by Leaona Luxx
“He’s, uh, letting me spend the night,” he murmurs in my ear. I nod, waving at Thayer as we head out.
He holds the door to his Durango open for me; it’s black as night but shines under the street lights. One meets him at the front of the SUV, mutters something, and pulls him into a hug.
He waves at me before jumping in his truck and pulling out in front of us. Chord slides into his seat, driving in the same direction as One. I’m not sure if the nervous feeling is from what we’re about to do or the fact his brother may know.
We follow him around the corner and through a light. Two streets down, he pulls over with One in front of him. He unbuckles his belt, reaching for the handle.
“What’s going on?”
“We need a place to sleep.” He smirks at me before jumping out and running up to his brother.
Chord grabs a rectangular case from the bed of the truck, followed by a couple of sleeping bags. One meets him, taking another bag out. They walk around Chord’s SUV, placing everything in the back.
“Y’all be careful and be good.” Chord side-eyes me before narrowing them at his brother.
“We’ll be fine, just headed out to Jordan Lake to spend some quality time together.”
“What the fuck ever, take care of her.” He wraps his arms around Chord, giving him a big bear hug. “Happy birthday.”
One walks around to my side, making me fidget in my seat. He jerks the door open, leaning in to pull me into a hug also. “Love you, sister. Y’all be careful.”
“Love you and we will, I promise to protect him from the woodland creatures.” I giggle.
“Someone needs to.” He laughs. As One walks away, I get a sick feeling and wrap my arms around my stomach. My mind wonders as to why he’s being so protective.
Chord jumps in, buckling his belt. “You ready?” He looks over at me as I offer a tight smile. He takes my hand, shaking it slightly. “What’s wrong?” He pauses. “I told you, I’m in no hurry. We can wait and just spend the night together. The first of many in our lifetime.”
I tremble, not from his touch but my swarming thoughts. “I-I’m just thinking...”
He twists in his seat, staring at me until I face him. “Talk to me, or there’s no reason for us to be here. We’re in this together, always have been.”
I suck my bottom lip in, chewing on it as I try to decide if I should say it. “Does One think I’m not good enough for you?”
He blanches as his mouth hangs open. “What?” His brow lifts. “Why would you ever think that, did he say something?”
I’m waving him off before he can go on. “No, he’s been nothing but wonderful. Your entire family has always treated me good.”
“Then why would you think that?” His body grows stiff.
“I don’t know.” I shrug. “He just kept talking to you, like he was upset. Did you tell him?” I drop my head, picking at imaginary lint on my shorts.
Chord tugs on my hand, but I’m reluctant to look at him. When I do, he gives me a sweet smile. “No, I wouldn’t share our private information. He assumed, since I asked him to be my alibi. As far as everyone knows, you’re going home and I’m following him to spend the night at his place.”
“So he knows?” I rub my forehead.
“He talked to me about protection, making sure I respected you, and...” he side-eyes me, “...that I make sure you’re comfortable and... satisfied, if anything were to happen.” He grimaces as I fall back into the seat, covering my face as it glows bright red.
“Oh my god. I’m dying!” I scream. “I’ll never be able to face your family again.”
“Sarah... Sarah...” Chord pulls my hand free, bending to get in my face. “I plan to do all of that because I love you. If the conversation is too much to talk about, it may be a good sign that we’re not ready.”
I rub my sweating palms on the seat, tilting my head. “I have faith in nothing. I’m unsure of everything, but there’s one thing I know without a doubt—I believe in us. When I have no one or nothing, I turn to you and my heart is home.”
Chord leans in, taking my lips with a desire so heated a fire sparks deep in my core. I fist his hair, smashing his mouth to mine. His tongue swirls over mine, and I’m lost in the heat building between us.
I fight for air, breaking our connection. “Come on, let’s go.”
He releases me, buckling his belt. He takes my hand in his after turning the truck on, returning to the road. The park is dark by the time we get there, but Chord’s thought of everything.
“I’m gonna leave the Durango’s lights on while we set up.”
I slide from the SUV, following him to the back. “Hand me something.”
He does a double take. “I’ve got it, this stuff is heavy.”
“Didn’t we just talk about being in this together?”
He stares blankly for a second. “We did, you can carry the sleeping bags.” He reaches in, handing me the bags.
“By the way, you do know how to put a tent up, right?” I quirk my brow.
His eyes grow wide. “It doesn’t just pop up?”
My mouth goes slack. “Please tell me you’re joking.”
He narrows his eyes. “Who do you think put the tent up for all those years in the backyard?” He flexes his arms. Wowza, he’s built so fine.
“You did not! No way!” I snicker as I pick at him.
“I did with One or Dad’s help, they knew we loved it. Where else could we hunt ghosts?” He chuckles, making me laugh as I walk toward the camp area.
“True, but today, I’m all the help you’re getting...” I hesitate, glancing over my shoulder, “...and I don’t plan to hunt ghosts.”
We double time setting the tent up, we toss the air mattress in, waiting for it to fill up. I roll out the sleeping bags, tossing the pillows on top. Chord fixes our camp light after handing me the cooler and snacks.
Chord peeks in. “You all set?”
“I am.” I smile.
He hits the lock on the truck and crawls in, joining me on the bed. “It’s a little chillier than I thought it was gonna be. Are you warm enough?”
My tongue sweeps over my lips, looking at him from under hooded eyes. “I’m kinda hot actually.”
He drags his eyes down my body. “I can see that.”
I can feel my cheeks redden, mimicking the fire in my lower belly. “You can?”
He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear before caressing my jaw. His thumb rubs over my cheekbone. “Since the day I met you, you’ve been the most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid my eyes on.”
His lips brush against mine as I release a breathless moan. “I’ve loved you for so long, but I never imagined having you.”
“Why would you think something like that, Sarah?” he asks, kissing me softly.
“I’m not worth it, I’m not good enough for you.” A tear rolls down my cheek as I admit my deepest thought, my fear.
Chord’s lips press into my cheek, drying it. “You’re my soul mate, you’ll always be exactly what I need.”
“I love you.” I fist his hair, smashing our mouths together.
His hand slides around my back, pulling me closer. When his tongue sweeps over mine, I gasp, giving into him. Our bodies tangle as the heat grows between us. Panting as we melt into one, kissing as if we never had.
I tug his shirt, pushing it up his back as I hitch my leg around his waist. His hand runs from my knee down to my ass, groping it as he begins to grind into me. My soaked panties stick to my shorts.
I thrust my hips into his every push, our tongues fighting for the same resolve. We break as I rip his shirt over his head. I gasp as I run my hands down his hard torso to the button on his jeans.
I peek up at him, his eyes watching my every move. When he glances at me, I can see the war in his eyes. “No more waiting and wanting, I need you, now.”
Chord’s mouth crashes to mine as I work his jeans open, reaching in to fist his cock. This time, he’s the one m
oaning. “Are you sure?”
I lick my lips as I stroke him. “Oh, yeah. I’m positive.”
“Let’s get you outta these clothes.” He sits up on his knees, pulling me with him. I tug my shirt over my head, revealing one of two of his presents. “The fuck, Sarah?”
My simple, white lace demi bra is just the beginning. “Present one.” I raise my brow, leaning back on my elbows, I shimmy from my shorts.
Chord’s gaze blazes a path down my stomach to my matching panties. He sighs heavily as the fire behind his eyes ignite. “Damn, you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” he says as he runs his hand over my pussy.
My legs spread of their own accord as he slips his finger under the lace. He sinks into my wet center, rubbing my swollen clit. I buck from the mattress, digging my fingers into his biceps. “Chord,” I beg, breathlessly.
His eyes meet mine when he slides two fingers into me. My mouth hangs open as I clench around him. I push at his jeans, trying to peel them from him. He leans over me, placing his mouth on my breast.
Sweeping the tip of his tongue between my flesh and the material, the warmth from his mouth ignites the spark in my belly. Heat spreads over me when his tongue glides over my hardened nipple.
He rises, leaving me wanting and cold. Stripping his pants, he takes his shorts with them. I get my first full look at Chord. His abs tight, legs hard, and his cock bobbing with heaviness.
I follow his every move as he crawls between my legs, sitting close enough his cock brushes against me. His eyes once again on mine. I know what he’s asking before he says a word. “Yes, I want this.” I sigh. “I take the shot, Mom made me start a few years ago.”
“I came prepared, in case.” He holds a condom between his thumb and finger.
My eyes flicker between it and his face. “It’s up to you, I’ve never done this and never will with anyone else.” He drops the foil package as he presses his mouth to mine.
“I feel exactly the same way, Sarah.” His lips are on mine as his thighs push my legs open wider.
I gasp as he slowly slides into me, the intrusion burning as it stretches me. Chord never takes his eyes off mine, even when he pauses for me to adjust. I wrap my leg around him and with a final push, he breaks through.
My breath hitches as the pain registers, and Chord stops, watching me closely. “Am I hurting you?” I close my eyes, taking in the moment.
The pressure of his cock filling me astonishes me as to how well we fit together. I nod, biting my lip. “No, you feel so good.”
He withdraws slightly, slowly, before sliding back again. The drag, branding me with each push and pull becomes easier. His bump pounding into my grind. I throw my other leg around him, squeezing as his pace picks up.
He takes my mouth with a groan as a bright light flashes behind my eyes, biting my lip as I climb my orgasm. I moan as Chord grunts, groaning with one last thrust. We lay there, tangled together, sated and fascinated.
His breath warms my neck as I try to calm my racing heart. When his cheek rubs mine, I force my eyes open to find him staring down at me. “I love you, Sarah Beth Sutton.”
I kiss his sweet lips but can’t help myself. “Now you say my full name.”
He shakes his head. “Whatever, I love you.”
“I love you.” He takes me in his arms, holding me close as he rolls to his side.
Sleep takes me fast for the first time in my life. I can’t remember when I’ve ever felt safer or more at home. I want to spend the rest of my life right here next to Chord.
New Year’s Day—Four months later
My phone buzzes just as the light turns green. I hit the speaker. “Hello.”
“Mini-me, what the hell are you doing?” He wishes.
I come to stop at the next light. “Fighting traffic. What’s up?”
“Where you been?” The sound of the ocean fights for time with his deep baritone.
“Dropping Sarah off at home, if you can call it that,” I grumble. “Her mom is a piece of fucking work. I don’t know what I’ll do if she hits Sarah again, I swear, One, I hate her.”
“I hear ya, not much longer and we’ll all be outta there,” One grumbles.
“So you’re going? Does Mom know yet?” I wait, knowing he’s fighting his own war at the moment.
“I’m gonna come by this evening, let her know my plans.”
“You want to know what I think?”
He chuckles. “I’m not sure I have a choice.”
I swallow past the knot in my throat. “It’s time to get the hell away from Raleigh. Your crazy ass ex has put you through enough, and you deserve a chance to be happy.”
He’s quiet for the longest time. “What do you think I should do with the company?” he murmurs.
I pull into our driveway, turning off the Durango. “One, it’s your business. Your dad left it to you and you know Dad loves you. He’ll help any way he can, but it’s time to stop allowing other people to dictate your life.”
He huffs, “Aren’t you the little brother?”
“I am, but I’m also the smartest.” I laugh. “Seriously, do what you want. Keep it with the right man as supervisor, start a smaller business down there.”
“The smart-assed, maybe.” I laugh harder. “Maybe I should call Dad.”
Cal is my father, but One’s stepfather. His dad died before he was born, leaving his company to my brother. Being twelve years older than me, some would think we wouldn’t be close, but that’s not the case.
“Weren’t you thinking of going residential and allowing the commercial to stay here?”
“I was,” he sighs, “but I’ll still have to learn the entire business. I wouldn’t mind doing both down here.”
“Well, it sounds like you’ve got a plan and Dad’s just the guy to help. You know he loves you just like he does me and Thayer.”
“I know. So y’all still going to Clemson?” He’s asking about Sarah too.
I smirk, thinking of getting her away from her horrible life here. “We are! Actually, we can’t wait. The sooner May gets here, the better. We’re gonna spend the week with Thayer, hunt us a place, and start our life together.”
“You’re gonna live together before you get married? Good luck telling Mom,” he grunts, amused. The subject of marriage still stings him. I pray one day, that changes.
“Sarah refuses to marry me right after high school or I’d do it now.” I sigh. “She wants us to grow and make sure we can make it. I think she’s afraid but using the excuse we’re too young.”
“Look, I know you think I’m completely against marriage, I’m not. I do, however, agree with her. There’s no harm in waiting, if y’all are meant to be, God’ll make a way.” A shiver washes over me, I suppose he’s right.
“I know, I just want to protect her.” I rest my head back. “I really do love her, there’ll never be anyone else.”
“I hear ya. Four years or less, I think Sarah’s got it right,” he chirps up. “Maybe, two years living together and then y’all can get married.”
“That’s a thought. So you comin’ home tonight?”
“Tomorrow, I need to check a few things out now that I know what I want to do.” He sounds better, more upbeat.
“Alright, be careful.”
“You be careful, you know what I mean.” His voice is low.
“Dude, do not go there. We’re good.”
“I’m just sayin’, if you ever need money or help buying anything, let me know. No questions asked.” I shake my head, he’s terrible at being sneaky.
“I know this is your way to find out my business, but you’re the one who told me to keep my private life with Sarah between me and Sarah. So thanks, but we’re good.”
“Huh, you do listen.” He chuckles. “Okay, love ya, little shit.”
“Love you, brother.” I end the call, itching to text Sarah but I wait. It’s just knowing that I can call her when I want to now, that I love. Just as I slide from my seat,
my phone rings again.
“What the fuck now, man?” I answer without looking.
“First, you shouldn’t answer your phone that way, you never know who it might be. Second, I’m not a man. I’d prove it, but I’m not there. And third, I think you already know I’m not a man since you left my thighs sore last night.” Sarah’s voice drops with each word, leaving her sounding sultry and freakin’ hot.
“Who is this?” I can’t hold in my laughter as she screams my name over the phone.
“Chord Averette Hamilton,” she growls. “I’m gonna kick your ass.”
“I’m kidding! You know you’re the only woman not related to me with my number.”
“Am I? I’m not so sure about that,” she huffs.
“Yes, you are.” I pause. “It’s good to hear from you.”
She giggles. “You just dropped me off, but she’s not home so I wanted to talk.”
“You can call anytime.”
“Yeah, I thought so. My gorgeous man bought me a cell for Christmas. I think he wants to keep tabs on me,” she whispers.
“He’s a smart man, as beautiful as you are.” I walk in the door, taking the stairs two at a time. Shutting the door behind me, I hurry to my bed.
“I hate I’m here,” she grumbles as I make myself comfortable.
“Me too.” I turn my face into my pillow, where her scent still lingers. “I can smell you on my bed.”
“I can’t believe Thayer didn’t wake up, you were making so much noise.” She laughs again. “Thank God your parents’ room is on the other side of the house.”
“Oh because you were so timid,” I tease. “Let’s talk about something else or you’re gonna have to talk sexy to me so I can handle this thing.”
“What in the hell? You are such a perv, calm yourself.” Sarah has no clue how many times I’ve done it to the sound of her voice. She’s hot as hell, and a man’s gotta do what he’s gotta do.
“I hate you’re there alone, but I’m happy she’s not home.”
She sighs heavily. “I know what you mean, I wished she’d stay gone.”
“You could come live with us.” I chew on my lip, knowing what she’ll say.
