asleep a few hours before. I hadn’t, but I was in a much better place. She’d been right about sex being a stress relief, but it was more than that. I felt good, and I knew just any sex wouldn’t have done it. It was her and the way I could really be myself with her, both physically and mentally. I hadn’t transformed—I’d never done that with a girl, but if I was ever going to do it with anyone it would be Vera. Knowing her, she’d probably get a kick out of it.
We were in over our heads, but when weren’t we? At least this time it wasn’t Casey and Levi’s lives hanging on the line. The problem was someone else’s most assuredly was. That was the problem with caring. It starts with something small a
nd then gets bigger. You end up doing crazy things on the off chance you might be able to help.
“Good morning.” She blinked a few times.
“Morning.” I brushed my lips against hers. We hadn’t kissed once the night before, but her pink lips seemed very inviting at the moment. “Sleep well?”
“Very. I was more tired than I originally thought.”
“I may have had something to do with it.”
She laughed. “You did.”
“You probably need to go back to your room soon.”
“Kicking me out?”
“Reluctantly, yes. I’m sure your parents are going to find out we’re sleeping together, but no reason to throw it in their faces more than necessary.”
“I guess you’re right.” She threw back the sheets, revealing her gorgeous body.
“I wish we had more time.”
She laughed, pulling on her t-shirt agonizingly slow. “I’ll be back tonight.”
“You better.”
“Jared Florence, are you threatening me?”
“No. I know better than to threaten you. I’m merely trying to deal with some, uh, feelings right now.”
She laughed harder this time, slowly slipping on her panties. “And I wonder what those feelings are?”
“Don’t worry. A cold shower will take care of it.”
“And you say I’m the one who teases with the showers.”
“I’m not teasing. I’m coping.” I refused to get up and show her exactly what she was doing to me. She’d never leave if I did.
“Until tonight.” She kissed me on the forehead in a gesture that seemed so unlike her. “See you for breakfast.” She slipped out of the room closing the door behind her.
I dragged myself out of bed and toward the attached bathroom. At least I wouldn’t have to walk down the hall with my tent pole. I’d been right. One night with Vera wasn’t nearly enough. She was addicting, and staying away was going to be hard—if even possible. At least she seemed to want the same thing for now.
I turned on the water to cold. I hadn’t been kidding. The cold water helped, but not nearly enough. I cleared my head and reminded myself I’d get another chance tonight.
Breakfast was as awkward as one would expect. I was seated at the table with the girl I’d just spent the night with—and her parents. It was perfect really.
“Can I get you more coffee?” Some sort of servant asked.
“Sure, that would be great.” Usually I tried to limit my caffeine intake, but it was having a bit of a calming influence on me at the moment. “The food is delicious.” I was never comfortable having someone wait on me. I preferred to do things myself.
“I’m glad you think so.” Taliana smiled. “We didn’t know what you two liked so we had Ria make a little of everything.”
I put another piece of sausage on my plate. “It’s perfect.”
“I have to agree.” Vera sipped her coffee. She’d barely eaten, and I hoped it had nothing to do with regretting things with me. She was also being quieter than usual. Then I remembered. She was probably trying to take my advice and listen.
“Don’t you want to try the French toast?” Taliana asked her. “It was always your favorite.”
“I’ve cut back on carbs.” She didn’t mean for any sort of weight loss. I’m sure discovering her shifter side had made her more of a meat eater.
Taliana seemed to understand. “Then how about some more ham?”
“I’ll take another piece of bacon.” She picked up a piece with her hand and took a slow bite while locking her eyes with mine. So much for regretting anything. She was teasing me.
“I hope you two got some sleep last night.” Gareth set his gaze on me as he spoke. “We have a busy day planned.”
“Oh yeah? What are we doing?” Vera finished the bacon and returned to her coffee.
“Touring more of the island and making your formal introduction.”
“My formal introduction?” Vera paused with her cup halfway to her mouth.
“Yes. There will be a ceremony, of course. We did an informal one with Casey, but your mother and I will need to plan yours out more thoroughly.”
“Ceremony?” She coughed on her coffee.
“Yes. Ceremony. As my daughter, it’s customary.”
“And what happens at this ‘ceremony?’”
I laughed at her use of air quotes.
“Let’s leave that as a surprise, why don’t we?” Gareth suggested.
Vera slammed down her cup. “Not a chance in hell.”
“I’ll fill you in, honey.” Taliana touched her daughters arm and glared at her husband.
“You better.”
“Is that the way you talk to your mother?” Gareth rolled up his sleeves.
Vera gritted her teeth. “Whoa. No way. You can’t start lecturing me.”
“This has nothing to do with your position as my daughter. It has to do with respecting your mother, and my mate.”
“My ‘position?’” The air quotes weren’t as cute this time. She was close to bubbling over.
“What’s the first stop on the tour?” I hoped I could keep everyone’s tempers at bay. It looked like Gareth was starting to show his less than pretty colors. I was relieved to be there with Vera. Maybe she wasn’t as safe as her mother had assured us. There went the protective instincts again.
Taliana forced a smile. “It’s a beautiful morning, so I thought you might want to start with the gardens.”
“Are they working gardens?”
“Absolutely. We produce all of our own food here. We strive to be completely self-sufficient.”
“Only strive to?” Vera was in rare form.
“I’m still waiting for you to apologize to your mother.” Gareth glared at her.
“Why?”
“Because you were rude. She deserves respect.”
“Then she can ask for it herself. She doesn’t need you speaking for her.”
“Vera…” Taliana bit her lip. The woman was worried and for a second I saw through the façade. She was holding something back, and I needed to find out what.
“I’m sorry, Mom. This whole situation is so stressful and new that I’m speaking out of line.” Her words were laced with sarcasm, but the sarcasm wasn’t for her mom.
“It’s fine. I understand. Let’s finish up. The fresh air will help.”
“Sounds great.” Vera ate a strawberry and pushed back her chair.
“Thanks for breakfast.” I addressed Ria. I assumed she’d done the cooking.
“My pleasure.” She smiled slightly and bowed.
“Jared, I’m sure you’ve seen gardens before. I have a few other things I’d like to show you.” Gareth finished off his coffee.
I glanced at Vera to make sure she was on board. She nodded.
“Sure. I’m up for that.”
“Great. If you’ll give me a minute, I’ll be ready.” He stood.
I nodded and watched him walk away.
“Thank you, Jared.” Taliana smiled.
“What are you thanking me for exactly?”
“Your presence.”
I knew her words meant a whole lot more than they sounded. “I hope you ladies enjoy the gardens. If you remember, grab a tomato for me.”
“I’ll remember.” Vera smiled. It was strained. My feeling had been right. Something was going on, and Gareth was planning on putting both Vera and I in the center of it.
“You ready?” Gareth returned with a satchel-type bag.
“Yup.” I got up. “See you later.”
“Bye.” Vera forced another smile.
I followed Gareth out of the room, hoping Vera could manage to keep herself out of trouble for a few hours. I really didn’t want her getting on Gareth’s bad side, and even though he wouldn’t be with her, he’d hear. As he’d told us, everything would get back to him.
“If you weren’t already annoyed at me, I’d point out how sexist this is.”
“What�
��s sexist exactly?” Mom swung her arms at her sides. She seemed so much lighter and more comfortable once we left the house.
“That we’re going to see some gardens, and Gareth is taking Jared somewhere presumably more male.”
“The key word is presumably. What if they were headed to the spa?”
I rolled my eyes. “Not a chance.”
“I’m just saying, it’s not prudent to jump to conclusions.”
“Where is Gareth actually taking him?”
Mom looked away. “I don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know?
“I don’t know for sure.”
“You sent my friend off with him, and you don’t know where he’s taking Jared?”
Mom smiled. “Where’s all this concern coming from?”
“It’s not concern.”
“It’s not?” She raised an eyebrow. “If it isn’t, then I don’t see why you’re upset.”
“I don’t want someone messing with my friend.”
“Don’t you think Jared can take care of himself?”
“Of course he can, but not if he’s ambushed.”
“Ambushed?” Mom stopped in her tracks. “Why on earth would anyone ever do that?”
“I don’t know. I can’t figure out anything that’s going on here.”
“What makes you think anything is going on?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Mom, remember who you’re talking to.”
“I’m trying.”
“Then you’ll realize you can’t get anything past me.” I stopped. I was doing the exact opposite of what Jared suggested. I was supposed to be listening.
“Vera?” Mom watched me carefully. “What are you over thinking?”
“Nothing.”
“I am your mom. That means I know you better than anyone.”
The name Chris entered my head, but I wisely kept that to myself. No reason to rub salt in any wounds or get anyone in trouble.
“Have you talked to Casey?” It seemed like Casey was a safer topic, although she probably shouldn’t have been. Gareth seemed to be taking her existence incredibly well.
“Not since you got here.”
“I need to call her.”
“You girls used to be close.”
“Emphasis on used to.” Leaving with Murphy had changed everything. Casey could pretend to be over it, but I’d hurt her, and that kind of hurt takes years to heal.
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