We ordered coffee and chose a table near the back. I sat facing out, the wall behind me.
“Are you okay?” Grace asked.
I let out a breath and unclenched my fists. “Yeah, sorry. I’m still getting used to this.”
“That’s okay. It seems like you’re doing pretty well.”
“I guess. We’re a block away and I already can’t stop thinking about going back.”
“That sucks. Let me know if you need to go.”
“Thanks.”
She took a sip of her coffee. “I heard you saw Lawrence.”
It wasn’t surprising to hear her refer to our father by his first name. Dad had been in and out of Grace’s life—mostly out, especially in recent years.
“Yeah, I did. It was… interesting.”
“Is it bad that I hope he looked terrible?”
I laughed. “No. And he did look terrible.”
“He’s such an asshole,” she said. “I thought he was bad before I knew about you guys. But now? I never in a million years thought I’d wish prison on anyone. But he deserves it.”
“He does. Speaking of, I found out more about what he’s been into. Gambling—the illegal kind, I think—and he owes a lot of money to some bad people.”
“That’s not good.”
“No, it’s not. Have you noticed anyone following you, or your mom? Driving by your house or anything like that? Maybe taking pictures?”
Her brow furrowed. “No, I don’t think so.”
“Good. I don’t want to freak you out or make you worry unnecessarily. Just… be careful. Be on the lookout for people who might be following you.”
“I will. And I’ll talk to my mom about it, too.”
“Thanks.”
She lifted her coffee to take a sip and I noticed her ring. She’d said she was engaged, but none of us had ever met her fiancé. In fact, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever heard his name. I knew he was out of the picture for some reason. She’d mentioned waiting for him to come home, but I didn’t know why. I’d always wondered if he was military.
“Do you mind if I ask about him?” I gestured to her engagement ring. “Is he in the military?”
Glancing down, she stretched out her fingers. “No, he’s not in the military. He’s in prison.”
Whoa. I hadn’t expected that answer. “Oh shit. Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”
“It’s okay.” She closed her fist and drew her hands down into her lap. “It’s just hard to talk about Asher.”
“Fair enough.” I was curious what her fiancé had done to land in prison—and equally curious as to why Grace still wore his ring. But I was smart enough to see that she didn’t want to talk about it. I understood the need to keep some things to yourself all too well. “So how’s Elijah?”
She smiled, her eyes shining with gratitude at the change of subject. “He’s doing great. Growing fast. He misses you guys. I need to bring him out here again soon.”
We drank our coffee and chatted about our littlest brother. He wanted to be a firefighter, and he’d taken to wearing black boots and a raincoat everywhere.
After we finished, I walked her back to Salishan. As soon as we passed the entrance, I felt calmer. It was fucking frustrating.
But I had gone, and it had been my idea. Sure, it had been a short walk away, to a place I’d been before. But I figured I could count that as a win, even if I’d been half-distracted by an inexplicable desire to hide the entire time.
Maybe there was a chance I could actually get better.
Twenty-One
Hannah
Leo wasn’t home when I got back from breakfast with his mom. So I went out to run some errands in town. Afterward, I came back and got to work on my backlog. I was excited to clear my schedule so I could get started on the logo for Salishan.
I was thrilled that Shannon had asked me to work on this. Creating a branding package was one of my favorite things to do. And the idea that she trusted me to take this on gave me a serious case of the warm fuzzies.
When Leo came home a short time later, he gave me a friendly half-smile and pulled up his office chair next to me. And I couldn’t get over how right this felt.
You should really consider marrying Leo.
Chase’s words echoed in my mind. Thinking about marriage was the dumbest thing. I wasn’t sure if we were actually a couple. We hadn’t even kissed yet. Marriage was a long way off.
But this? Living and working side-by-side? I could get used to this.
It was comfortable. Easy. I loved sharing space with Leo. We’d always been good friends, and the transition from an online relationship to the real world had been seamless.
Maybe we weren’t a couple, exactly. Not yet. But something was happening. I’d felt it the other day when I’d hugged him. It had been stronger this morning when we’d cuddled in bed. I wanted Leo, there was no doubt about that.
The problem was, he was closed off. He had so many defenses. I didn’t think he was shying away from me because he didn’t want me. No man growled like a predator just from hugging a woman he only liked platonically.
I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. From this angle, none of his scars were visible. Just the soft glow of his monitors lighting his face. His hair was tucked behind his ear, which was unusual. Typically, it hung down to cover more of his face. His beard was full and thick—and so very, very tempting.
He caught me looking. His eyes flicked toward me, meeting mine, and I didn’t look away. I held his gaze for a few more seconds, trying to read him.
What is it you want, Leo?
His brow furrowed, his expression disarmingly sexy. The tension was killing me, knotting me up inside, like a coiled spring. Did he feel it too?
He looked away, clicking a few things with his mouse, and I realized something. He wasn’t going to make a move. Not now. Maybe not ever. That defensive wall he kept between himself and the world was too strong. He was so used to hiding behind it, it was as if even he didn’t know how to get around it anymore.
Here I was, looking in from the other side. Maybe I needed to be the one to try to find a door—a way in.
Or maybe I’d just make one.
I got up and put my empty mug in the kitchen, then peeked out at him. He was still at his desk, but I had a feeling he wasn’t as absorbed in his work as he appeared. He cast glances at my monitor and chair. But when he reached down to adjust himself in his pants, I couldn’t take it anymore. I was ready to pounce.
He swiveled his chair around as I walked toward him. “Are you—”
Before he could stop me, I climbed into his lap, straddling him. He leaned away, his arms held up, palms out.
If I was doing this, I was going all in. I pulled my shirt off and dropped it on the floor, leaving me in just my black bra.
“Holy shit,” he breathed. “What are you doing?”
“Distracting you with my boobs.”
At the word boobs, his eyes went to my chest, but he quickly looked away. “What?”
“It’s okay, Leo,” I said, my voice soothing. I arched my back a little, pressing my boobs closer to his face. “I want you to look.”
I traced my finger down the edge of one cup, pulling it closer to my nipple. He made a strangled sound.
“Why are you…” He trailed off, his eyes glued to my chest as I pulled my bra cup lower.
“I told you. I’m distracting you.”
“Why?”
“Because I want you to let me kiss you.”
He looked up.
“And touch your face.”
“But—”
“Eyes down, Leo.”
“Gigz—”
Oh I was Gigz, now, was I? He wanted to make this difficult? Fine. I pushed my bra strap down my shoulder, loosening the cup. His gaze shot back to my chest and I went in for the kill, popping my nipple out of the top of the lace.
“Oh my god.”
“Do you want to touch me?” I whispered.
/> He growled, low in his throat. I could feel his cock harden against me through our clothes.
“Go ahead. I want you to.”
His hand came up, but he paused, so I rolled my hips, grinding into his dick.
“Oh fuck,” he said, his eyes closing. His hand cupped my breast, his palm pressing against my erect nipple.
I wanted to cry out with joy. My nerve endings fired, so sensitive just this simple touch took my breath away. He had so much power over my body. What was I going to do if we ever got naked?
My spontaneous plan was working. He was totally absorbed in my tits—for the moment, at least. I moved in closer, tilting my head, and pressed my wet lips to the right corner of his mouth.
His body tensed, but I squeezed my thighs to press myself against his cock. The feel of his beard scratching my face was better than I’d imagined—rough and masculine. His lips barely moved; he was hardly kissing me back. But he didn’t pull away or make me stop, either.
Slowly, I rolled my hips, dry-humping him just a little. He growled again and his mouth finally twitched, pressing lightly against mine. I didn’t let up, adding tongue to my attack. I teased his lips while I slid the other bra strap down, baring my other breast.
His left hand—the hand he never used—cupped my ass and squeezed. I smiled against his mouth, still kissing the right corner. Yes. God, yes.
He gently massaged my breast and his tongue darted out to meet mine. I held one hand over his, keeping it firmly on me, and with my other, I reached for the scarred side of his face.
My fingers brushed the rippled skin and he jerked away.
“Shh.” I ground into his cock, my hand hesitating just inches from the left side of his face. “This feels so good, Leo. Please let me touch you.”
I bit my bottom lip as he met my eyes. My cheeks were warm and the insistent pressure between my legs begged to be sated. If this didn’t end with an orgasm, I’d be taking care of business by myself later. But mostly, I desperately wanted him to let me do this. To trust me enough to let me in.
He gave me the smallest of nods. Gently, I laid my palm against the left side of his face.
His skin was puckered and hardened in places, not smooth and soft like the rest of him. There were ridges and ripples from his hairline down his neck. His beard covered some of the damage, but it was patchy where the skin had been burned, and his lips didn’t quite close on that side.
He closed his eyes, his body shuddering, as I softly brushed his hair back. I stroked the sides of his face and ran my fingers through his hair. His hands moved down to my hips, his grip on me gentle.
Gigz jumped up onto the desk, meowing, but I ignored her. Leo was putty in my hands. He rubbed my hips and lower back while I pressed my fingertips into his scalp. Ran my hands down his face and neck, caressing him. He groaned, his eyes still closed.
How long had it been since he’d been touched like this?
I leaned in closer and pressed my lips to his, starting on the right. His mouth responded, no hesitation this time. He brushed his tongue against mine while his hands slid down to cup my ass.
Moaning softly into his mouth, I moved my hips, rubbing myself against him. He growled again—fuck, that noise he made was sexy—and pressed me into his cock.
I needed all of this and more. With my fingers threaded through his hair, his beard rubbing against my face, I tilted my head to kiss him from the front. No more corner of the mouth. No more avoiding his left side. I planted my lips fully against his and parted them, inviting him in for more.
In that instant, everything changed.
Leo sat up straighter, one hand gripping my ass cheek while the other grabbed the back of my hair. His tongue dove into my mouth, hard and aggressive, taking what he wanted. He kissed me deep, pulling my body closer, holding me tight.
His hand fisted around my hair and he yanked backward, baring my neck.
Fuck. Yes.
I gasped as he planted his mouth on my neck. Moaned as he licked and sucked and scraped his teeth across my skin. He bit down on the sensitive spot above my collar bone, just hard enough to send a rush of heat down my spine, straight between my legs.
With his hand still fisted tight in my hair, he pulled my head back further, forcing me to arch my back. His tongue lapped its way down my skin until he found my nipple. I thought I might die right here. He licked my hard peak, his rough tongue dragging against my sensitive skin.
“Yes, Leo,” I breathed as he took my nipple in his mouth and sucked. “God, yes.”
Grinding against him, I lost myself in the feel of his tongue as he lavished my tits with attention. Licking, kissing, sucking. Pressure built in my core, the hot tension radiating through me. I wanted him to unleash on me. To make my body do what he wanted.
My nipple popped out of his mouth. Slowly, he dragged his bearded jaw up my chest, my neck, my cheek, until his lips were right at my ear, his breath hot on my skin.
With his hand wrapped tightly in my hair, he pulled my head to the side. His whisper was gravelly. “I need to taste you. Right fucking now.”
It wasn’t a question, but there was only one answer. “Yes.”
He stood, picking me up as if I weighed nothing, his muscles tight and flexing. I wrapped my legs around his waist and draped my arms over his shoulders. Effortlessly, he carried me into the bedroom and laid me out on the bed.
Yes. Yes. Oh my god, yes.
I reached behind to unclasp my bra and pulled it off while he yanked my pants down. The light was dim—he didn’t turn one on—and he made no move to undress. But I wasn’t about to complain. My pussy throbbed with need. I’d take whatever he was ready to give me.
There was nothing gentle about the way he ripped my panties off and tossed them on the floor. He lowered himself onto the bed and pushed my legs open.
“Fuck,” he muttered, his voice growly and low. He kissed and nibbled on the insides of my thighs, working his way toward my center.
I trembled, desperate for more. His lips and tongue were a soft contrast to the roughness of his beard on my skin. I let my legs tip open farther and reached down to run my hands through his hair.
His tongue reached my slit and he licked slowly up one side, then the other, a groan rumbling in his throat. My eyes rolled back as he did it again. Licking. Teasing. Tasting me.
The pad of his tongue found my clit and I moaned, my body shuddering. He licked up and down a few times, exploring. A few flicks, then a longer lick. My body responded, my hips moving to match his rhythm.
I moaned and writhed against the sheets, breathless at the feel of Leo’s mouth on me.
“Fuck, you taste so good,” he said. “This pussy. So fucking perfect.”
He slipped a finger inside and my back arched, almost involuntarily. A second finger and I cried out from the exquisite pressure.
Growling into me, he clamped down on my clit and sucked while he worked my pussy with his fingers. They curled against my magic spot, sending jolts of pleasure rolling through me.
Then his tongue brushed across my clit. Flick. Flick. Flick. It was perfect, steady and unrelenting. Every brush made my pussy clench around his fingers, my hips roll to his rhythm.
Flick. Flick. Flick. Faster. I moaned, raising my arms above my head, surrendering to him. To his mouth, hot and wet between my legs. To his fingers inside me, his tongue on my clit. Flick. Flick. Flick.
With a cry, I came apart, the release of my climax rippling through my body. I gasped and trembled, but Leo was relentless, drawing out every last tremor.
My eyes rolled back and my legs dropped to the bed as Leo got up. My breath came fast and the world spun around me.
When I opened my eyes, Leo stood above me, his gaze hungry. Aggressive.
Predatory.
He watched me catch my breath, unblinking, pure lust in his eyes. Without a word, he moved the waistband of his sweats down. Pulled out his cock, letting it spring free in all its glory.
I stared at
it. Long and thick and perfect.
When he finally spoke, his voice was practically a growl. “On your knees.”
Twenty-Two
Leo
With the taste of Hannah’s pussy on my tongue, I watched her gape at me, nodding slowly. Her skin was flushed pink from coming in my mouth—from her cheeks down to her gorgeous tits. She lay on the bed panting, her beautiful body stretched out. Relaxed. Satisfied.
I licked my lips, high as fuck from eating her pussy. From the feel of her hands all over me—touching my face and neck. I hadn’t been touched that much in years. I was starved for it.
And kissing her. Unabashedly kissing her without fear. She’d felt the devastation of my face—the ruin of my skin. But she hadn’t recoiled. No, she’d caressed me. Kissed me. Drawn her wet tongue across my damaged mouth, moaning while she did it.
She’d broken me wide open.
Of course, the fact that she’d taken off her shirt and put her tits in my face hadn’t hurt. She was good, I had to give her that.
At first, I’d been completely in control, like always. I’d kissed her back. Held her. Touched her.
And then I’d snapped.
There was no going back now. I pushed my sweats down my hips enough to keep my cock out, and waited while she slowly turned over and got on her knees.
Fuck yes.
She put her ass in the air and looked back at me over her shoulder. Bit her lip. Her eyes traveled down to my dick, so I grabbed it. Gave it a few strokes while she watched me.
“Holy shit,” she breathed.
I climbed onto the bed behind her and ran my hands along the curves of her ass. Over the swell of her hips. She arched, leaning back, but I didn’t take her yet. I caressed her beautiful body. Used both hands. Up and down her back. Over the roundness of her hips and ass. To her sweet pussy, so wet and ready for me.
Leaning over her, I braced myself with one arm and put my mouth near her ear. I had just enough presence of mind—only just—to consider protection. “Baby, I don’t have any condoms.”
Hidden Miles: The Miles Family Book 4 Page 16
