“Oh, my God, he’s gone to the mews.” Nila squinted into the sun after her husband.
“Are there more birds like the one above us?” I asked, tipping my head to follow the cruising path of the winged predator.
“There are seven or so, I think. Kestrels and hawks. Even an osprey.”
We waited in silence as Jethro disappeared in the distance. Guilt crept over me for whatever my friend had felt. I hadn’t meant to think of his animal care as subpar. I didn’t want him to think I judged him for trapping birds...even though I did.
Eleanor was right.
I’m a shitty friend.
“I’ll go after him. Apologise.” I untangled my arm from around Eleanor. “I’ll be right back.”
“Wait.” Eleanor grabbed my hand, looking at the sky.
Nila gasped and the two kids oohed and ahhed.
In the backdrop of blue sky and golden sun flew six sleek birds, slicing through the air as stealthy and as silently as death.
The thunder of hooves sounded beneath them, a black beast galloping with a man bareback.
No one spoke as Jethro pulled up his horse and leaped off while it was still moving, jogging a little with momentum before stopping beside his wife.
He gave me a sour look before pointing at the black horse who stood with its tail cocked and nostrils flared. It had no tack on. No bridle, no saddle, standing by its master of its own accord.
“That’s acceptable to you, right?” Jethro muttered. “Wings wants to be here of his own free will. You’re all right with that level of ownership?”
I fought a smile, knowing where this was going. Turned out his gift was still a curse in some ways. But today, it would benefit seven souls, so I was okay with that. I nodded, crossing my arms. “Yes, because that’s not ownership, that’s friendship.”
Wings snorted, tossing his head before nuzzling the children out of the way and picking where they stood to munch on the grass.
Nila laughed and scratched the glossy creature, her attention still on the birds swirling above us, not leaving as if they knew they weren’t permitted unless a signal was given.
Holding my stare, Jethro pulled a pair of banged-up barn scissors from his slacks pocket and raised his arm.
He whistled.
A flurry of feathers as the birds all dropped to land on him. Only one perched at a time and the rest shot back to the sky. With a glower at me, Jethro grabbed the dangling leash on a kestrel and snipped it free. He left the metal ring with identification details but tossed the leather string into the grass before raising his arm and shooting the bird back into the sky.
He repeated the process six more times.
A whistle, a bird, a snip, a throw until the discarded tethers looked like dead snakes in the grass. Only once each one was free did he whistle again, this one piercing and long. The signal to hunt.
The raptors dispersed and vanished, winging out in all directions, no leash, no belonging, just absolute freedom.
Jethro huffed and put the scissors back into his pocket. “Thanks to you, I could no longer keep them tied up in the mews. You and your strong opinions about animal welfare are a battering ram to someone like me, Sinclair.”
I chuckled. “I didn’t mean for you to release your entire flock.”
“No, you didn’t. But you’re right. It’s not fair to them. If they choose to live in the mews and come back, then fine. But if they leave, they should be protected by my identification and can go about their lives.”
I held out my hand, waiting until he put his inside mine. “You’re a good man, Hawk.”
He shook his head, his scowl still present. “No, I’m not. But I’m trying to be.”
Breaking apart, he scooped up Emma and placed her on his hip before grabbing the hand of his son. “Let’s go for a walk.” He bowed in Eleanor’s direction before cocking his chin at me. “You owe me that after making me free my prized hunters.”
“Fine.” I grinned. “But then we have a plane to catch.”
“Oh yes, the urge to chase heat and humidity. It’s a constant hum inside you, Sullivan. It must be exhausting being you.” He matched my grin. “Fine, yes. A walk and then you’re free to leave. Free to return to your islands.”
“In that case, a walk would be great.” I took Eleanor’s hand and let him lead the way.
We fell in step behind Jethro, heading toward the woodland and orchards.
Four adults.
Two children.
And one black horse, following as a friend because he wanted to.
Chapter Fifteen
I SNUCK INTO THE sunny drawing room at the front of the hall as Nila, Jethro, and Sully stood on the stoop, waiting for Radcliffe and his security team to bring the car around so we could return to the airport.
Our suitcase had been brought down from our room.
My ball gown and Sully’s tux hung neatly on hangers with a thank-you note beside them. Our masks placed carefully on our bed that we’d barely slept in. The ballroom cleaned by excellent staff so no hint of a large event showed.
Our time was over here. We were ready to go.
It’d been a trip to remember, and I intended to keep a promise that I’d made to Nila as we walked back from the stables last night.
Sully and I had indulged in a different dimension. We’d travelled to a jungle and swung from vines in ecstasy. We had plenty of vials of cinta back at home, along with dozens and dozens of sensors to play in a virtual reality world.
The remaining two sets of eye lenses and earbuds that I’d brought weren’t needed and the mostly full bottle of cinta could perhaps give Jethro and Nila a few memorable nights in this place like Sully and I had enjoyed.
Placing the box of Euphoria sensors on the crystal side table complete with a lamp in the shape of a tulip, I quickly scribbled another note.
Dear Nila,
Please accept this gift as a thank you for letting us attend your incredible masquerade and stay in your wonderful home. The sensors are to be worn by each of you, so you can see and hear within the VR creation. I’ll send you the app you’ll need to download on your phone so you can activate certain fantasies.
I’ve also included a bottle of cinta.
It’s potent if you already feel lust for each other, and after watching you two together, I have no doubt there’s much lust and love between you.
One drop should be enough to start.
Make sure you have no interruptions.
To end the fantasy, pinch your wrist for a few seconds or fall asleep.
If you have any questions, my inbox is always open.
I hope you have as much fun in Euphoria as we do.
Thanks again and stay in touch.
Eleanor.
Folding the note and tucking it under the unassuming box that granted such ecstasy, I glanced around Hawksridge Hall one last time, caught the flash of kestrel feathers as a freed raptor shot past the window, and headed back to my husband.
I looked forward to another adventure.
Another memory.
And smiled in joy, knowing we would go home soon.
Together.
Back to Pika and Skittles.
Back to tropical heat and turquoise seas.
Back to absolute paradise.
I SAT IN BED, waiting for Needle to finish putting Kes and Emma to bed.
I’d attempted to help—we always did the bedtime routine together. However, I’d had to leave the final stages to Nila lately. Seeing as I couldn’t seem to say no when they begged for another story. And another. And another.
I could feel their joy at spending time with us. The recited adventures weren’t just stupid stories to them but true experiences they adored. They weren’t doing it to drag out bedtime; they literally wanted to keep hanging out with their parents.
And I was fucking honoured by that.
So, of course, how the hell could I say no?
Hence why Nila did the final kisses and the terribly
hard job of turning out their lights, ensuring the glowing heart lamp was on to protect them from the ghosts of Hawksridge Hall, and leaving them to bicker in the soft pink darkness while she tiptoed back to me.
I looked up as Nila entered.
She grinned, shutting the door behind her.
Three days had passed since our attempt at being social with the masquerade. Three days for me to get over my exhaustion of listening to so many different people, opinions, and right and wrong in everyone.
Three days since Sully and Eleanor had left.
And Nila had been cagey today, ever since she’d read an email from Eleanor and downloaded something on her phone.
“Alright, out with it.” I glowered at my delicious wife as she kicked off her silken slippers and sat on her knees before me. Her dark hair hung in straight sheets, her chest rose and fell beneath her honey-coloured shirt.
Licking her lips, she sucked in a breath. “How are you feeling?”
“Me? Why? What’s that got to do with whatever you’re hiding?”
“I just want to know if you’ve recovered from the masq.”
That was the thing about living with someone who got me. Who understood and accepted me unconditionally. I didn’t need to hide, and that was the greatest fucking gift anyone could’ve given me.
This hall no longer had evil pouring through its brickwork. It had love and safety and utter happiness. Cut was gone. Daniel was rotting in Africa somewhere. Bonnie was ash. And Kes was regularly visited in his peaceful resting spot.
A lot of my family was dead, but those who deserved to stay alive were thriving.
Jasmine was happy.
My kids didn’t have a heinous debt hanging around their necks.
There would be no more Debt Inheritance or death between my house and Nila’s.
“I’m sufficiently revived. Why?” I took her hand, rubbing away the chill in her fingers. “What’s going on?”
“I...have something.”
“What something?”
“Eleanor gave it to me.”
“Gave you what precisely?”
“I had to wait until today to get the link for the app she mentioned, but it’s on my phone now. I’ve read her instructions. I know how to load Euphoria, and she’s kindly included a few VR scenes that are ready to go.”
I scowled. “What the hell is Euphoria. And VR?”
Nila shook in my hold, inhaling again. “It’s one of Sullivan’s creations.”
I let her go, reclining against the pillows. “Oh no. I’ve had enough of his creations, thank you very much. If it’s another drug, I’m not taking it. You, better than anyone, can understand why. Or are you forgetting what happened between us before the Third Debt?”
She shook her head, her eyes flashing with pain as they always did when reminded about our screwed-up past. “It’s not a drug. Well, it is, and it isn’t.”
“Not interested.”
She huffed and grabbed her phone, her legs splicing apart before slipping gracefully beneath her. Tapping the screen, she brought up an app with palm trees and an emblem that said: ‘Pleasure in Euphoria is euphoric’.
“This is an app that transports us to a different place. It’s obviously not real. It doesn’t literally transport us, but it’s like a computer program. We wear these—” Putting her phone down, she grabbed a small wooden box from her drawer and placed them on my lap. “Eye lenses and earbud sensors. A bit like when Vaughn plays PlayStation, you know? He wears the headset and headphones? He sees the game all around him. He’s immersed.”
Opening the box, I glanced at the typical small containers for eye lenses and the earbuds. “And you want to play a computer game?”
She blushed. “I want to play a game...with you.”
I tensed as a wash of her emotions caught me by surprise. My condition allowed me to eavesdrop on my wife. I knew when she was pissed at me for leaving my polo gear untended and dirty on our chaise lounge. I knew when she stared at me with love when I kissed and played with our children. And I knew when she wanted me. The hot warmth that spilled from her was full of need and invitation.
In a way, she couldn’t hide from me. She couldn’t lie if I’d annoyed her or pretend things were okay when they weren’t.
But now...
I couldn’t understand what she felt.
She was excited, nervous, intrigued, turned on.
Afraid.
I looked harder at the sensors she’d given me, trying to figure out what this meant. What had Sully created here?
“You want me, Needle. I can sense that. But I don’t understand the fear.”
She looked down at the white bedspread before forcing herself to meet my eyes and blurt everything. “You must’ve heard the rumours too. About Sully’s fantasy world that he’s using on his Rapture islands? That he can code any kink and insert a couple to do whatever they want? All we have to do is wear those lenses and earbuds, choose a fantasy and press this button.” She showed me on the phone, small icons of BDSM dungeons, office desks, kinky playrooms, and outdoor picnics revealed the nature of each erotic fantasy.
My cock twitched in interest. But before I could agree or disagree, Nila said, “There’s something else.”
My eyebrows shot up. “What exactly?”
She pulled a small stopper bottle from her back pocket. “This.”
I took it from her, inspecting the smoky glass, before unscrewing the lid to smell the contents.
It smelled vaguely sweet and flowery—like the exotic orchids growing in our greenhouses. “What is it?”
“Cinta. I think Eleanor told me it’s Indonesian for love.”
“So it is a drug.”
She nodded reluctantly, knowing my tangled relationship with drugs, doctors, and being called crazy.
In the past, I was crazy, and no one had a cure.
Now, I was sane and could balance my nature so I could function in the real world. I wouldn’t jeopardise that for fucking anything.
Screwing the bottle shut, I shoved it at her. “I’m happy to fuck you in whatever position you want. We’ll get the hounds and Wings and go for a run in the woods if that’s what you’re after. I will never say no to you, nor would I ever want to. But...I’m not taking any substance. Especially something that Sullivan has cooked. He’s too proficient at creating things that actually work, unlike the other big pharma with their useless promises.”
“This is different.” She rolled the bottle in her fingers. “It won’t change you. It doesn’t do a thing apart from work on what’s already between us.” Crawling on her hands and knees, she didn’t stop until she splayed her legs on either side of my hips and straddled me.
The instant her body heat came close, my instincts kicked in, and our lust that always infected us sprang into full attention. Grabbing her hips, I pushed her down, rocking her along my rapidly hardening cock.
Her eyes hooded, placing her hands on my shoulders and bending to kiss her way along my throat. “It’s an aphrodisiac.”
I chuckled darkly, thrusting my erection against the seam of her jeans. “Does it feel like I need an aphrodisiac? You are the only thing I need to get hard.”
“I know.” She writhed on me, making my head swim. “But I also know that you can’t fully be in your own thoughts. You feel me. You feel whoever is close by. Your thoughts are always stretched in so many directions through no fault of your own. And I want...” She licked her way up my neck, making me groan. “I want to give you a night where the only thing you think about is how much you want to fuck me.”
I jerked as her teeth sank around my ear. “Believe me, Nila, that’s all I’m thinking about right now.”
“No, it’s not.” She pulled back, her skin flushed and so fucking beautiful. “You’re thinking about Kes and Emma because I can still hear them bickering down the corridor. You’re keeping me safe by scanning the hall for trespassers and keeping your perception open. I know how hard the masquerade was for you. I kn
ow you’ve struggled to shed the thoughts of guests. I want you to just be you. To only have one voice inside your head.” Her lips landed on mine, kissing me hard.
I gave in to her, allowing her to dictate how deep, how fast. While she kissed me, I unbuttoned her shirt and shoved it down her arms. Her bra unclipped at the back, freeing her breasts and making my teeth ache to bite her nipples.
But then she was gone, leaving me hard and impatient. “Come back here.”
“Put these on first.” Holding out the lenses and earbuds, she cocked her head. “Come on, Kite. One night. Trust me.”
I paused, glaring at her hand and the outstretched sensors. I trusted her over everyone, but I also had no intention of ingesting a drug Sullivan had made.
I’d learned that the hard way.
Focusing on Nila, working past her wash of lust, I pickpocketed through her other emotions. I tried not to trespass on her thoughts too much. After all, being married to a man like me gave her no privacy whatsoever. However, she accepted who I was when she vowed her life to mine, and in this case, I had a right to rifle.
Once again, there was trepidation and excitement, but the fear had gone, drowned out by wet desire. She was telling the truth that she wanted me. A lot. And she wanted to be alone with me in a way we’d never been able to be before.
Coming closer, she touched my cheek softly. “It’s just something fun, Jet. Nothing more. I would never ask you to do something that could jeopardise everything we’ve worked so hard to build.” Her tone throbbed with honesty. Honesty that matched her fierce, affectionate ownership over me and my condition.
“I love you.” She bent to kiss me again.
And I couldn’t fight the swell of everlasting love.
I kissed her back, nodding slowly. “Okay, Needle. If it’s what you want.”
Pulling away, she stayed silent as she tipped my head back and carefully placed the eye lenses over my right and left eye. I blinked against the obstruction, regretting my approval as she attempted to put the buds in my ears.
“Here, let me.” I pushed her away gently, ensuring the buds were in correctly.
Sully's Fantasy (Goddess Isles, #6) Page 12
