He shook his head as though he was clearing it of bad memories before his eyes cleared and he took her in. “You look...happy,” he said and he smiled. “Do you have a new boyfriend or something?”
Emma grimaced and turned towards the coffee machine to brew a cup, “I am happy,” she said, avoiding the question. “What about you? Seeing anyone?”
She turned and gave him an innocent look as she took a sip of her coffee. Derek narrowed his gray eyes at her. His eyes were like silver at times but right now, they looked like a dark storm cloud.
“You didn’t answer my question, Em, which means you are...at least, Mom thinks you are. Since you obviously don’t want to talk about it, I won’t bug you...right now. As for me, no, I’m not seeing anyone.”
Holding up her hand in a sign of a truce, Emma said, “Okay, I am seeing someone, but it is just starting and I don’t want to jinx it by talking about it yet.”
Derek nodded and Emma leaned back against the counter as she savoured her coffee. That was what she loved about her brother – he was protective of her and he cared about what happened to her, but he wasn’t intrusive about it. Sure, she had no doubt that he would beat any man senseless if he hurt her, but Emma also knew he would butt out if she asked. He trusted her enough to know that she could take care of herself.
The siblings stood in the kitchen for a few minutes as they silently enjoyed each other’s company and their coffee. Finally, Derek moved over to the fridge and began rummaging through it.
“I thought I would make some bacon and Denver omelets for breakfast. Do you want to help?”
Emma grimaced, she really didn’t like to cook, but she enjoyed spending time with her brother. Taking out the pots and pans, Emma started prepping the hash browns in one of the skillets as Derek pulled out all the ingredients and set them on the counter. They fell into a comfortable silence, chatting occasionally about their work as they prepared breakfast.
She would glance over at him from time to time and had to admit that her brother was looking good. He still had the build of an MMA fighter, even though he had been out of the ring for several years and was now running triathlons as a hobby. His hair was a bit longer than it used to be, the shaggy cut just below his collar. He looked good with the longer hair and the scruff on his face – not quite a beard, but close. It was nice to be with Derek this way, although when he didn’t think she was looking, his lips were set in a tight scowl.
Although he was pleasant enough, Emma could feel his sour mood...he seemed like a powder keg about to go off. It seemed odd and it definitely wasn’t directed at her. In fact, she felt like she was a calming presence for him.
“So are you staying here the whole month or are you heading into town to stay with some of your friends?”
Derek stopped whisking the eggs and looked at her. “I figure I will spend a few weekends with Kyle up at his farm, but most of the time I plan on being here. I haven’t seen you guys in six months, and I really want to catch up with everyone.”
He looked out the window and Emma watched his gaze follow the road that lead to the stables. She wondered if his bad mood had something to do with Julia. “Something smells great,” Aiden said as he walked into the room. “Did you make enough for me?”
Derek laughed and he shook hands with Aiden before giving him a hug, “Hey, man, glad to see you’re well. I didn’t think I would be seeing you this trip.”
Aiden’s eyes hardened and his jaw tightened as he ran his hands over his face, “Well, that’s what happens when you get injured...you get to spend time at home and not training.”
Emma flinched at the same time that Derek did. Aiden’s voice hadn’t been harsh, but it was clear that he was upset about it. Derek said, “Sorry, man. I forgot you were injured. I wouldn’t have worded it like that if I had. Still, it is good to see you.”
Just like that, the tension left the room as Derek and Aiden smiled. She turned back to the stove and focused on getting breakfast finished up. “If you want to eat,” she said over her shoulder, “then you have to help.”
Aiden grinned at her and she wanted to go and seal her lips to his. Unfortunately, with Derek in the room, she couldn’t do that. As if sensing her problem, Aiden winked at her and picked up a slice of pepper that Derek was chopping. He popped it into his mouth and chewed it slowly as he watched her. She felt like he was devouring her, and she turned back to the stove to ignore him.
“What would you like me to do?” Aiden asked and there was so much innuendo in his voice that she was surprised Derek hadn’t noticed it.
“You can set the table,” she said, and she heard Derek laugh so she turned to look at them. Aiden was frowning and obviously pouting about having to set the table. “Go on,” she said. “You have your job, Derek and I have ours.”
She stuck her tongue out at him as Derek turned his back. Aiden’s eyes flared with heat and she knew she would regret her teasing when he finally got her alone...or at least, he would make sure to really tease her in ways that would leave her begging.
Emma turned back to the stove and simply enjoyed the sounds of the kitchen as she worked. Derek and Aiden talked about his last few fights before the injury and all the other things that they had in common. It felt wonderful and she couldn’t help feel the warmth that having such a close family created for her. The only downside to this was that she couldn’t kiss Aiden whenever she wanted, but maybe one day soon.
“Breakfast is just about done, can you go and get Mom, Derek?” she asked as she started transferring the hot plates from the oven to the granite countertop. “I saw her in the study, and I think Tony was in there, as well.”
He nodded and walked out of the kitchen. Emma picked up the serving platter filled with bacon and sausages and headed over to the table. She felt Aiden standing behind her and she shot a quick glance to the doorway before she leaned against him. “You smell amazing,” he whispered into her neck before he kissed the tender spot between her shoulder and ear.
“I smell like breakfast.”
“Mmmm, bacon,” he chuckled, and she laughed.
“You sure know how to make a girl feel sexy.” Emma set the plate down and turned in his arms. She reached up and planted a kiss on his lips before she smiled. “What are you doing today?” she asked.
“Having breakfast with my beautiful girlfriend and then taking her on a day long ride,” he said.
She shook her head. “Really, where are we riding?”
“I thought that we would saddle up two horses, I already cleared it with Julia, and head out to the river where we used to swim. I ordered a packed picnic from the sandwich shop in town and already picked it up so we can eat, swim...maybe make love.”
Emma sighed. “Sounds wonderful, but...maybe I should hang around here. Won’t it seem odd to Derek if we are both gone?”
He shook his head and planted a soft kiss to her lips. “Nah, I am sure that he will be plenty busy. Julia has to stay for the entire weekend...”
Emma laughed in surprise. Apparently she wasn’t the only one who suspected that Derek was conflicted by the blonde breeding manager. “Well, I guess I can spend the day with you.”
“Don’t make it sound like a chore,” Aiden complained and Emma laughed at his pout. “I promise to make it a great day.”
Before she could reply, she heard her mom and Derek talking as they walked down the hallway. Emma pulled from his embrace quickly and stepped away just as Derek walked through the doorway, his eyes narrowed and his jaw tightened as he looked between them. Emma forced a smile and said, “Derek, can you help me put the food on the table? Aiden isn’t much help.”
She tried to laugh, but as she moved the food to the table, she felt Derek’s questioning eyes on her back. Whenever she glanced his way, his eyes were dark with worry.
Chapter Three
The sound of water filled her ears for several minutes before the trees cleared and the large river spread out in front of them. The river was part of
the ranch and this spot, where it widened and grew calm, had been their swimming hole since they were kids. Actually, if Emma wasn’t mistaken, it was her grandfather’s swimming hole when he was a kid, as well. Despite having her grandmother alive, Emma missed her grandfather dearly and felt a tug of melancholy as she watched Aiden dismount and stake his horse on a lush patch of turf for him to graze.
She waited patiently on top of her bay, a sweet little mare named Ivy, as he walked over to where she was. It had been a wonderful ride and something she desperately needed after the tension of breakfast. As they’d sat down to eat, she realized that she had two choices: either stop sneaking around and tell their parents or sneak around a lot better. They had almost been caught!
Of course, there was a third choice. She could break up with Aiden. She couldn’t believe she was thinking about it, but maybe that was the coward in her. The one who thought she should run away.
“Why the frown?” Aiden asked as he approached her.
“Just this place. It reminds me of my grandfather and how he used to take us here swimming when I was a kid.” Tears were welling in her eyes and she felt a sting of guilt that she’d even thought about breaking things off with Aiden – no matter how fleeting the thought was.
“We can go somewhere else if you want,” Aiden suggested, his eyes filled with concern.
Her heart practically melted at his words as she shook her head, replying, “No, I love it here.” He reached up and his large hands wrapped around her waist as he lifted her from the horse. Setting her down gently, he planted a kiss on her lips and then staked her horse so Ivy could graze alongside his gelding. He pulled the saddlebags off of Winston, the painted appaloosa he had been riding, and moved down towards the small beach beside the river.
Years ago, Emma’s granddad had carted sand to this spot and made a comfortable beach for everyone to swim and it was still a favorite spot for the family to ride to...even though it was far from the main estate. Emma pulled the blanket from Ivy’s saddlebag and carried it to the best spot on the beach. She spread it out and then sat down and sighed. “It’s so peaceful here.”
“I know.” He sat down beside her and stared out at the water, where a blue heron walked along the far shore searching for fish. “I hated Dad when he moved us out here. I thought I needed to be in the city, but then Derek brought me here and I fell in love with it. I often come out here when I am home to visit, unless the weather prevents it.”
Emma smiled up at him. She never knew he liked this spot so much. For some reason, it made her feel closer to him...their shared love of this place. She laid back on the blanket and stared up at the blue sky. It was a perfect late spring day and it was warm enough to feel like the middle of summer.
“So, do you want to go swimming first or eat?”
Glancing at the water, Emma shivered. “Do you think it will be warm enough?”
“The water? No, it’s going to be freezing,” Aiden leaned over and smiled down at her. “But I am always willing to warm you up after.”
Heat flushed her cheeks and she felt her desire sweep through her. She was always ready to make love when Aiden was near her. It was like he had control of her sex drive and had decided to turn it up. Ignoring the innuendo, she said, “Why don’t we eat first? I’m famished from the ride.”
Aiden leaned back and started to unpack their meal. He pulled out several sandwiches that Emma knew were going to taste delicious. The diner in town made the best roast beef sandwiches. Then he pulled out fruit, several cold salads, and slices of banana cream pie in Tupperware containers. It looked heavenly. “I don’t think I’m that hungry,” she said.
Laughing, Aiden tossed her a sandwich and pulled her against him so she could lean on him while she ate. They watched the heron and ate in silence...simply enjoying being together in such a beautiful place. He unwrapped a dish filled with strawberries and grapes and pulled out a strawberry. When he held it up to her mouth, Emma took a bite of the fruit and then sighed when Aiden leaned forward and licked the juice from her lips.
“You taste amazing,” he said as he offered her another strawberry, again, licking the juice from her lips. Emma’s body thrummed with need as she chewed the flavorful fruit. She gasped when Aiden palmed her breast and twisted her hard nipple gently. “I don’t think I want to swim yet,” he said. “You taste too good, and I want more.”
Not able to stop the need humming through her, Emma nodded. Aiden’s eyes darkened with passion and he returned to kissing her. His tongue swept inside her mouth and their tongues sparred as need overcame both of them. But Aiden was as lazy as the sun streaming around them and he moved with languid sweeps of his hand going up and down her body as they kissed. By the time he pulled away, every part of Emma’s body shivered with excitement.
He smiled down at her and brushed her hair from her forehead. “I think I am in love with you,” he murmured before he kissed her again. She didn’t say anything, but just showed him that she was already in love with him as her hand slipped under his t-shirt. She felt like they were alone in the world. The only sounds were the rushing of water and the horses grazing near them.
His own hands were wandering under her t-shirt, as well, and he broke the kiss long enough to pull her shirt off over her head. He trapped her wrists above her head with the fabric of her shirt. Staring up at him, she gave him a pleading glance...she wanted to touch him, but she drew still, sensing that something amazing was about to happen. Aiden fingered the thin fabric of her string bikini. “I like this,” he said, “but I don’t want anything between us.”
Pulling the straps free, he tossed the bikini top to the side before he slipped her jean shorts and bikini bottoms off. She laid there, completely naked in the late afternoon sun, her wrists bound above her head and trapped by his one hand as his gaze raked across her skin. Gooseflesh shivered on her skin from Aiden’s electric touch.
“Don’t move,” he commanded as he slipped away from her. His own jeans followed hers as he tossed them to the side. His shirt soon joined them. His bronzed skin glowed in the sunlight, and she shifted slightly. His hand swatted at her hip, lightly but with enough force to remind her to lie still. She gasped at the passion blooming from that spot on her hip. She bit her lip, and he growled.
“You tempt me so much,” he said as he reached into the saddlebag to pull out another blanket. He covered them both and shifted so he was lying on her. His knees kicked her legs apart, and he nestled himself between them as he grasped her bound wrists.
His hands slid down her arms as he kissed her again. Aiden’s mouth bruised her lips, and the kiss deepened as though he was staking his claim to her. His hands grazed the sides of her breasts and then he pinched her nipple. She screamed at the sudden burst of pain in her nipples and opened her eyes to look at him. “Trust me,” he said as he looked down at her.
He released her nipples and licked the sensitive bead. Moisture rushed to her pussy as the pain became an intense pleasure unlike anything she had ever experienced before. He pinched her nipples again and replaced his fingers with his tongue seconds later. The pleasure was edged in a sweet sting that had her pussy pulsing with need.
She looked up at him, confused that this rough love could turn her on so completely. Moving her hands to unfetter them from the shirt, Aiden growled, “No, keep them above your head.” His hand reached up and trapped her wrists under it as his teeth grazed her nipple. She bucked at the heady feeling and sighed when his wet mouth soothed the tortured flesh.
“Oh God! Aiden, I am so close to coming,” she screamed into the blue sky.
Aiden smiled and held her wrists, shifting so he could move down her body while he held her. He planted a kiss to her mound, and she shrieked as lights fluttered at the corner of her eyes. He sat up, grabbed her string bikini top, and smiled wickedly. “Now this will come in handy,” he said as he wrapped the fabric around her wrists and secured them. He placed them on her stomach and instructed, “Don’t move them, babe
.”
She nodded and bit her lip. He groaned and kissed her sore lip, sucking it into his mouth as he nibbled on her lip. He then drank deeply from her mouth before he began to kiss down her body again.
He stopped at the sensitive spots on her body, and nipped the skin gently before soothing the bruised flesh. It excited even more gooseflesh on her. Emma squirmed under him as he kissed his way under the blanket and down to her navel. She looked down at him and he smiled up at her, a smile as brilliant as the sun. “I want to taste all of you.”
Nestling between her legs, Aiden sucked in the pearl at the apex of her thighs, and Emma gasped in pleasure. She writhed as he nibbled the sweet nub, adding that sweet sting of pain-edged pleasure that had her eyes rolling back in her head. She twisted her hands in the restraints he had made and used the sting from her wrists to keep her from going over the edge into her orgasm.
Then he plunged his tongue deep inside of her. She felt exposed to the world, but she didn’t care...all that mattered was the magnificent man and what he was doing between her legs.
Emma cried out as her orgasm swept through her, and Aiden lapped up her juices as she did. “You taste amazing,” he groaned.
Moving between her legs, Aiden planted another bite to each of her breasts before he kissed the area. She shuddered, her desire filling her again. Resting on his arms above her, he stared deeply into her soul. “I’m not going to be gentle,” Aiden warned her, “but all you need to do is tell me to stop and I will.”
Emma nodded and while his words were a little scary, they also excited her more than she have ever imagined. He grasped her tied wrists and held them above her head. He placed another searing kiss to her lips as his cock pressed against her entrance. Then he flexed his hips and slammed his cock deep inside of her, brushing against her cervix. She screamed at how rough his entrance was, and he stopped, buried to the hilt inside of her. “Do you want me to stop?” he asked.
Bad Fighter Stepbrother (Book 3) Page 2
