Hidden Sins

by Bolton, Karice

  Luke turned up the drive and opened the gate. Driving down the driveway and into the garage, I felt safe. We drove down the ramp and parked on the bottom floor of the garage.

  “I bet you’re exhausted,” Luke said, his lip curled up slightly.

  “Yeah. Exhausted for sure,” I said, hiding my grin as I unbuckled and climbed out of the Tesla.

  “Before I forget, Mia wanted me to tell you sweet dreams. She’s in bed.” He came around to the side of the car and led me to the elevator.

  “That was sweet of her. I have something to show you in the library,” I offered.

  “Lead the way,” he laughed, his touch gentle as we climbed on the lift. “But I doubt you’re as good as you think you are.”

  “Those are fighting words,” I laughed as the elevator opened on the main floor.

  There was something changing between us and with every step closer to the library, I almost felt like I was going to spontaneously combust. We walked down the hall and I stopped him in front of the door.

  “I want you to brace yourself,” I whispered. “This will blow your mind.”

  “I hope so.”

  I opened the door and beelined to the shelf with the tipped over book. I ran my hands along the shelf and pushed gently as the wall moved, revealing the music room.

  “Always hide the evidence,” I laughed. A click echoed through the library and I glanced over my shoulder to see Luke locking the library door. My heart rate quickened with an anticipation of the unknown. I turned my attention to the room revealed in front of me, the beauty catching me off guard.

  A Concert Grand Piano sat in the center of the room, shiny and black. Gold script lettered the maker. It was a Bösendorfer, something I’d only read about in magazines. I couldn’t even imagine the price, but my guess was well over six-figures. My sister would’ve bowed down to the piece. I glanced at a harp that anchored the far corner and a Cello stood next to it.

  A collection of guitars hung on the wall to my left, ranging from classical to electric. To the right was the collection I wanted to devour. There were glass cabinets with violin cases on the shelves. Two of the cases were open, the red velvet interior showcasing the prize. I took a few steps inside, daring myself to look at his collection. I heard the click as the door closed behind me, creating a muffled echo. One oddity about the room was the lack of windows, but I did spot a door next to the guitars.

  I walked over to the violins, spotting little cards describing each. My heart hammered once I realized I was looking at a Guarnerius. The tips of my fingers began to tingle with the idea of holding this beautiful instrument.

  “Instead of a secret garden, I have a secret room,” he whispered, bringing me into his arms.

  “It’s magical,” I said, feeling his body against mine.

  I turned around and stood on my toes, my mouth brushing against his.

  “Do you play?” I asked, breaking away from him and walking toward the piano. We had an upright at home. Getting to admire this instrument up close was a dream. My sister played the piano. I played the violin. We’d often perform duets with each other. Another memory I’d chosen to pack away.

  “The piano. I dabble with the others,” he replied, his voice smooth. “But I love to collect instruments. It turned into a passion. I wish I could do the instruments justice, really. I just loved the beauty of them and the beauty of what they can become in the hands of a chosen few. I’d love for you to play for me.”

  “How about when this is all over, I’ll play something for you?” I whispered, my hand tracing along his arm before I took a step away. “Has anyone played violin for you?”

  He shook his head. “I would be honored.”

  I felt him behind me, his hands slowly moved along my sides. The tenderness of his touch created a thrill.

  “Why aren’t there any windows?” I asked.

  “I figured that if I had to have a safe room, I might as well be locked away with something that I’d enjoy,” he replied.

  “This is a safe room? Wow.” I looked at the door across the room. “Where does that door lead?”

  “My bedroom.”

  A shiver ran through my body and I laughed quietly.

  “Every day I’m near you makes it harder to stay away,” he murmured, his grip stopping at my hips.

  The excitement and desire rippling through me turned to nervousness. Not because of Luke, but because I was worried I wouldn’t be enough for him. That my inexperience would spoil his pleasure or make him regret his decision to be with me. I had no expectations. He had plenty. I slowly turned in his arms and looked up at him.

  “Then why stay away?” I asked, brushing aside my worries.

  His gaze connected with mine, as my hands traveled along his arms. He held me while the rush between us grew, and my mind began dreaming of all the things that could come tonight.

  “I don’t want to pressure you. Make you do anything you’ll regret,” he murmured, his lips dangerously close to mine.

  “I’d never regret giving myself to you,” I whispered, my heart racing with the admission. “I’d regret that I didn’t.”

  Luke’s gaze filled with desire as he pressed his body against mine. I felt his firmness press into my stomach, but it wasn’t enough. The excitement of the unknown took over completely as my hands ran along his back, bringing him in even closer as I leaned against the wall.

  “Upstairs,” he whispered, his lips touching my throat before taking me to the door I’d spotted only moments earlier. “It leads to my bedroom.” He stopped himself. “Only if you’re sure.”

  “I’ve never been more certain in my life.”

  His lips broke into a smile as he carried me upstairs. The staircase led into a large bedroom where he placed me down, my hand in his. I didn’t know what I expected, but this room fit Luke perfectly. A King bed covered with ivory and beige linens was centered in the room, and a fire was already blazing in the corner fireplace. French doors looked out into darkness.

  Luke grabbed a remote, closing the curtains and flicking off the lights, and I felt a flutter of excitement as I thought about this next step, with only the shadows from the fire providing a faint glow.

  He took a step closer to me and tossed the remote on an upholstered chair before enfolding me into his arms. I felt his hands glide along my spine, sending an amazing trill of sensations through my world. I wanted him. I wanted more.

  “You remind me that there really is a heaven,” he whispered.

  My breathing quickened while I stared into his eyes as he cradled me in his arms. There was something so pure about this moment, the way he held me, touched me. My hands trembled as I attempted to unfasten each button on his shirt.

  “Take it slow,” Luke whispered, pushing a piece of hair from my face. “Your first time will only happen once.”

  So he knew.

  My heart raced with the way he looked at me, like his entire existence hinged on this one moment. And maybe it did. Mine certainly felt like it might.

  He touched his lips to mine, and the insatiable need I had growing inside of me challenged me to remain calm even though I felt anything but. His mouth parted and his kisses deepened as I ran my fingers through his hair, pulling him into me. His mouth traveled along my jaw down to my throat. I worked my hands down his chest and lower to his stomach, settling at his waist. His jeans already sat low, but I ran my fingers along the edge, dipping along his v-muscles, letting my hands wander as the excitement remained unstoppable. This type of anticipation was almost unbearable. Almost.

  His lips skated along my skin, sending prickles of delight through my body, but with every breath, I wanted more. His hands slowly worked down my back, stopping just short of where I wanted them to settle. I squirmed, only to hear a little growl as his lip turned up slightly.

  “Is that so?” he asked, his voice low.

  I nodded as he ignored my request. Instead, he cupped my chin and hovered his lips deathly close to mine, build
ing a desire inside of me that only grew with every passing second. How could this man do this to me?

  His green eyes filled with longing as my hands dipped lower. I unbuttoned his jeans and smiled, but he shook his head and laughed as he picked me up and carried me to the bed. Setting me down gently, he took a step back and slowly unbuttoned his shirt. Watching this god of a man undress only made my longing worse. As I watched him take his shirt off, my eyes cascaded along his broad shoulders, corded with definition. They made most sculptures look inadequate. My breathing changed as my eyes followed down his pecs to his abdomen. My fingers ached with need to touch him as he climbed on the bed, his jeans still on.

  Luke gripped my hips and slid me down the bed toward him as heat flooded through my body. He slowly raised my camisole, exposing my skin to the cool air as his fingers grazed the surface. He sent shivers through my body with each touch. Sometimes trading touch for kisses, I felt like I was going to melt in his arms. He pulled my camisole the last little bit over my head and tossed it to the floor. I felt completely exposed but completely wanted as his eyes ravished my body.

  His lips glided along my bare belly, upwelling my desire and sending heat clear through to my bones. With every tender kiss and caress of his tongue against my flesh, my mind spun out of control. The tingle of the unknown pulsed through my body as he worked his mouth lower and lower. With every kiss, a fire continued to build that burned intensely.

  Every emotion rose to the surface when his lips left my flesh. I didn’t want him to stop. Instead, he teased, reading my body. I felt him move away and this time he didn’t come back. I opened my eyes and saw Luke balancing on his elbows as his body hovered over mine.

  “Why’d you stop?” I whispered.

  “Are you sure this is what you want?” he asked, touching his lips ever so gently against my belly. A wave of shivers ran through me.

  “When you put it that way, yes,” I teased, but my breath caught as he slid his body against mine. His jeans still on, his fingers slid along my sides to my back, finding the bra clasp to unhook. I felt his hands move along my spine to my shoulders as his fingers worked along the lace. He slid my straps down and his breathing quickened as my bra fell to the floor. The power I felt in this one moment was glorious. His fingers stroked along my breasts as my body begged for more.

  “You’re so beautiful, Hannah,” he whispered, as his fingers moved along my arms. “I’m such a lucky man.”

  Instead of feeling completely exposed, I felt admired, loved, and I wanted more.

  “Thank you,” I whispered, his eyes locking on mine. My fingers fell to the waist of his jeans as I attempted to pull at them unsuccessfully.

  “Is that so?” His smile was delicious as he propped himself up on his knees, his legs straddling my waist. I imagined having him inside of me and my body responded. I slowly moved my hips, but he began working my shorts down my legs.

  Sitting on the bed, his fingers slid along my thighs. My body trembled with the closeness of his hands to where the longing burned within me. His hands came so close, only edging my panties before retreating. He stood up as my heart raced with a craving that grew with every second he wasn’t touching me.

  “Please,” I whispered, unsure of what I wanted more, his touch or to see him undress.

  He smiled, his eyes hooded as he moved onto the bed, hovering over me. My hands quickly worked to push his jeans and boxers down. He helped the rest of the way as I began kissing his chest as his fingers brushed aside my panties. I wanted him so badly it hurt. Every stroke of his fingers made my entire body tingle, his mouth trickling along my breasts.

  “Kiss me,” I moaned, tracing my hands along his sides. His lips met mine, hungry and craving so much more than only kisses could give. Luke’s body pressed against mine, and I felt his firmness press into me, making the need almost insufferable.

  “I want more,” I moaned softly.

  Our kisses transformed, becoming more demanding with every passing second. His fingers tangled through my hair as he pulled my head away from his. His gaze burned with intensity as he moved his lips to my throat, his tongue tracing along my flesh. But it wasn’t enough. I wanted more. I needed more. I wrapped my legs around his waist, feeling him press into me. His breathing changed as he ran his mouth along my collarbone. A quiver ran through my body as my craving for him became insatiable. A moan escaped from my lips as I attempted to squirm underneath.

  “Not yet, my love. Patience is key. I’m not going to rush a single thing,” his voice deep, his breath tickling my over-sensitized skin.

  “Please,” I begged.

  He shook his head as I tried to slide my panties down. He grabbed my wrists and kissed each one before pinning them above my head. I’d never felt this much desire. It was turning into an obsession. I tried wiggling out of his clasp, but he only smiled, shaking his head slowly. He was always gorgeous, but seeing him above me like this was beyond my wildest dreams. His chiseled features working to bring me pleasure as I moved under his body, begging for so much more.

  “Let me love you, how you should be loved,” he whispered next to my ear. His words made me tremble with yearning as he placed a soft kiss underneath my lobe.

  “This is excruciating,” I whispered as he let go of my wrists.

  “That will only make the end even more pleasurable,” he promised. “Learn to trust.”

  Unable to speak, I nodded as he moved his mouth down my belly lower and lower.

  His fingers moved the lace aside and my body quivered in delight. Pleasure bolted through me, and I knew now what he meant as my hips writhed to a rhythm he created.

  “Now,” I murmured.

  “I need you to say it. I need to hear it from your lips.” His eyes stayed on mine as he moved across me, his flesh pressing into mine as he tossed my panties away. I squirmed underneath him as excitement pulsed through me.

  “Make love to me,” I whispered.

  A smile broke onto his lips as he gently parted my legs. My pulse raced at the thought of what was to come next. Luke propped himself on his elbows, his mouth only inches from mine. I tangled my fingers through his hair as he slowly entered. The weight of his body disbursed as I felt our bodies connect and the passion between us unleash. Our kisses intensified as our worlds interlocked. For once in my life, I felt wild and possessed and I never wanted it to end.

  With every movement of his hips, I felt another pulse of goodness shake through me as the silhouettes of our body became one against the shadows of the night. I felt his body shudder just as mine released, my body arching in pure ecstasy.

  “I think I’m falling in love with you,” I murmured.

  Luke moved to his side and cradled me in his arms. “I guess I’m one step ahead, Hannah Walker. I’m completely in love with you.”

  Luke

  The morning light trickled in through the shades, and I turned over slowly, still feeling Hannah’s arms and legs wrapped around me. I glanced at the clock and saw that it was ten o’clock in the morning. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d slept like this. Feeling the warmth of her skin against mine made me never want to leave the bed. It also made me want her again.

  I tried to be gentle with her last night but there were moments I wasn’t sure that was actually possible. Hannah stirred slightly, and she ran her hand down my waist, dipping lower and lower. I felt her body shudder as she started laughing.

  “Next time maybe you’ll wear the Indiana hat?” Hannah giggled, and I scooped her into my arms as she buried her head under the covers.

  “Next time, huh?”

  She began kissing my chest and it made me want to devour her right here and now.

  “I wanted to give you a proper good morning,” her voice rang as she appeared from under the covers.

  Her hair was completely disheveled and it looked cute as hell. She was wearing nothing but a sheet and I loved it. For the first time in my life, I could imagine spending my life with someone as long as that
someone was Hannah.

  A knock on the door interrupted my intentions, and I groaned as I threw off the covers and grabbed a robe.

  “Sir, I’m sorry to bother you but this was delivered to Mia’s house by courier. One of our guys watching the house just picked it up.” Mitch handed me an envelope and I thanked him before shutting the door.

  “What’s up?” Hannah asked.

  “Not sure. But it’s addressed to you,” I sighed.

  Hannah froze, her eyes staring at the envelope like she’d just seen a ghost.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “That’s my mother’s handwriting.” She shook her head and scooted back in bed. “How can that be? I don’t understand.”

  I slid my finger under the flap and tore it open to reveal a letter inside. Hannah was sitting in bed shaking her head. I handed her the letter and sat next to her on the bed.

  “I don’t want to read it,” she replied.

  “I know, but I think you should.”

  “You read it first.” Hannah stood up with the sheet wrapped around her slender body. She left the letter on the bed and walked to the bathroom.

  I heard her turn on the shower and knew to give her some time. I glanced at the letter and read it through quickly, taking as many mental notes as possible. Her mother left the NLC, wanted to meet with her, apologize. I needed to get a hold of Sam. I left the letter on the bed and hurried toward the study. Hannah would read it when she was ready, and something told me she’d be ready after her shower. She was like me, always curious.

  “Everything alright, sir?” Mitch asked.

  “If the letter can be trusted, Mia’s mom is in the state. Wants to meet her. It’s undoubtedly a setup, but I wanna give Sam the details immediately.”