by Anthology
Remington had given me the gift of an office which was located five minutes from the town house. He'd been hinting at me starting my business and helping me realize my dream for the past few months. The room was divided into a main office which was connected with the showroom. He'd also asked the builder to add a nursery for the kids. Kitchenette, office and display room in the same place. I couldn't wait to visit the location as soon as the festivities were over.
I sat back on my chair, sipping on my wine and listened to the conversation around me. Adrien seemed too caught up in a game he was playing on Luc's mobile, and every once in a while, he'd curse under his breath, which earned him a stern look from his father.
Chapter Nine
Luc
"Oncle Luc, is this your girlfriend?" Adrien asked, frowning. He wiggled his nose while Pippa, his new puppy sitting on his lap licked his chin, then looked up from the screen to me. He had asked me if he could play a game on my phone.
"Girlfriend?" Remington murmured under his breath, his eyes on his son. He sounded amused as if the mere thought of me having a girlfriend was hilarious.
It probably was. I loved women. I loved their curves against my hard body, I loved to fuck them and do very dirty things to them if they were willing to experience what I could give them. I loved them fiery or docile because they had one thing in common: a pussy. I loved to dominate and my cock enjoyed acquainting itself, owning them. And when I finally had them beneath me and slammed my cock inside their pussy, they turned into one thing: Passionate. I'd been called a god a few times, a title I wore with pride.
But I also loved my cars. Not that I could fuck them, but mon Dieu, the feeling I got when I sat behind the wheel was pure power. Orgasmic, something close to a good fucking, but with more adrenaline.
"Adrien. The phone."
That voice snapped me out of my women-induced thoughts. Remington was glaring at me, his body tense.
"What?" I asked Remington as he scowled down at me.
Did I miss something? I turned to Adrien whose nose was literally pressed to the screen, his eyes squinted in concentration.
"She doesn't have any clothes on. Oncle Luc, were you helping her remove her clothes so she could go to bed? She seems very tired." Adrien frowned harder at the screen, turning the phone around to get a better visual of whatever he was looking at.
My mother gasped and clutched her chest, her eyes wide, then clenched her eyes shut.
I shot to my feet and lunged for the phone.
"What the hell—" Selene trailed off, catching herself before she could finish that sentence and quickly glanced down at Adrien apologetically, but the boy wasn't paying attention.
"WHAT?" Remington bellowed, snatching the phone from his son's hands before I could get to it. He was sitting next to Adrien so he was faster than me. He scowled at the screen before lifting his head and glaring at me. "What the fuck, Luc?!" His voice was low and menacing. It did its job of putting the fear of God in me. Pippa yelped and hopped down from Adrien's lap, preferring to hide under the table.
"Remington!" Selene exclaimed, covering Hope Estelle's ears. Mother gasped again, her eyes flew open and glared at Remington. "Language, please. Adrien, baby, could you run upstairs and bring me your sister's cuddle blanket."
"Je suis désolé, ma belle." Remington's face softened as he dropped a quick kiss on his wife’s hair to not offend her. He smiled apologetically to our mother.
Then he turned to face me, the glower sending me back two steps.
"Luc." He jerked his head toward his study, spun around and stalked off without another word, my phone gripped in his hand.
Fuck.
Christmas Eve dinner was officially over. We'd plunged right in on sex education. As much as I loved the act itself, I did NOT like feeling as though my ass was on fire.
How could I have been so careless, especially since I was here where my phone was accessible to Adrien?
I followed my brother to his study. He was standing beside his desk, scowling. His arms were folded across his chest.
I closed the door and mirrored his pose.
"Explain," he growled.
"I'm sorry. I had no idea the photo was there. "
He clenched his eyes tight and inhaled deeply.
"Can I see the photo?"
His eyes snapped open. "What?"
I tipped my chin and lifted my brows. "Well, I need to know exactly who it is in the photo."
His eyebrows shot up. "How many women have you taken photos of?"
I shrugged and grinned.
"Jesus fucking Christ, Luc." He shook his head. "You can't leave images of you with your face shoved between some woman's legs lying around on your phone if you intend to give it to my son."
"What?" I don't remember taking any photo while pleasuring a woman with my mouth.
He inhaled deeply again, then shoved the phone in my direction.
I took it from his hand, unlocked the screen and stared. I couldn't look away because that photo was the most sensual thing I'd ever seen in my life.
Little Miss Fuck Me and Leave Early In The morning was staring into the camera, her face flushed and her eyes hooded in pleasure. I could see my profile, my face shoved between her legs. My hands gripped her hips firmly, my fingers digging into her skin.
Holy. Fuck.
She had taken a photo of us during sex? This was the most arousing thing I'd ever seen.
Shit. Little Red loved it dirty. And she loved to take pictures.
Hot as fuck.
I noticed the little yellow envelope blinking on the top of the screen. I tapped it once.
‘One new message.’
I clicked. Like what you see?
Like what I see? My cock was almost bursting open the zipper of my jeans just thinking about Miss Illusive. Like had nothing to do with it, but everything to do with lust. I wanted her in the worst way.
I had to find her.
"She is stunning," Remington muttered, eyeing me.
Blood pounded in my ears. My chest grew tight as jealousy took over, knowing my brother had caught a glimpse of her when it was supposed to be for my eyes only. His lips twitched, seemingly amused at my expense.
"Erase that image from your brain." I bit the words out, shoved the phone into the pocket of my pants and stalked out of the room at the sound of his chuckle.
New Year. New mission. New challenges to conquer.
I wanted a rerun and I was going to find her. Even if it meant tracking her down myself.
I would find her.
Chapter Ten
Remington
I left the office and returned to the living room. Hope was no longer on Selene's lap, but on my mother's. Adrien sat next to his grandma with Pippa snuggled in his arms. Hope reached out and grabbed the puppy’s fur and tugged it, causing the dog to whine. Adrien scowled at his sister, then embarked on teaching her how to handle a dog.
Selene's eyes were trained on me as I sat on the chair next to her.
"Luc is alive so I can only guess you two worked things out, eh?" she asked, taking the glass of rosé from the table and lifting it to her lips to hide her smile.
I slid my hand to the nape of her neck, squeezing it gently. "You're more beautiful when you smile."
"And flattery won't make me forget." She sipped the wine and grinned at me. "Lay it on me."
"Luc just met his match, and knowing him, he will rip the world apart to find her."
"So there was a girl. Was that the reason he was drunk two days ago?"
I nodded and proceeded to tell her what little I knew about my brother and the red-haired woman who had now given Luc a new purpose in life. A challenge.
"The woman won't know what hit her," she said with a giggle. "Baby, did I ever tell you how hot you are when you get all protective?"
I cocked an eyebrow, grinning. "You like it when I act like a caveman?"
She nodded, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "I really want to play with
you again just to show you how turned on I am."
Mon Dieu, my cock completely agreed with her. My body started to shake at the thought of having my woman's body pressed to mine. I'd never get enough of her, that was for certain. "Should we send everyone to bed?"
She grinned, looked around the table, and then winked at me. "Let me put Hope to bed. Then we can discuss the strategy." She stood up from the chair, took the baby from my mother's arms and headed for the stairs.
Luc stalked back into the living room, took the seat that Selene had just vacated, and directed his glare on me. I cocked a brow at him and chuckled, earning a stern look from my mother, momentarily freezing the words on my tongue.
Lucky bastard. Well, there was always tomorrow. Our mother wouldn't be around to protect his cocky arse.
She leaned forward and covered Luc's hand with his, squeezing it to pull his focus to her. The scowl on his face melted away, replaced by a warm look full of love as he focused his attention on our mother.
Mama's little boy.
I snickered, and quickly cleared my throat when mother frowned at me.
"Mon fils," she said, turning to face Luc. "If she's the one, she will come back to you. If she's not, well, the right one will come along."
His eyebrows dipped as though he was contemplating the words. He took in a long, deep breath and exhaled, lifted his free hand and dragged it through his hair. His frustration was evident, even though he tried to cover it with a reassuring smile.
"Forget your cars and focus on what you feel, Luc. I have never seen you like this. If she is worth having, she is worth climbing any mountain and claiming her. Fight for her," she said softly. "You know, we love it when a man shows us how far he will go for our attention."
Luc straightened on his chair, determination written all over his face.
Satisfied she had made her point, our mother patted his hand twice and leaned back in her seat, turned to face me. She smiled, genuine pleasure radiating from her as she nodded to the couch where Adrien was snuggled with Pippa. I could hear Selene humming upstairs as she always did when she prepared our daughter for bed.
"I'm so happy for you, Son."
"Me too, Maman. I'm right where I want to be. Where I've always wanted to be."
About Autumn Grey
Autumn Grey is the author of the Havoc series (Havoc, Obliterate, Mend). And just like her characters, she is quirky, sometimes funny and definitely flawed. She writes sexy contemporary romances full of drama, steamy kisses and happy ever afters.
Social media links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAutumnGreyAG
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/autumngrey75/fall-back-skyward-wip/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AutumnGrey26
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7337710.Autumn_Grey
Instagram: @Autumngrey26
Other Books by Autumn Grey
Havoc (Havoc Series Book 1)
Obliterate (Havoc Series Book 2)
Mend (Havoc Series Book 3)
Havoc Series Box Set
Drifting
by Gia Riley
A Begin Again Duet Holiday Novella
Join the cast from Lighter and Weightless as they take a hilarious, New Year’s Eve road trip from Alabama to New York City. A brother and sister, two couples, four incredibly different personalities – stuck in the same car for sixteen hours.
What can possibly go wrong?
Chapter One
Kipton
Right now, I’d rather run head first into a brick wall than sit in the same car with my sister for the next sixteen hours. But my girl’s never been to New York City for New Year’s. In fact, Sophie’s never been to the Big Apple at all. Which is why this drive is going to be worth every painstakingly long hour with Cara.
"Excited?" I ask Sophie, as I reach over and squeeze her thigh
Her eyes light up instantly. "This is the best Christmas present you could have ever given me, Kipton. Thank you so much."
"You don’t have to thank me, beautiful. I told you, I plan on showing you the world."
She lifts my hand, lightly kissing the back of it. "I’m just glad we get to spend part of Christmas break together. I would have been happy going to the movies, but this is seriously cool."
"You haven’t seen anything yet. There’s no place in the world like New York."
"How long’s it been since you visited?"
I’m instantly transported back to high school. "Junior year the wrestling team took a trip to watch the collegiate national tournament. It only solidified my decision to wrestle in college."
Sophie listens intently, hanging on my every word like she always does. I could be rambling about nothing, but she’s always eager to soak up the details. "Did you get to do any sightseeing while you were there?"
"A little. We went to the Statue of Liberty. A couple of us went to the Empire State Building, too. But even walking through Times Square and Rockefeller Center is an experience, especially during the holidays. The tree is bigger than you could imagine. You don’t have to dish out a single dime to have fun."
"Sounds like my kind of place."
"Well, of course I can’t resist the pizza. And, every trip should have ice skating."
"I’d probably kill myself."
"Na, it’s not too bad. You’d surprise yourself."
"Have you ever seen a show? That’s what I’ve always wanted to do."
I smile without giving away my secret. I’m taking her to a show, just the two of us, but she has no idea yet. "No, I haven’t. Someday."
She stares though the windshield wistfully, no doubt picturing what it would be like to see a real Broadway production.
While we’re busy talking about our trip in the front of the rented SUV, the one I graciously offered to pay for so the four of us wouldn’t be crammed in my Camaro, Cara’s sitting directly behind me, tapping her foot against the back of my seat.
"Are we there yet?" She asks, as we hit mile number three on the odometer.
"It won’t be that bad of a drive," Drew said. "She’ll be so excited you won’t even know your sister’s in the car," he swore.
I’m already calling bullshit. "Cara, stop kicking my seat, and don’t ask me that again for at least fifteen more hours."
Surprising my sister and Sophie for the holidays sounded like a good idea when Drew brought it up. He and I put a lot of thought into this road trip, hoping to give the girls the best New Year’s they’ve ever had, but I’m already second guessing our decision to cut the travel cost. Had we flown, this drive would have been a short flight instead. Then again, we wouldn’t have been able to afford the kick ass hotel either.
"I was just admiring the fine construction on this particular model. It’s such a good choice for us."
"Cara," Drew warns. "Let it go."
"I’m simply letting my brother know this is one sexy beast he’s driving."
I glare at her in the rear-view mirror. Being in love with my sister’s best friend is not easy. It means she’s around most of the time, especially considering they live together. Then again, I wouldn’t have ever met Sophie if it wasn’t for Cara, so I can’t be too hard on her. It still doesn’t stop me from firing back at her. "Would you rather be stuffed in the back seat of my car?"
"Well, no. But I have to know. Did they give you the senior citizen discount for taking this fine piece of machinery off their hands for a few days?"
"You can get out anytime you’d like. I think we made out pretty damn well for such short notice."
"It’s a Buick, Kippy. It’s received five stars from the geriatric population. I feel like we should be discussing our retirement funds. Maybe throw a little Kenny Rogers on the radio while you’re at it."
Sophie turns sideways in her seat, facing the back of the car. "We can play Would you Rather. It might make the time pass a little faster and keep my boyfriend from killing you."
I smile at Sophie. Sh
e’s always playing the peacekeeper. I try not to put her in a bad spot or ever force her to pick a side when Cara and I get into it, but she never lets us stay mad for long anyway.
"I’ll go first," Drew says. "Would you rather send embarrassing selfies to your parents, or your grandparents?"
Sophie’s face instantly turns beet red. I never mentioned the misplaced selfie incident to my sister or Drew, so this could be a complete coincidence. Either way, she turns to shield her face from plain view and stares at the door handle on the passenger door like she’d rather jump from a moving vehicle than answer the question. "Just go with it," I whisper, loud enough for only her to hear.
I answer first, hoping it makes her response a little easier. "Definitely parents. My grandfather would have a stroke."
Sophie nods her head. "I agree with Kipton."
Cara doubles over in laughter. "You have to agree because you already did it!"
Drew’s mouth drops open in surprise. "What did I miss?"
"Nothing. Drop it, Cara. Drew, ask another question."
He looks shocked stupid, but does as I ask. "Okay, Um….would you rather not wear clothes for an entire week or swim with sharks?"
Cara leans over and kisses Drew. "Naked, always naked."
Thankfully, I can’t see it, but the sound of lips smacking together makes my stomach roll. "I’d swim with the sharks."
