*****
2015
Liam
“You know, I could fill it in for you now, if you’d like me to.”
“I don’t know. You’re a pretty hot, sought after artist. How much do you charge?”
I tickle up her ribs as she squirms and laughs and tries to break away. “How much do I charge?” I mock.
Once we settle down and go back to our dinner, I say, “I really like the other one you have on your rib.”
“Thanks. It’s the only other tattoo I have,” she says. “It’s very important to me.”
I lay her back a little to study it and read it out loud.
In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.
“It’s an Albert Camus quote. He was a philosopher who won the Nobel Peace Prize. He fought during World War II as a writer for a resistance newspaper in Paris,” she explains. “I got it a couple of years ago … after a lot of therapy. It reminds me that I’m a survivor. For a while there, I wasn’t so sure.” Her eyes become stormy, but she covers it quickly. “Camus was cool; he also wrote that ‘no matter how inexplicable existence might be, human life remains sacred.’”
I look at her in fascination at how she puts into words what’s so deep in her soul.
Out of nowhere, Bailey comes over, sits down hard beside us and stares.
We both start laughing.
“I’m assuming he likes chicken?”
“Yeah, he likes everything.” I roll my eyes and throw him a chunk.
“And you don’t spoil him either, right?”
“Okay, maybe I do.”
“How did you become the surrogate father?”
“Ha! Perfect way to word it. Cade and Debra got him for the home—as a sort of therapy dog for the kids—but he was a handful, so he somehow ended up mine. He accompanies me everywhere just about, and the kids at North House love him.”
“He seems like a good friend.”
“He is.” I look up at her. “And yes … his name is Bailey after your favorite drink.”
She looks at me and her eyes are full of emotion.
“Don’t move,” I tell her as I set her on the seat next to us. “I’ve got to put him out.”
“I won’t move.”
I smile. “Okay.”
Bailey goes bounding down the back hallway, and I shout behind me, “And don’t get dressed.”
“I won’t,” she shouts back.
I let Bailey loose in the fenced in backyard so he can do his thing.
When I get back to the table and see Quinn sitting there, naked and waiting for me, I immediately scoop her up into my arms. “Let’s go back to bed.”
I start to carry her through the living room, but her warm hand reaches down and slides between us until she has ahold of my cock.
“Why wait so long?” she purrs.
We get as far as the couch.
I lay her down, and she rests her head on the dark red pillows propped against the armrest. I kneel over her so she can keep playing with me.
“You’re so thick and long, and I love how you’re becoming like rock in my hands.”
She puts her fingers in her mouth to wet them and then dances her fingertips over my most sensitive area, right below my head, around the neck and on the underside of my dick. I close my eyes and tilt my head back. A moment later, she tickles my balls at the same time. I feel myself quickly swelling towards combustion.
I let myself enjoy her touch as she explores my ridges, bends and veins. She traces each contour.
“You are so unbelievably perfect,” she whispers before I feel my cock slip between her lips and inside her moist mouth.
“Oh, Quinn.” I hadn’t expected this, and it’s an incredible surprise. “You’re unbelievably perfect.”
I groan as she sucks me from the bottom of my shaft to the tip.
I sink my hands into her hair and fist the gorgeous blond locks between my fingers. I fucking love her hair.
I’m also getting a brand new—full body—appreciation of her succulent mouth.
She licks my tip like it’s a lollipop before going back down, swallowing me whole into her throat and coming back up, making the sexiest sound as I pop out from her lips.
“STOP!” I almost shout. “We can’t do this.”
“You don’t like it?”
“Oh, I love it! But it’s too much too fast, and I want back inside of your pussy.”
She blushes.
I close in on her. “Oh, you like when I talk dirty.” It’s not a question.
“Maybe.”
“Good. Open your legs for me. I want full access to your sweet heat.”
She mewls as I softly stroke her folds with the flat of my fingers. I make little circles over her clit, which soon has her writhing her hips in search of more friction.
“Do you like when I touch your clit?”
“Yes.”
As her back arches, her breasts jut out towards my mouth. Her nipples pebble under the ministrations of my tongue. I lick and lap as she grows more and more needy.
I lift my head to watch her eyes become hungry with desire.
She moves her head towards mine, lets out her tongue and licks my lips, which I immediately part to kiss her. Our tongues delight in one another before her hips begin to buck faster.
“You’re so close, baby.”
She reaches out and tries to grab my aching dick. “Not yet, I just want to focus on you as I make you come.”
Quinn drops her hand and surrenders to me.
“God, you’re so fucking beautiful.”
I have her running so hot, I could orgasm by just watching and listening to her!
Taking a moment to peer down, I gaze at my fingers as they tickle through her silken hot pussy. I look at her with an artist’s eye. “Your pussy is such a gorgeous palette of colors—hues of soft pink and dusky rose.” I bury one finger inside, up to my knuckle.
“Oh, Liam.” Her head drops back.
“Oh, there you go.” I scoop out her moisture and use it to massage her clitoris.
Sucking on her tit again, I make sure my eyes never lose contact with her face—I want to remember this forever.
She moans while I fuck her with my hands, and I have to kiss her again. I have to swallow her moans and her sexy noises as I stay on her until her arousal is pushing her over the edge. Her breathing is shallow and she’s frenzying underneath me.
“Come on, baby,” I coax.
She is seriously the most exquisite work of art.
“I’d be down, licking on your pussy right now if I didn’t want to swallow your amazing noises so bad.” I’m holding on by a thread.
She whines my name. “Liam.”
Thread breaks.
As she reaches the precipice of her clit orgasm, I thrust my dick inside of her, all the way to the hilt. The inside of her velvet chamber squeezes me violently as it quivers and shakes.
I drive into her forcefully as her vaginal orgasm peaks along with her still spasming clit.
HARDER!” she begs, losing all self-control. “Oh God, don’t stop!”
Yes, I did that! I crow in happy satisfaction in my mind as Quinn bunches her fingers and nails into the backs of my shoulder muscles.
Hmmm … pain and pleasure, I think and maneuver her legs so they’re pinned up around my arms.
“You’re so deep! I’m … I’m …” She can’t finish her sentence.
“OH, FUCK!” I cry and explode inside of her with the full fury and pressure of what seems a like a fireman’s hose. “Holy hell, woman! Or maybe I should say, holy heaven.”
A moment later, I fall down onto the couch beside her, both of us fully satiated. I pull the throw blanket over us.
Then, just like old times, we fall asleep in each other’s arms.
Chapter Twelve
2015
Quinn
“If they killed each other, I’m pretty sure you’ll be held as an ac
complice to murder,” I hear a man’s voice say.
“Shut the fuck up, Connor. You’re not a lawyer … yet.”
That was Josh, no doubt.
I try to open my eyes, but I’m so tired, and I wonder if I’m just dreaming.
“They’re going to be all curled up together in his bed,” Josh says, sounding sure of himself.
“Dead,” Connor quips.
“Oh shit!” Josh and Connor blurt out together.
I pry my eyes open and see that they’re in the living room.
“What the fuck! Don’t you two know how to knock?!” Liam roars and quickly helps to detangle the blanket around us so I’m covered up.
I try not to laugh. “At least they turned away. If it’d been Ryder he’d be trying to join us.”
All three guys burst out laughing.
“Told you they didn’t kill each other.” Josh shoves Connor.
“Hey, it could have gone either way,” he defends himself.
“If anyone was going to be dead, it would’ve been Josh about sixteen hours ago,” Liam states, glaring at Josh as if he’s still thinking about following through on the threat.
“Yeah, but I’m fucking brilliant. See what happened?” Josh crows. “I knew it.”
I can’t help but laugh at him. “I’m going to sneak away upstairs. I’ll be back in a few.” Quickly, wrapped in the blanket, I leave Liam on the couch with only the pillow to hide his manliness.
“And you guys are here why?” Liam asks.
“To bring you back these,” Josh says, laughing.
“Our cell phones, how gracious of you,” Liam says.
Josh lowers his voice, thinking I won’t be able to hear him. “Are you glad I did it?”
I listen harder.
“Fucking hell, yes!” Liam laughs. “Stupid, dangerous, fucked-up move, but it was brilliant.”
Suddenly, I hear a crash that makes me jump and Bailey starts barking.
“Hope we’re in time for Sunday brunch.” It’s Reese’s voice.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, I remember fondly.
“Yeah, and that stunt you pulled had Cade and Debra nervous last night,” I hear Talon scold Josh.
Oh God! I hadn’t even thought of them once.
Josh says, “Uncle Cade and Aunt Debra were fine last night when I called and explained the situation.”
They start talking as I wash my face and quickly get my clothes on. I start hunting for my purse for a brush until I remember Josh stole it, since it was in his car yesterday too. I find Liam’s brush and use it.
I’m so excited to see them all—it feels like a homecoming reunion—but before I get ahead of myself, I sit on the top stair and just listen to them banter.
Someone’s annoyed nobody made or brought pancakes. Someone else says we can all go out to breakfast. Then one of the guys complains about money and asks who’s going to break out the money bags.
Ryder, Josh and Talon have handled me being back in a really great way. But what about the rest? Will they look at me like they used to? After that night?
Has enough time passed for all of that to have been washed away?
If it hasn’t, and someone does mess up, will I be strong enough to be okay, or will it cut me open?
All of them are down there—Josh, Reese, Talon, Ryder, Connor and Chase—they’re whistling and making loud cat calls to Liam, who is obviously bare-bottoming it to the laundry room for pants.
I cover my mouth to stifle a giggle.
“GET DOWN HERE, WOMAN!” Ryder calls out shrilly. “YOU COULDN’T MAKE YOURSELF ANY PRETTIER! WE ALL WANT TO SEE YOU!” He lowers his tone and quips, “And maybe she’ll come to her senses and finally dump Liam for me.”
That doesn’t sound like judgment or pity—that just sounds like pure fun.
“Shoulders back; remember who you are,” my inner coach whispers. And I start down the stairs.
“Holy shit! That’s Quinn!?” Reese squawks. He always was the comedian.
“Shut up and be respectful!” Josh nudges him with his elbow.
“It’s sweet. I’ll take it as a compliment,” I tell them.
“Wow! Just wow! You’re even prettier than you were as a kid.” Chase walks over and gives me a hug. “It’s so good to see you.”
Reese is next, then one by one, they all hug me. And of course I can’t keep myself from crying.
“You made her cry!” Ryder shoves Connor and Connor rolls his eyes.
And though they’re trying to hide it, their eyes aren’t dry either.
“I’ve really missed you. All of you.”
“Yeah, but I’m devastated …” Reese shakes his head mournfully. “You obviously missed Liam the most.” He turns to Connor. “I told you, she always played favorites.”
“Yes, she does.” Liam comes up behind me and puts his arms around my shoulders. “So, is someone really taking us all out for breakfast?” he asks.
Reese points at Connor, who points at Talon.
“Fine, I’ll buy. I didn’t need that new car anyway,” Talon jokes.
Chase asks, “Where are going?”
“Hell’s Kitchen, of course,” Liam says.
“God save the waitresses,” I quip.
Ryder and Reese vie for first place in the hostess’ line. The brunette hostess gets a look at the two of them together, and I’m sure, by the expression on her face, she’s already having panty-melting fantasies about taking them both on at once.
Reese’s blonde hair tumbles just above his shoulders and looks like a sexy mess—especially when you pair it with his athletic build and silver brow barbell. Ryder’s brawn and predatory demeanor give off a vibe that makes you want to be prey—his shorn short brown hair, green eyes and leather attire leave you panting. One is light and fun; the other is dark and brooding; both are all alpha.
Liam is hugging me from behind—his protection and loving possessiveness make me feel safe and wanted. I love him claiming me and showing everyone else around he’s mine and I’m his.
Another waitress wanting to get in on the action comes over with a huge smile. The boys tell them there are eight in our party, when the girls’ mouths drop as they glance back towards the door.
By now, the ruckus that’s starting up behind us is hard to ignore, and so are the men making it. Josh, Connor and Chase are playfully going on about idiots who don’t know how to properly park a car, while quiet Talon walks in, rolling his eyes at them.
Liam and Josh’s fame—or notoriety—precedes them, and of course, all of them look like hot, rugged movie stars with bodies to kill for.
Most of the women are thinking, porn stars. I laugh to myself.
The two waitstaff girls lead us to the back corner of the restaurant—flirting shamelessly the entire way. When they begin to put two tables together, the guys politely tell them they’ll do it. We all take a seat while Ryder puts in the order—stacks and stacks of pancakes with all the fixings—enough for seven hungry brothers and their would-be sister.
It feels like home, and old-times, and family—and I love it! I love them, each of them.
They take turns, each of them telling me what they’re doing with their lives: Chase is attending the tribal college on the White Earth Reservation, where his family is from; Reese is at Minnesota State with a football scholarship; Connor is studying law; and of course, Josh is a big time MMA fighter, I heard all about Ryder’s bounty hunting business in Liam’s car the other day, and Talon is a tattoo artist at The House of Ink and Steel.
I’m in awe they all turned out to be such incredible men and that they’re all so close. I can’t help but giggle. Who would’ve believed it?
*****
July, 2005
Quinn
“This is absolutely ridiculous! Can’t you idiots tell when you’ve got a good thing going?” I rage.
We’ve all been incarcerated in the group room, where we’re being forced to sit together until Cade comes in here to dole out punishmen
ts. The fighting between the boys got ugly this evening after group. Liam and Josh always have it out for each other, but a couple of weeks ago Josh grabbed my ass in the hallway. I punched him so hard I sprained my wrist. He was so sorry—genuinely sorry—I couldn’t tell Liam, or anyone for that matter, what he’d done. Like everyone else in here, the attitude he carries is just another way to mask the pain. Of course, Liam knew something had made me that angry, so now he’s constantly picking fights with Josh—and this time everybody wanted in on the action.
Group does that to them sometimes. Usually Cade brings everyone straight to the gym afterwards, but tonight they couldn’t wait that long.
Cade just set the bone in Liam’s nose, and there’s blood all over his shirt; Josh is holding an ice bag against his swollen face; Reese is whining on the sofa, still holding the tender area between his legs that somehow got kneed during the melee; Chase has a wet washcloth pressed against the bleeding above his eye; Ryder’s brooding dangerously in the corner of the room—his arm got twisted, and Cade said it might require a trip to the hospital; and Talon and Connor are nursing bloody knuckles and busted lips.
“Debra and I spent over an hour making those pancakes. OVER AN HOUR!” I shout. “I don’t know about you all, but I’ve never had anybody care about me enough to cook like that.”
They all gaze down at the floor or their shoes in shame.
“I mean, honestly, if you hate each other so much, why don’t you just leave?” Furiously, I throw the ice bag I’m holding across the room. “We sit in group together every freaking day; we know just about everything there is to know about each other. We know we’ve all been dealt a fucked-up hand—and I don’t care how tough or hard you are, I know you all want a family … and a place to call home. I would think that should bring us closer together!”
“Maybe this is our chance!” I look around at the four walls of the room. “The only chance we’ll ever get for a home! Or a family!” I shake my head. “And you guys want to waste it?” My voice is now trembling and I feel like I’m about to cry.
“Quinn—” Liam and Josh say at the same time.
Burn (Brothers of Ink and Steel #2) Page 20
