“I chose you because my heart has been cold for too long. I need your fire, your warmth.” I confess my darkest hurt, the pain that I’ve covered up for too long. A shiver wracks her body and I realize the water has gone cold.
Turning off the tap, I lift her up and step out of the shower. Setting her down on the woolen rug, I grab two towels and wrap her up in one. “Did any of the women you were with ever tell you you’re romantic?” Tipping her head to the side, she regards me with an affectionate gaze.
“No, I’m not. And no, they haven’t because with them, I was a dickhead. I fucked them,” the wince on her face is clear, “but they never managed to find my heart. That was held by someone else a long time ago and I closed myself off to the idea of ever giving it to someone again.” This isn’t the place I wanted to confess, to tell her the truth, but here I am.
“And me?” Her mouth purses into a line. Her confidence falters somewhat, she doesn’t realize it, but it’s written all over her face. She thinks I’m telling her I don’t want her.
“Listen to me, Mila,” with my index finger, I lift her chin so her eyes meet mine, “you’re the one who broke through. You, and you alone are the girl I want. The one I want to give my heart to. Please, don’t ever doubt that.” I implore her, begging for her to let me in. She’s young, but she’s not stupid.
I know all the secrets, all her darkest and most beautiful parts. I know her desires and what she dreams about. Everything about this woman is mine. It’s been mine for longer than we both realize, and in turn, I’m hers.
Nothing will change that. Ever.
Chapter Nine
Gabe
As soon as I walk into the office, my mind clears. Last night was too emotional. There was always a possibility in my mind that my brother had fallen for Mila. They didn’t realize I knew about the messages and calls. If it wasn’t for my brother, I don’t think my baby girl would have gotten over losing her mother.
Slipping into my chair, I open the lid of my laptop, and turn it on. Opening the email program, I pull up the new messages and start flicking through them. Nothing of importance comes through on a weekend, but I wanted to make sure the contracts were finalized.
Sitting back, I wonder where Grayson will take Mila today. Hopefully he’ll stop he’s womanizing ways and be happy. I saw it last night, the look in his eyes when he took her, when he kissed and touched her. It was obvious the emotion was more than I could have imagined.
There is love between them. I just hope it’s strong enough to withstand everything they’ll be challenged with. Not only is there an age gap, but there will be talk in our community of the fact that Grayson is family. Granted, it’s not by blood, but I’m guessing Shanika, my deceased wife’s sister, and Mila’s aunt will have something to say about it.
Sometimes, when you fall, nothing can stop you. I’ve lived through that when I first walked into their household, but they came to accept it… eventually.
A knock at the door drags my attention from my racing thoughts. Pushing off the chair, I head toward the entrance and push the buzzer. As soon as the door swings open I’m met with piercing blue eyes, caramel skin and long dark hair. “Lissy,” the gruff tone of my voice startles me.
I’ve known her since she was sixteen, only one year older than Mila, her cousin is an exotic beauty.
“Uncle Gabe,” she coos, striding confidently toward me like a tiger on the prowl. Jesus. What is it with these girls? “How are you?” She rounds the desk and lifts onto her tip toes to give me a kiss on the cheek.
“I’m good. What are you doing here?” I take a visible step back, hoping to put some distance between us. After what happened with Mila last night, I need to clear my mind.
“Aren’t you glad to see me?” She smiles, her wide grin lights up her face and those gems of ice sparkle with mischief as she regards me.
“I am, I’m sure Mila would too,” I turn and head into the offices from the reception area. Her heels click clack on the marble tiles as she follows me.
“I’m back for good. Got into town yesterday. I stopped by the house, but nobody was home, so I figured…” she trails off, settling her pert little ass on the edge of my desk, “I’d come here, and see you,” she smiles again, this time, it’s a sultry, sexy smile and I can’t help but notice her outfit isn’t one you’d throw on while moving.
“And you decided to dress up as well?” I question, folding my arms in front of my chest as I regard her. The skirt she’s wearing rides up her thighs and my gaze settles on them. My cock hardens gradually as she shifts and I’m awarded a spectacular glimpse of her pink panties. They’re a deep magenta, bright and I’m dying to rip them off with my teeth.
“I like to look good,” she responds on a breathy whisper as my eyes edge their way up to hers. A spark, like the very one between my brother and her cousin sparks in the air. Like a live wire, it crackles between us and I know she didn’t randomly pop by. She’s here for one thing, something I’d love to give her, but I can’t. This is ridiculous.
What would people say?
“Gabe,” she murmurs, sliding off the desk, rounding it, she stops at my knee. She’s so close, I could tug her onto my lap. I could lift her skirt over her hips and tear that scrap she calls underwear from her body and drive myself so deep inside her.
I could get lost in her.
“I think you should go, Lissy, I’ll let Mila know you’re back and she should call you.” When I rise from the chair, I realize it was a bad move because it puts me inches from her.
The scent of cinnamon and brown sugar hits me immediately. My mouth waters to have a taste, to see if her skin—the color of caramel—really tastes as sweet. “Uncle Gabe,” her murmur stirs something inside me. Deep and unyielding. Something I shouldn’t allow myself to feel, but I do. It courses through me, but I can’t do this.
“You should head out, sweetheart,” I step away from her and take a deep breath. She regards me quietly. Something in my tone must have given away the fact that I don’t want her to go because for a moment, she watches me quietly.
It’s our silent stand off. And just like her cousin, she offers me a smile that could break a million hearts. I’m too old for her. She’s too young for me, but deep down, all I want is to bend her over my desk and drive myself into her tight young body. “Would you prefer if I called you, Uncle?” She quirks. Ice-blue eyes shimmer like diamonds. They’re like glass orbs, piercing my restraint.
“Jesus, you need to go. Please?” My voice filled with need and hunger implores her, but she’s stubborn. It runs in the fucking family, because Mila is exactly the same.
“Gabriel Connor,” her tone lightens and she smiles. Her face lights up, brighter than any fucking star and I’m a goner. She’s all grown up. No longer the young teenager that used to love popsicles and candy.
Jesus, Gabe.
What are you doing?
“Melissa Calloway, you need to get your pretty little ass out of here.” I stalk around her, tying to keep my distance. But her scent is like a fog, like an intoxicating scent made to tempt and lure.
“So you admit you’ve looked at my ass?” She giggles behind me and I shake my head, not taking the bait, I pull open the door and regard her with a small smile.
“I’ll see you soon,” using the nickname I gave her when she was younger doesn’t help. Looking at her as a woman, rather than a girl is easy, because she stands almost at my height with those fuck me heels she’s wearing.
With one manicured nail, she trails it down the front of my shirt, button by button, until she reaches the waistband of my jeans. Thankfully, she stops and leans in, her mouth at my ear, “I’ll see you very soon, Uncle Gabe,” and with that, she’s gone. Strolling to her little red Mini Cooper.
My gaze is locked on her ass and hips as they sway, my mouth waters for a taste. Just one fucking taste and I know I’ll be fucked. So I turn and head back into the office.
You can’t do this Gabriel.
/> Grabbing my phone, I hit dial on Brigitte’s number. “Darling, are you missing me already? It’s only been three days.” As much as I need to fuck out my frustration, I wonder if this is a good idea. Everything about this woman screams marry me and that’s not what I need.
“I just need to bury myself in someone,” I bite out.
“I’m home tonight,” she sighs. I knew she wouldn’t deny me.
“See you later.”
With that, I grab my keys and head out. Staying in this office with Lissy’s sweet scent lingering will drive me insane.
Chapter Ten
Mila
The drive is quiet, and I glance over at Grayson, taking in his profile. The fact that he had a car pick us up so he can focus on me is something I’d have to get used to. Dad normally drives me everywhere, although he can get a town car to chauffeur us. “So…” I don’t know why I feel insecure, but Grayson is older, he’s used to women, not girls.
He turns to me, and wraps his arm around my shoulders, tugging me into the crook of his arm. “So, I love how you fit in my arms. Perfectly. Like you’ve always meant to be there,” he murmurs, planting a kiss on my hair.
“I…”
“Look at me, Kitten,” lifting my gaze to his, those dark pools of desire tighten everything south of my belly button. “You’re mine now,” he drops his mouth to mine in a soft, sensual kiss. Our lips mold together, fusing with heat and desire. His tongue sweeps into my mouth and duals with mine.
A whimper falls from me, but he swallows it. He inhales me, as I do him. As if I’m his breath, his life force, and he needs me to survive. The realization hits me, deep in the depths of my young teenage heart that this man loves me.
When he finally breaks the kiss, as bores his stare into mine, he smiles, not the cocky smirk I’m so used to, this one is filled with affection, it’s sweet and romantic. “I love how pliable you are in my arms,” he smiles.
“Mr. Connor, we’re here,” the driver calls from the front of the car. And we’re dragged from the cloud we’re in.
“Thank you, Graham,” Grayson opens the door and exists the car, turning, he offers me a hand which I accept. The sun is high, and when Grayson grabs the basket in the trunk, I’m giddy with excitement. “I’ll call you when we’re ready.” And with that, we make our two-hour journey to the Oregon coast. It’s beautiful and I know I’ll be wanting to come out here more often. Especially with the man who’s made me happier than I’ve ever been.
We’ve been in Seattle for almost a year and I’ve never been on a date at the beach. Finding a quiet spot is easy since it’s so quiet. “It’s so gorgeous out here today,” I watch him lay down a blanket. Something too romantic, too intimate. It’s a real date.
“Are you going to watch me all day?” He quirks, one side of his mouth lifting in that signature smile. The one that sets my heart alight.
“Maybe.” I reach for the hem of my tank top, pulling it off, I launch it at him and he chuckles, a deep, sexy rumble. Shoving my shorts down, they pool at my feet, leaving me in a string bikini. His gaze scorches me, as if he’s touching me, a slow lick of heat trails from my feet, up my legs, and slowly up to my breasts.
“Jesus, Mila…” When those mocha pools meet mine, they’re molten.
“I’m going for a swim,” I giggle, toeing off my sandals, I turn and run toward the water. The waves crash against me, it’s cooling, but it doesn’t calm the fire burning inside me for him. For Grayson Connor.
Diving into the waves, I relish the water. When I break the surface again, I turn to find Grayson standing on the sand inches from where the waves are crashing. “Are you going to come have lunch? Or am I going come out there and drag you out?” He calls to me with a smile on his face. Warm and inviting.
I pad through the water, pushing my way toward him, as soon as I have purchase on the water below my feet, I break into a run. Crashing into his arms, earning me the warmth of his embrace, I nuzzle into his neck, inhaling his cologne, the scent that’s him. Only him.
“Cold out there?” He lifts me easily, walking us back to the blanket.
“It’s a bit chilly, but it’s refreshing. Are you going to join me?” I murmur as he sets me down. Shaking his head, he pulls his T-shirt up over his head and I take in the taut torso. His chest has a light dusting of hair, dark and masculine. Everything about him screams man.
“I don’t swim, sweet cheeks,” he tells me with that signature smirk. “Let’s eat.”
The spread of food is incredible. How he managed this in only an hour, I don’t know, but it looks incredible. “You trying to fatten me up?” I quirk, popping my hip and crossing my arms in front of me. His dark eyes trail up my body in a heated gaze.
“Kitten, you’re going to need your energy for what I have planned, so why don’t you eat up.” There’s something illicit in his voice and I can’t stop my thighs from squeezing together.
“Am I going to be able to walk tomorrow?” I giggle, but the dark look he pins me with tells me I may not. Those almond shaped eyes narrow further and his bow lips purse in what looks like an air kiss and I’m dying to feel them on my skin.
“Perhaps, if you’re a good girl…”
“And if I’m not?” I ask, kneeling on the blanket, my eyes peering up at him with curiosity.
“I’ll have to spank that little ass before I fuck you until you pass out.” His words are a vow. A promise that I’m willing to see him follow through on.
“Mmhmm…” Lifting an olive from the small bowl, I pop it in my mouth, enjoying the sweet and sour flavor. “I bet,” I respond in a breathy tone. The surrounding air is thick with desire. How is that since we’ve opened the flood gates, all I want is to feel him between my thighs.
“You’re blushing, Mila,” he states matter-of-factly. “Is there something on your mind?”
Shaking my head, I feel the heat of a blush creeping up my neck and onto my cheeks. “Of course not,” I don’t meet his eyes, the ones that are currently boring a hole into me. Jesus this man is going to be the death of me.
“Come on,” his arm is on me in an instant, tugging me off the blanket.
“What—”
“I’m going to get you wet,” he growls, leaning in, he throws me over his shoulder and I can’t stop the squeal that falls from my lips. He walks us toward the water and I’m wiggling in his grip.
“Put me down,” I giggle loudly, but my body is tingling all over from his hands on my legs, thighs, and when he rains a spank on my ass, heat pools in my bikini bottoms.
As soon as we hit the water, he makes his way deep into the ocean, sliding me down his body. The thick erection between his legs prods against me causing me to moan. “Is this what you wanted? To taunt me?” Shaking my head, I bite down on my lower lip and meet his hooded gaze. “Do you enjoy taunting me, Kitten? Because I will fuck you anywhere I please.”
Wrapping my legs around his taut waist, I press my quivering pussy against his cock, reveling in the feel of him pressing against me. “What are you waiting for?” I tease.
He doesn’t answer me, instead his mouth crashes on mine causing my body to shudder with need against him. Our tongues duel, tease, and taunt, and when I suck his into my mouth he groans low and feral. My fingers tangle in his short, dark brown hair, tugging him closer. His hands trail down, cupping my ass, squeezing it and I’m wet, needy, and aching.
“Fuck me,” I moan against his lips and he doesn’t need more permission. His fingers push my bikini bottoms to the side, finding my slick core.
“Jesus, Kitten, you’re soaked,” he moans in approval. My hand snakes between us, shoving the front of his boxers down, I grip his steel shaft and stroke it slowly. “I need to be inside you,” he hisses through clenched teeth and I nod. Positioning him at my heated entrance, he rolls his hips, sliding into me, stretching me deliciously.
“Grayson,” his name is a murmur as he drives into me. The waves crashing around us, and the pull of his body is like a ma
gnetic force not allowing me to pull away.
“Mila,” he moans. My name on his lips is a hoarse whisper full of hunger that matches my own. My nails dig into the smooth skin on his shoulders, marking him. “Jesus, Mila, baby girl,” words fall into the crashing waves as my body tightens, pulses, pulling him in further, as if we couldn’t get close enough.
“Please, Grayson, I need you…” My head drops back on a cry as his mouth suckles on the soft flesh of my neck. My release is so close, coiling, rumbling through me like a hurricane about to unleash an ungodly sound. Grayson bites down on one of my pebbled nipples and it sends me crashing into the depths.
White stars burst behind my eyelids and his animalistic growl tells me he’s joined me in bliss.
Chapter Eleven
Grayson
She’s perfect. Everything about her. Her smile lights up her face as she giggles at the water splashing against her legs. Her body is hugged by the soft blue bikini. Her breast heave as she runs back toward me. Long, wet hair sticks to her back. Small droplets glisten on her tanned skin have me salivating, wanting to lick them off.
“Are you ever going to get your ass in there?” She giggles, dropping onto the towel beside me. I regard her behind my sunglasses, taking in the vision she is.
“Told you, darling, I don’t swim,” I lean back on my elbow while she stares me down.
“But you did earlier,” she reminds me of our little tryst.
“That wasn’t really swimming, that was me claiming my woman,” my response earns me a soft rosy blush on her cheeks and I can’t help smiling.
“Okay, caveman. What are we doing next?” She pops a cherry into her mouth and I watch her lips pout as she bites the flesh of the fruit. Jesus, everything she does turns me on.
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