Salvation

by Ahren Sanders

  “Okay, fine! Maybe we can find a Vanderbilt Basketball game and I can watch Jonas.”

  “Really? Do I need to worry? My girlfriend has a thing for a twenty-one year old basketball player who looks at her like she’s dinner?”

  I giggle. “He’s harmless. And besides, I’m pretty sure no one can compare to you. You’re a hero, remember?”

  He gets tight underneath me and kisses my jaw. “Good comeback, babe.”

  “Wait! Maybe Finn. He’s my hero, too.”

  “Quit while you’re ahead.” He bites my neck lightly.

  “Okay, but only if you promise to—” I don’t get to finish my sentence because he claims my mouth in a searing kiss.

  “Bed?” I ask against his lips.

  He nods and I scoot away, standing up. He follows me to my room and locks the door behind us.

  “What time do you need to be up?” I ask, fiddling with my alarm clock.

  “Finn wants to work out at six, so five would be good.”

  “Five am? That’s crazy.”

  “I have to go home and change, get clothes for work, and then hit the gym.”

  I think through my words carefully. “I don’t want to be presumptuous, but maybe you can keep some things here so you don’t have to get up so early,” I blurt.

  His face softens as he throws his shirt my way. “That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day.”

  I blush, holding his stare. “I’d like that.”

  He comes to me and lowers his mouth to my own.

  “We’re getting there, Ember.”

  “To me, we’re already there,” I tell him and mean it. He’s broken through every doubt I had.

  Chapter 15

  I Trust You

  Robbie

  Declan’s nervous energy has driven me crazy tonight. He knew the girls were throwing RJ a shower, but when he heard it was a pleasure party, he went crazy. Gabe, Tripp, and I tried to calm him down, but he kept saying, ‘Sparkle doesn’t need that shit,’ and it made my mind wonder.

  ‘Does Ember need that shit?’

  “I’m going to get her. It’s been long enough.” Declan slams his beer on the table.

  “Dude, I’m not one to harp, but you’ve got it bad. Let her have some time. She’s been in lock down socially for a week. She’s hanging with her best friends. Why are you so itchy?”

  “Robbie, it’s been six hours. That’s enough time to look at fucking dildos and shit. I’m going to get her.”

  “You sound like a fucking pussy.”

  “I’m counting the days until I can throw that shit in your face. You know Ember is in that house, too. With those crazy ass fucking friends?” He picks up his keys and looks at me expectantly.

  “Shit,” I mutter under my breath. “See you guys later,” I say to Tripp and Jimi, who both give me a grin. I’d think Jimi would follow us, but apparently, Abbi threatened him to stay away for the night.

  The ride to Abbi and Ella’s is quiet, but I think about the fact that Declan loves my sister like crazy. “I’m happy for you both.”

  “I’ll love Raven until the day I die. She’s my life. I brought her into a shit storm that we both didn’t see coming and thank God she can handle it. I never told you, man, but I was willing to give it all up for her. She wouldn’t let me.”

  “She’d never allow that. She’s a fighter.”

  “I’ll take care of her, Robbie. Trust me.”

  We don’t talk anymore until we drive up to the house and see shadows in the windows. Bodies are dancing around like crazy. Even through the sheer shades, I see the auburn hair that sets my heart racing.

  “You got it bad, too. Just admit it.” Declan chuckles, getting out of the car.

  We walk into the house and watch the group dancing in circles with champagne, screaming off-key to the music. My eyes find Ember instantly, and she takes my breath away. I stalk to her and spin her into my arms.

  “You having fun?” I kiss her cheek.

  “I’ve never had girlfriends before.” Her eyes glisten as she talks. “But I think Cruz would approve of these girls. They seem to accept everything, and I finally know what cum cream is!!!” She giggles in my ear.

  “Can I take you home now? Maybe you can tell me all about what you learned tonight.”

  She looks at me with complete innocence, and then grins, giving me her dimples. Her next words pierce straight to my heart.

  “I trust you, Robbie. Completely.”

  The heat in her gaze, and the way she pulls me close make me hard instantly. She’s telling me she’s ready. I grab her hand and drag her to the kitchen, finding the closest counter to lift her onto.

  “You saying what I think you’re saying?”

  “You’re big and strong, and make me feel safe. When you wrap me in your arms at night and hold me close, I’m protected. It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world. I’m crazy about you, and I know it’s probably going to scare you off, but if you’re waiting for my trust, it’s yours.”

  Pride surges through me at her statement. I want her to feel safe in my arms. Finally, I’ve broken through. My mind mentally calculates the time it will take to get her to my house and get naked, when she sways in my arms. “Babe, how much have you had to drink?”

  “Few Cosmos, conversation with your sister, then champagne.”

  Shit, there go my plans. She’s had too much to drink for sex tonight. I groan and try to think about anything other than her naked body underneath mine.

  “Conversation with my sister, huh? How’d that go?”

  “Really well. I think she wanted to ask more about us, but I was saved when the others came into the kitchen.”

  “Watch what you tell her. If you don’t, she and my mom are relentless.”

  “Noted. I’ll be careful.”

  “I want you to stay at my place tonight. Where’s your car?”

  “I don’t have anything with me.”

  “You don’t need anything. I have a shirt for you to sleep in and a toothbrush. My bed is much bigger for you to spread out.”

  “Will I need your shirt?” She runs her tongue across her bottom lip slowly.

  “No, but at least I offered.”

  She nods energetically and then starts to hiccup. I look around for a bottle of water but see only empty glasses everywhere. Kendall comes up behind us and shoves a cold bottle in my hand, smiling widely.

  “You know, we’re kind of out of the secret closet with you coming to get me.” Ember tries to whisper.

  “I wasn’t ever in any closet. I just don’t air my life publically like this group does.”

  Her face warms. “Can we go now? I want to thank you properly.”

  “Thank me for what?”

  “Being sweet.”

  I laugh out loud and hug her to me. “Babe, I don’t want to be sweet.”

  “Too bad. You are, but you’re sexy, too. I could stare at you all day and never get tired of the view.”

  I start to respond, but Charlie comes in and starts screaming. “I knew it! You’re a fucking goner. Blake said you would be the last to fall, but I saw the way you looked at her the last time we were around.” She twirls in a circle, and Ember tightens in my arms.

  “Charlotte,” I start, giving her my ‘don’t fuck with me’ look. She grins, winks, and dances her way out of the room.

  When I look back at Ember, her eyes are glassy and she’s biting her lip with a small grin. “Are we going?”

  “Yeah, let’s go.” I help her hop off the counter then hold her protectively to my side. It takes five full minutes for her to say goodbye to everyone.

  As soon as we get into her car, she sinks against the seat and closes her eyes. Within two miles, she’s snoring lightly. Not exactly what I had planned for tonight, but as long as she sleeps in my arms, it’ll have to do.

  ‘I’m crazy about you.’ Her words from earlier replay in my head as I drive. She’s wrong. They don’t scare me off; they strengthen my deter
mination.

  “Uugghh.” Ember’s soft groans wake me up, so I move my hand to the exposed skin on her lower back, rubbing lightly.

  “That feels so good. Please don’t stop.”

  I lean in to kiss her shoulder blades and smile when I smell her on my sheets and pillows. She doesn’t say anything but whimpers an appreciative moan as I massage her entire back.

  “You feel okay?” I whisper in her hair.

  “Sort of. I have a tinge of a headache, and feel like I could sleep for days, but that’s it.”

  “Go back to sleep.”

  “I probably need to call Cruz.”

  “I took care of it last night. Sent him a text after I got you in bed.”

  “Did I fall asleep in the car?”

  “Passed out is more accurate.”

  “How’d you get me in here? Did I wake up?” She turns to me, and I move one hand to smooth her hair off her face.

  “Are you kidding? It was impossible to wake you. I carried you in, got you undressed, put you in one of my shirts, and tucked you in.”

  “How embarrassing.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m a dork.”

  “I don’t think so. I think you’re incredibly cute.”

  She rubs across her chest, and her eyes grow wide. “You took off my bra?”

  “Is that a problem?”

  “No, but it adds to my humiliation.”

  “It shouldn’t. But for the record, purple lace is perfect for you.”

  Her face starts to heat, and the splotches I’m accustomed to break out on her neck. Before she can say anything else, I dip down and kiss a path along her jawline. “Ember, I love that you get embarrassed so easily, but you don’t need to with me. I’m glad you had a good time, and I liked taking care of you.”

  “Thank you.” Her fingertips rub softly up my arms and link around my neck.

  “Anytime. Now, you mentioned sleeping for days. You want to go back to sleep?”

  “Not yet.”

  “What do you want to do? Today is yours.”

  “What time is it?” She wiggles free and starts scrambling. Her knee connects with the bulge in my shorts and I wince. “Oh my God, I’m sorry!” Her hands reach down to cup my dick and I hiss. Even through the cotton, the warmth of her skin sends a shock through me.

  “I have to be at work by eleven. I forgot to tell anyone else, and there’s a huge group coming in to get fitted for a fraternity formal.”

  “Today?” I ask, disappointed.

  “Yes.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I fall backwards and bring her with me.

  “I’ll make it up to you. Promise. Tonight. I’ll cook you dinner.”

  I look at the clock and then roll back, pinning her under me. “We have thirty minutes before you have to leave. Not nearly enough time for what I had in mind, but it’ll have to do.” My tongue outlines hers lips as she clutches my waist. Her fingertips draw lazy circles on my bare skin, and she moans when I push my pelvis into her hips. “Do you feel that? Do you feel what you do to me?”

  She nods and arches into me, thrusting her own tongue into my mouth. I drop to my elbows and use my hands to tilt her neck, allowing me to deepen the kiss. All my blood rushes to my aching dick when she wraps her legs around my hips and starts grinding. The tip slips through the slit in my boxers, and immediately, I feel her moisture through the purple satin that teased me all night long.

  “Baby, we have to stop,” I pant against her mouth.

  She shakes her head against me and uses her thigh muscles to squeeze me tighter. The air in the room becomes hot, sweat trickles down my back. She continues to grind and kiss along my jawline. I swear she purrs in my ear, and the small bit of control I had vanishes. My hips swivel, and my dick rubs back and forth over the damp material that’s the only barrier between our bodies. Her breathing turns into gasping as she throws her head back, giving me complete access to her entire neck. The need to touch her claims me, and I groan into her throat. Moving all my weight to one arm, I slide my hand up her torso until I reach her hardened nipple and squeeze.

  She cries out and rubs herself against me one more time before going slack on the bed. Her chest heaves as her heart races under my palm. I watch her eyes lazily open, glistening when they focus on me. The splotching returns and a sense of pride fills me, knowing I put this look on her face.

  “Fucking unbelievable.” I run my thumb over her nipple once more and slide to her side. My dick cries for relief, and I know exactly what I’ll be doing when she leaves.

  “I’m sorry.” A horrified expression washes over her. “You tried to stop me, and I pretty much forced myself on you.”

  “Forced yourself? Is that what you think? Because I think it’s pretty much the opposite. Watching you, hearing you, feeling you come against me— possibly the sexiest thing I’ve seen.”

  She tries to hide her grin but finally smiles widely. “I hate to leave you, especially in this state.” Her tiny hand slides down my abs and lands at the edge of my boxers. Her eyes travel down and grow wide when she sees I’m hanging out.

  “I’ll take care of it.”

  “I wish I didn’t have to go, but I’ll be back tonight. Now, I really need to brush my teeth and get home.”

  “Tonight, we’re picking up where we left off. I can’t wait to fucking taste you.” I run my hand down her stomach until it reaches the edge of her panties. My fingertips skim the skin softly then slip under the material. “So like I said, tonight we pick up right here.”

  She nods with raging desire in her eyes.

  I reluctantly let her out of the bed and watch her stroll to my bathroom with her clothes. My phone buzzes as soon as the door shuts.

  Cruz: Is Ember still with you?

  Me: Yes, she’s about to come home to get ready for work.

  Cruz: Fuck! Call me as soon as she leaves. We have a situation and it’s a fucking mess.

  The hair on the back of my neck rises and my body goes tight. I don’t have the patience for any more situations, especially if they involve Ember.

  Chapter 16

  Serena’s Back

  Ember

  A daze. That’s what I’m in, a Robbie Hayes daze. It’s the only excuse I have for being in a complete state of giddiness.

  I didn’t think twice when Aunt Chloe came in, her sewing machine in tow, and set up in the back to make my dress.

  I didn’t argue when Cruz insisted on driving us both and leaving my car at home.

  I didn’t care that Alex came in and hovered over me protectively as I took the measurements on the six fraternity guys that flirted unashamed.

  I didn’t question that all of us were in the shop on a Saturday, when usually it’s only two of us.

  It didn’t dawn on me that anything was unusual as Cruz took several private phone calls and kept looking at me with concern.

  Nope, I replayed my morning in my head and thought of Robbie constantly. Waking up, dressed in a shirt that smelled exactly like him, and having his body draped around me consumed my thoughts.

  It’s only when Finn Black walks into the store that I finally shake out of my haze. He looks around, and when his eyes land on mine, he gives me a slight grin. My stomach does a little twist. Any woman would have to be blind not to swoon over Finn. He’s built similar to Robbie, with a tall frame and solid physique, but that’s where the similarities end. He has sandy blonde hair and piercing aqua eyes. They can only be described as the color of the Caribbean ocean on a bright day. Seriously, it would be easy to lose yourself in his gaze.

  If I weren’t completely head over heels for Robbie, I’d be into Finn.

  But even though it would be easy to stare at him all day, I know this is not a social visit. A ball of nerves forms in the pit of my stomach. He approaches slowly, looking around the store again. When he reaches me, he bends down and kisses my cheek lightly.

  “Ember.”

  “Hi, Finn. What are y
ou doing here?”

  “Actually, I have a meeting with your aunt.”

  “Chloe?”

  “Yes.”

  “What for?”

  Before he can answer, Cruz and Alex interrupt and introduce themselves. Then Chloe comes out of the back, smiling widely.

  “Are you Finn?” she asks him.

  He nods and she takes his arm, leading him to the back. I stare at them open-mouthed, my head swarming with confusion.

  “Better close your mouth, Little Star,” Cruz teases me.

  “What just happened? Why is Robbie’s best friend here meeting with Chloe?”

  “We’re looking at some additional security measures, and he comes highly recommended.”

  “We are? How come I didn’t know?”

  “It came up recently, Mom and I decided last night. You were occupied, if you remember.” He uses air quotes on the word ‘occupied’, which instantly makes me blush.

  “But I’ve been here all day, you guys didn’t mention it before now?”

  “You’ve been on a cloud. We didn’t want to interrupt your head space,” Alex tells me.

  I open my mouth to argue, but nothing comes out so I smile.

  “How was last night?” Alex asks.

  I tell them about the pleasure party turned into lingerie shower. When I get to the part about Robbie having to carry me to bed because I was passed out, both men shake their heads.

  “You are really a dead weight when you sleep. Poor guy,” Cruz says.

  “Who’s a poor guy?” Robbie’s voice interrupts, and I jump. He comes in from the back and walks directly to my side. His lips brush across mine as he hugs me to him.

  “You are. We were discussing how Ember is dead to the world when she falls asleep. Especially if she’s drinking.”

  “I didn’t mind.”

  “What are you doing here?” my voice finally returns.

  A look passes between all three men, and the pit in my stomach resurfaces.

  “Let’s talk in the back.” Alex walks to the door and locks it.

  Robbie links his fingers through mine and leads me. Chloe and Finn are deep in conversation, leaning over the computer, and he’s explaining something.