HERO (The Complete Series)

by Bella Love-Wins

  “I would love to see him and his sister again,” I answered. “Thanks for telling me. I’ll look into it.”

  “Good. Well, Miss Kate, Matt is already downstairs waiting for you. I’m going over to the guest house to serve the men their dinner. I’ll be back later to clean up, okay?

  “Okay. Now, can I ask you something?”

  “Of course, Miss Kate,” she answered. “What can I do for you?”

  “Well, I know it’s unlikely I’ll get into town or back to the city before Christmas. Can I give you some money to buy a present for Matt?”

  “Yes, of course,” she said. “Matt would be so happy. He loves Christmas so much.”

  “Thanks so much, Yolanda,” I replied. “Well, I’ll think about what to get him and let you know soon. Have a nice evening.”

  I took the side stairwell to the kitchen and saw Matt standing at the window. I quietly walked up to him from behind, and slid my arms around his broad chest.

  “Well, hello there,” he said, reaching his hands up to meet mine. “How was your happy time? You looked so relaxed up there, reading on the chair, I didn’t want to interrupt you.”

  I leaned my head on his back, soaking up his smell and his body heat. “It was great. I needed this.”

  “That’s what I thought.” He answered warmly. “I had Yolanda set our dinner in the sun room. It’s lovely out there at night.”

  He was right. It was stunning. The solarium faced the sprawling farmland out back, which had no street lights. It gave the night sky a sleepy, navy colored hue. I noticed the half-moon up in the sky as I sat down in the porch chair.

  “Listen to this,” he walked over and opened a set of glass doors at the side. “It won’t be cold at all. The heating in here is just right. Hear that?”

  It took me a few moments, but my ears acclimatized. First I heard the thrashing of ocean waves over a nearby break wall. Then, there were cows lowing in the distance. Soon, the sound was overtaken by the chirping of crickets. Finally, there was a hooting sound that I didn’t recognize. “Are those owls I’m hearing?”

  “Arctic owls, to be exact.”

  “This far south?” I asked.

  “Last year they began to show up in the dozens out in these fields. Must be the Greenhouse effect.” He passed me a large tray with a Greek salad beside what looked like the tastiest crisped chicken Milanese I had seen all year. “Let’s eat.”

  “The food looks so good,” I said, and began feasting on the salad.

  “Wine?” he asked, holding out a pristine glass.

  “Yes, thanks. I haven’t had a drink in ages.”

  He sat in the chair beside me as I placed my glass of wine on the side table between us. We both ate quietly, admiring the view. It was an unconventional dining style, sitting in a lounge chair with a tray in my lap. I had to admit, though, sitting under the moonlight and a galaxy of stars made for extra enchantment.

  As I ate, I thought about how the direction of one’s life can change so suddenly. Over the past several years, I had snatched the reins of independence by force and left Phoenix behind. I didn’t think about how much of Phoenix I had given up in exchange for that freedom. I had been so cynical about my parents, that I wrapped a thick layer around myself to stay practical and tough in an even tougher big city. Up to a couple weeks prior, I had felt it was still the right decision. Fast forward ten days, and I was sitting beside a man I’d never think could know or have in my life, looking out on a night sky that so closely resembled home. I was questioning everything, after having been so certain that I had been on the right track before Matt. I let out a sigh that I hadn’t expected would be so loud.

  “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Matt said, gently pulling me from my thoughts.

  “Yes, just lovely.”

  “You know, I can be a good listener,” he added.

  “Yes, you are a good listener,” I answered.

  He got up and took my finished tray from my lap, walking his and mine to the kitchen.

  When he returned, he turned down the lights on a panel nearby, then tugged me out of my chair and pulled me to my feet so he could wrap his arms around me. I loved his embrace, I felt enveloped in his warmth; protected and safe.

  “Come sit with me,” he said. “You can teach me about the stars.” He sat and leaned back in the wide, sturdy chair, and then gently pulled my arms down so I’d lie beside him.

  “Comfy?”

  “Very,” I answered. “And how did you guess I knew about the stars?”

  “Lucky guess,” he said with a smile. “Do you think we’d ever get as great a view of Orion’s Belt?”

  “We’re facing the wrong direction for Orion,” I answered. “We’re facing north, right?”

  “Yes,” he answered.

  “Okay and see that shape that looks like a ladle?” I asked, pointing up at it.

  “I think so.”

  “That’s Plough, or the Big Dipper. And see that string of stars that seem to snake around it there?”

  “Um, yes.”

  “That’s Draco. And just to the right of it, can you see a shape that looks like a bow and arrow?”

  “I think I see it,” he said as he slipped his arm over and around my shoulders.

  “That’s Cygnus. The bright star at the back of the bow is called Cyg, It’s a supergiant.”

  “Oh, okay I think I see it now,” he said softly. “That, and a million points of light, all looking down at us looking up at them.” He looked over at me and turned my head to face him. My body tensed up as I felt the sweet feeling of desire spreading through me. I closed my eyes, ready and eager for his kiss. Nothing met me. I opened my eyes.

  “Something wrong?” I asked.

  “No, not at all,” he replied. “I’m just getting a good look at your beautiful face under this light. Come on, let’s go inside.”

  Chapter 7

  Matt led me upstairs, but took me to the master bedroom instead.

  “Are we playing musical beds?” I asked, with flippant curiosity.

  “That would be a great game,” he joked. “Especially naked. Let’s play that tomorrow night.”

  “What a workout that would be in this house. So what are we doing h-” Before I could finish my sentence, I got through the doorway. The room was transformed from when he had first shown it to me earlier in the day. The fireplace was turned on and there were rose petals on the floor. Petals were laid out from the entrance, all the way to the fireplace and over to the bed. A bottle of wine was chilling in a silver ice bucket beside the sofa, with two long-stemmed glasses in the tray beside it. The lights were dimmed to a hue that made the fire send shimmering bands of orange and gold through the room. It took my breath away that he could be this romantic, and that he did that for me.

  “I think you’re spoiling me rotten,” I said when I could speak. “Right to the core.”

  “I consider it an honor.”

  I turned and laced my hands around his waist. “Thank you, Matt. It’s more than I could wish for.”

  The sexual tension had been building for me since earlier in the day, at least emotionally. Being this close to him sent a fiery heat through me. I looked up at him, remembering the first time he devoured me at the condo. When I felt him inside me for the first time, on his couch. I wanted to drive him to that place sexually, so I could relive those erotic moments instead of imagining them whenever I looked into his eyes. But more than anything, I wanted to tell him I loved him. Why couldn’t I say the words?

  He guided me over to the fireplace, and poured us each a glass of wine. “A toast. To many more danger-free, yet eventful days in the country.”

  “Cheers,” I concurred. We sat on the sofa and sipped our drinks quietly. I don’t know if it was all in my mind, but there was a tension in the air. I wanted him so badly, and he had slowed his pace down to where I didn’t know what to do with myself.

  “I’ll be back, okay?” I got up and handed him my glass, walking quick
ly to my room and closing the door.

  I searched through the clothes Yolanda had packed and found a lacy 2-piece lingerie set. I changed into it quickly, then went back to him. He didn’t hear me when I re-entered, so I moved quietly until I was standing behind him on the sofa.

  I slid my hands over his eyes. “I’ve got a little surprise for you.”

  “I like the sound of that,” he said, instinctively reaching his hand up to meet mine. “Do I get to take a guess at what it is? Or is it not that kind of surprise?”

  I kept one hand over his eyes and stretched my arm out, so I could walk around to be in front of him. I removed my hands. “You tell me,” I said in a seductive voice. “You can open your eyes now.”

  His jaws dropped. “God Kate, I forgot how beautiful you are,” Matt uttered. His eyes roamed up and down my body, devoting an extra-long stare on my stomach and cleavage. “Can I just look at you for a minute?”

  “Well, it’s cold standing here in my underwear,” I answered. “I’d love for you to warm me up.”

  “That will not be a problem. Not in the least.” His stood up and caressed my shoulders and arms, then wrapped his arms around me. “You drive me insane, Kate.”

  He leaned down to me and gently kissed my ear lobe. His touch was electric, sending a shock of burning heat down my back. I heard my breath hitch in reaction to his tender touch. He slowly stepped me backwards, inching me closer to the warmth of the fireplace. He stopped when my back touched the thermal marble tiles beside it, pinning me firmly against the smooth, cozy heat. The sensation made me crave him even more.

  I hurriedly felt for his shirt buttons and undid them. When they were all undone, I peeled them back and unbuckled his belt. As his pants and boxers fell to the floor, I pulled free from him and began kissing his chest. His smell was masculine, warm and inviting. I tongued and kissed him as I lowered myself down to his immense heat, feeling my panties dampen. I was ready. Every time my tongue slid lower, he moaned with pleasure. Finally, I got to his blazing hot erection. I kissed the tip, and immediately felt his fingers running through my hair, guiding my lips to take in more of his rock hard cock. My tongue explored every inch of his shaft, making his body and knees tremble in reaction.

  “Fuck! Kate, you feel so good,” he moaned. I looked up at him as I took his head and shaft deeper into my mouth. Our eyes locked for a moment, and there was a dark yearning reflecting back at me. As I teased and tasted him, he lost his composure; letting out a feral groan and tilting his head back in pleasure. I was wet with an unbearable need for him to be inside me, but saw the effect I had on him. I wanted to continue to please him until I made him come. I wanted him to know how much I loved him back, and it was all I could do to express it. I felt him squeeze my shoulder and begin to thrust his hardness into my mouth at a quickened pace.

  “I want to be inside you, Kate,” he said, pulling me up to my feet and pinning me against the wall again. He kissed me passionately, parting my lips eagerly with his tongue. I matched his fierce pace, exploring his mouth and tongue with desperate longing.

  “I want you too, baby,” I whispered between the ravenous kiss. I didn’t want to leave the comfort of the fireplace. It ignited my urgent need for him. “Make love to me right here, Matt,” I purred, turning to face the wall. I pulled off my panties and spread my legs, bending from the waist to give him permission to take me from behind. I longed for him to rock my world. “I need you, Matt. Come inside me and take me right here.”

  “Oh, God, Kate,” he groaned as he grabbed my hips firmly, tilting my waist lower so he could enter me. I wanted him to come inside me so badly that my body checked toward him, preparing for him to pound his blazing cock into me. Instead, he slid inside slowly and gently, allowing my channel to feel every inch of him as he entered. I pushed my hips back to feel him plant his hard cock deeper inside me. He moaned and squeezed my hips tighter. As he gripped my ass, I felt the tension on my soaked lips, which yielded to take in more of him. His left hand reached around and honed in on my throbbing clit, sending jolts of wicked pleasure coursing through me until I shuddered uncontrollably.

  “God, Matt, you feel so good,” I said as his thrusts intensified, slamming wildly into me so deeply, I was aching for more. His other hand slid up my back to my shoulders. His firm grip pulled me into his rhythm, while his other hand possessed my clit with ruthless persistence.

  “Oh God, I’m coming Matt,” I couldn’t hold it in anymore. My back arched as his cock hit hard against my sweet spot. I let out a loud, climactic squeal as he continued pounding me and attacking my stinging mound with his fingers. I lost all control. Spasms ripped through my body, unable to hold in the orgasm. As my channel rippled helplessly, Matt began to arrive at his own climactic crescendo. He tightened his strong fingers into my shoulder blades, securing his grip for more leverage. He buried his shaft deep into me, to quell his oncoming release. In one final, sharp thrust, Matt let out a guttural moan that gave away the agony of his orgasm.

  My knees started to give way in exhaustion, and Matt anticipated it, wrapping his arms around me to hold me up as he recovered. We both breathed heavily to catch our breaths. I felt him kiss the nape of my neck lightly, nuzzling his growing whiskers against my back with a sweet tenderness.

  “I could stay inside you all night,” he moaned. “You’re so moist and warm after we both come.”

  “It feels so right,” I answered weakly. “How about we have a quick shower then meet back here or in your room? I need to freshen up a bit.”

  “Deal. Let’s meet in here. The idea of musical beds is stuck in my head now.”

  He pulled out of me gently, and I could feel he was still hard. I wanted him all over again, but didn’t admit it. We had all night. As I stood up to leave the room, he grabbed my wrist and turned me around. He leaned down and kissed me on the lips. My hands wrapped around his waist and pulled him toward me so I could feel him close.

  “There’s something I’m dreaming of hearing come from your lips,” he said.

  Oh God. He knows I can’t say it. Or won’t. Either way, I’m so fucked.

  I acted like I didn’t know what he meant. “What?” I asked.

  “You heard me,” he answered. “Before you do, though, I need to confess something to you.”

  “Confess what?” I blurted out. Confess? What could there be to confess? Oh God, not another Joy controversy. Or maybe there’s more I don’t know about? I had to know right away.

  “Go tidy up and let’s talk about it when you come back,” he answered.

  “What is it, Matt?” I pushed. “Just tell me. I can handle it.” I hoped. Fuck, I probably couldn’t handle it.

  “I kinda like seeing you all jittery and on edge,” he teased. “I’m gonna freshen up and will be back in a few, ok? Relax. We’ll talk soon.”

  I huffed as I followed him out of the room. I went back to my room and wracked my brain, wondering what he wanted to tell me. I was on autopilot as I took a quick shower. I hurriedly towel-dried my hair after the shower, not wanting any more time to pass before getting the straight goods. I slipped on a comfortable one piece negligée that met me at mid-thigh, and walked back in the room. Matt wasn’t there. Of course he wasn’t. He was about to drop a bomb on me, and I’m the one all wound up with worry.

  I realized I needed to pull myself together. What did I have to worry about? It could be something minor. I could be getting bent out of shape for no good reason. After all, I wasn’t hiding anything. Sure, I couldn’t bring myself to tell him the three words I hadn’t mentioned to a soul since my grandmother passed, but I feel I had good reason not to, up until now. Those words were most treasured, close to my heart, and best not thrown around. Yes, Matt was worth telling those words. Of that I had no doubt. I just had to find the courage to let it out.

  I lay in the bed and propped myself up with pillows. It felt good to relax. After a few deep breaths, I had calmed my mind down. I released a heartfelt sigh and looked over
at the fire. I couldn’t help but admire the flames, which danced and flickered with its own magical, ancient power. I was slowly hypnotized by its playful trickery. Soon, I closed my eyes and slept.

  Chapter 8

  When I woke up the next day, I was cradled in Matt’s arms. I smiled and rolled toward him. He was still asleep, and had a peaceful look on his face. His chest rose and fell rhythmically, and I couldn’t help but cuddle up closer to his chest and feel his cozy warmth. I breathed in deeply, taking in his addictive, masculine scent. My eyes closed, and I felt I could drift back to a comfortable sleep in short order.

  “Good morning,” Matt said drowsily as he began to wake up.

  “G’morning.” I snuggled closer, wanting to get even closer to him. His arm under me, wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me closer so he could kiss my hair.

  “It’s great sleeping next to you. But you know what’s even better?”

  “What?” I looked over at him and asked.

  “Waking up beside you,” he said dreamily. I was in heaven.

  “Me too,” I answered, letting out a yawn I wasn’t expecting. “So what’s the plan for today?”

  “Well, it’s still early. But first, some coffee,” he opened out his arms for a morning stretch. “After that, the day is wide open.”

  “Can we go take some gifts for the Holstein kids?” I asked. “I heard they’re living with family in Calverton now.”

  “Sure. I’ll get the girls at Holts to deliver some things here tomorrow, and we can take it over in a few days.”

  “Awesome.” I said. “I’ve been thinking about them since the fire. So any other plans coming up?”

  “Actually,” he looked up at the calendar on the large digital clock sitting on the night table. “There’s nothing on the agenda this week, not until next Tuesday.”

  “What’s next Tuesday?” I asked.

  “The charity Christmas ball, remember?”

  “Oh yes,” I answered. “So it’s going to be here in the Hamptons?”