Inseparable Bond

by Reese Spenser

  She’s right, I should give them a call, not only to share the news, but to keep them from making a trip to the hospital. I call my mom’s cell and she picks up on the second ring.

  “Good morning, sweetheart,” she greets. “Did you sleep well? How are you feeling?”

  My mother’s succession of questions makes me painfully aware that two women in my life have apprehension in their voices.

  “I’m fine, Mom. The doctor has cleared me to go home today.”

  The phone is silent for a moment before hearing my mother breathe a sigh of relief.

  “That’s wonderful, Lucian.” Her words are strained as if holding back tears. “Your father and your sister and I will drop by the penthouse later once you’re settled at home.”

  “Alright Mom, I’ll see you then.”

  “I love you son.”

  “I love you too, Mom.”

  Ending the call, I turn my attention back to Avery. But now is not the time to get into what’s bothering her. A tap at the door and Mathers enters followed by a nurse pushing a wheelchair.

  Oh, hell no!

  “That won’t be necessary,” I inform the nurse, pointing to the wheelchair.

  “You’re recovering from a head injury, Mr. Thorne,” she says, stating what I already know. “I’m afraid it’s hospital policy.”

  “Policy or not, I’m leaving this room in a wheelchair,” I say adamantly.

  The paparazzi is no doubt camped outside this hospital and maybe somewhere in the hospital. I refuse to allow the public to see me appear as weak. My fingers glide through my hair, coming in contact with bandaging. I had almost forgotten about the bandage covering the three stitches at the back of my head.

  “No wheelchair,” I bark, making myself perfectly clear.

  Excusing myself, I head to the bathroom. Carefully, I remove the bandage. All eyes are on me when I walk back into the room. The nurse huffs, Mathers tries to hide his smirk, and Avery takes my hand.

  “Let’s go home,” she says.

  The nurse follows us down the hall with the wheelchair. When we exit the elevator to the lobby, Avery stops the nurse before she steps out.

  “Thank you, but this is as far as you go. We can manage from here.”

  “But...” Avery cuts her off.

  “Thank you,” Avery repeats, meeting the nurse’s gaze as she lets the elevator door closes between us.

  We exit the hospital at the front entrance, united hand in hand. And just as I expected a swarm of news hungry vultures greet us. Mather’s leads us through the crowd as we are pelted with question after question. I don’t bother to respond to any of them since I don’t have any answers yet.

  Danvers is waiting with the limo, holding the back-passenger door open. Avery climbs in sliding across the leather seat. I stop to answer one question before following her.

  “Mr. Thorne, can you tell us what happened to your driver?”

  “He’s is in a critical but stable condition. His doctors have assured me that although his recovery will be arduous, he will indeed recover.”

  I ignore any follow up questions, climbing into the limo. Wrapping my arm around Avery, she snuggles next to me. We ride home in silence; both of us seem to be engrossed in our own thoughts.

  Entering the penthouse nearly gives me a heart attack when my sister jumps out yelling, “Surprise!”

  “Shouting is not the best thing for a man suffering with headaches,” I wince. “Remind me to revoke your entry codes,” I say pointedly to Katelyn.

  “I’m sorry,” she says, hugging me tightly. “I’m also glad you’re okay, hence the celebration.”

  “Where are Mom and Dad?”

  “They’ll be here shortly.”

  “We should have a seat,” Avery interjects.

  Flanked by Avery and Katelyn, I suddenly feel tired.

  “I’m not staying long,” Katelyn says, taking a seat. “I know you need to rest.”

  The pain in my head begins to throb and I find It difficult to concentrate. Avery laces her fingers with mine and the contact has a soothing affect.

  The three of us are fully engaged in conversation when my parents join us. With Avery holding my hand the entire time, I get through their visit. Forty-five minutes later, Avery and I are alone once again.

  “How are you feeling?” she asks.

  “I’m a little tired,” I confess.

  Leading me to our bedroom, she tells me to undress and change into my pajamas. I follow her instructions happily.

  “Climb in,” she says, pulling the cover back on the bed. “I’m going to tell you a bedtime story. I want you to relax and let my voice soothe you.”

  She sits with her back against the pillows, and I nuzzle next to her resting my head on the pillow she has placed on her lap. Her fingers glide through my hair, caressing me gently.

  “There once was a little girl, who lived in a lighthouse in the middle of the ocean.” I listen to Avery, letting her words guide me to memories of our time at my beach house and the Montauk Lighthouse. The time we spent there can only be described as magical. I imagine the ocean breeze against my skin and the sound her laughter as I chase her down the beach. And I can almost taste her lips, so eager for mine after I caught her. Her submission is as sweet as her lips when I claim my prize. I surrender to the memory. The last thing I hear before sleep claims me is, “And they lived happily ever after.”

  Chapter 9

  Avery

  It’s nearly six in the evening when Lucian awakes from his nap. I try to take a nap with him, but I couldn’t stop the explosion of the limo from invading the forefront of my mind.

  I have just finish preparing dinner, when a familiar charge flows through me, wakening my desire. I can’t take my eyes off him as he stalks toward me in stark contrast to the man I put to bed hours ago. Sleep truly does his body good. The gleam in his eyes tells me there’s no sign of a headache. I can only sway into him when he gathers me in his strong arms. And moan against his lips when his mouth claims mine.

  Lucian has kissed me many times and nearly every time he takes my breath away. His hands slide under my blouse and up my back, pressing me to his chest, urging me closer to him. His arousal hard against my stomach.

  “I need to be inside you, Rose Petal.”

  His breath hitches as he exhales harshly and glides his finger over my swollen lips. His body is tense, and I realize he needs my submission. “I will always give you what you need, Sir,” I whisper just before he scoops me up into his muscular arms. Quick strides carry us back to the bedroom.

  Lucian deposits me on the bed after undressing me. I watch as he removes his pajamas. My hungry gaze devours every inch of him. Sliding into bed with me, he pulls me to him, his naked body hovering over mine. I breathe in his masculine scent and my body reacts to the smell of sandalwood like an aphrodisiac.

  “When I was unconscious most of the voices were inaudible, especially when the pain was unbearable.”

  I gasp, and tears flow down my cheeks. “I’m so sorry that happened to you. I can’t imagine what you must be feeling.” I wrap my arms around his neck and my finger glides through his hair. I’m careful not to disturb his stitches. “I was so afraid that I’d lose you.”

  “I heard you.” He kisses my tear stained cheeks. “With each word, I grew stronger, bringing me closer to you.”

  Closing my eyes, I let his words fill my heart. The weight and warmth of his body anchors me, and his kisses steal my breath once again. I love you, I want to say, but instead I moan as he buries his cock deep inside me.

  “Do you know what it means to be always mine?”

  His voice is a gravelly whisper, as he commands his body to remain still. He’s fighting to keep his need under control. “It means that I’ll always be yours,” I whisper, lifting my hips, urging him to move.

  Lucian grips my thigh and his nails bite into my skin. His lips brush against my ear and he groan, “Not yet. I just want to feel your warmth surrou
nding me.”

  His cock pulses inside me for several long seconds. His intimate possession is intense, trapping me a bubble of pure ecstasy. My emotions are heightened, speeding my heart as my body clamors for release. I try to keep still, but I lose that fight when Lucian flexes his hips and drags his teeth over the tendons of my neck. My orgasm seizes control of my body; tremor after tremor my center clenches around him.

  Lucian shudders against me, burying his cock deeper. The growl emanating from him is animalistic in nature. Warmth floods me, spilling between my thighs. Spurt after spurt, his seed fills me.

  Sated, I hold him tight, listening to him say, “It also means I’m forever yours.”

  There are no words to describe what we are to each other, but these will do for now.

  Always Mine. Forever Yours.

  “I love you, Rose Petal.”

  I turn to face him, holding his gaze. I see the depth of my love reflecting at me.

  “I’m thankful every day for the gift of your love. I want to always deserve it, because I never want to let you go.”

  “I’ll never let you go, Avery West,” he says, kissing me tenderly.

  AFTER DINNER LAST NIGHT, Carter called Lucian to bring him up to speed on his investigation into the limo explosion. The information weighed heavily on Lucian’s mind. He tossed and turned most of the night, getting very little sleep. He’s eager to see the surveillance video and the photos of the scene outside Thorne Tower. I manage to get him to put off reviewing the evidence until today. Hoping a good night’s sleep before reliving the horror again, would better prepare him as he combs through the details of an explosion that could have killed him. My heart stops and my body go ice cold at the thought of losing him. Even in his sleep Lucian is attuned to my body and aware of my needs. He pulls me into his arms, wrapping them around my waist. The heat from his naked body warms me immediately.

  I’m not surprised when he wakes fully.

  “You’re shivering,” he murmurs, nuzzling closer to my back.

  “I’m worried you may overexert yourself reviewing the evidence Carter has collected.”

  “If I promise to take it easy and only work a few hours today, will that make you feel better?"

  “It will.”

  “Then I promise,” he vows.

  Minutes later I’m grateful when he’s sleeping soundly again.

  Untangling our limbs, I slide out of bed, leaving Lucian undisturbed. I pad across the carpeted floor to the bathroom. I observe my naked body in the full-length mirror: wild hair, swollen lips, and bruised hips and thighs. The woman looking back at me is in love and absofuckinglutely happy. I rub my flat belly and think ‘someday.’

  I’m showered and dressed in less than twenty minutes. With my hair whipping back and forth in a ponytail, I make my way to the kitchen. Maggie is already there with coffee waiting for me when I reach the breakfast bar.

  “Good morning, Maggie.”

  “Good morning, Miss West. What can I get you for breakfast this morning?”

  “I’m in the mood for your delicious French toast.”

  “I can’t take credit for the French toast, it’s actually, Miss Frost’s recipe.

  Since meeting Lucian’s cousin, Olivia Frost, I’ve grown very fond of her. At just twenty-three years old, she has already accomplished so much. She’s a recent graduate of the International Culinary Center. With her bestselling cookbook and plans to open a French bistro, she’s making a name for herself on her own terms.

  “Would you like bacon and eggs with your French toast?” Maggie’s voice and my growling stomach reminds me of breakfast.

  “Just bacon, thanks.”

  Maggie grabs the ingredients she needs, and I add hazelnut creamer and sweetener to my coffee. She works in silence and I wait patiently for the mouthwatering goodness.

  Lucian is still sleeping when I peek in our bedroom before heading to my home office. I’m busy with an idea for a new book when an incoming call interrupts my flow. I glance at the screen and see my agent’s name on display

  Jill Carmichael has been my literary agent for the past two years. She has worked tirelessly to finalize the movie deal for Tainted Soul. A California native, I rarely see her, but we have spoken nearly every day since Hollywood developed an interest in my books.

  Considering it’s only a quarter past six on the west coast, Jill is calling early.

  “Good morning, Jill. How are you?”

  “Am I calling too early, love?” she queries.

  “Not at all. How...”

  “That’s great, because I have wonderful news,” Jill interrupts.

  The line is silent for a moment, giving her an opportunity to continue.

  “Dorian Wolff wants a face-to-face meeting with you.”

  I knew this was coming, but the timing of it does not work for me. With all that’s going on here, I don’t want to be away from Lucian.

  “Now isn’t really a good time for me.”

  “That’s fine, love,” she assures me. “Dorian is out of the country right now. He’s thinking of meeting when he returns in two weeks.”

  “Two weeks could work.” In two weeks Lucian should be back to his regular routine. “Send me the details.”

  “Excellent!” she cheers. “Talk to you soon.”

  Ending the call, my brain becomes fixated on the idea of being away from Lucian for days at a time. The last time we were separated by a business trip all hell broke loose. I was kidnapped by his batshit crazy ex sister-in-law, Samantha Davies, and her gullible side-kick Clayton Fields. They are behind bars now, but that doesn’t’ mean there aren’t other threats. The limo explosion is a prime example. I’m worried for Lucian’s safety, because he was clearly the target. The delay in his work schedule was the only reason he was not in the vehicle when it exploded. And I give thanks to the heavens for the intervention. Not only for Lucian, but for Franklin as well. His injuries are more severe than Lucian’s, but it could have been worse.

  I get back to work outlining a novel based on the bedtime story I told Lucian last night. This novel will be a departure from my first two books. Taking a leap from literary fiction to young adult is daunting to say the less. Until now everything I’ve written has been a reflection of the human condition. I’m not sure I can just take one hat off and wear another as easily. What I do know is that this story is mine to tell. The idea for the story came to me fully-formed. The characters and the plot became clearer as I spoke the words to Lucian, lulling him to sleep. I’m truly excited about this new adventure and where it will lead.

  Three hours have passed and its nearly lunchtime and I have not heard from Lucian. Closing my MacBook, I go in search of him. I find him at his desk, squinting at his monitor. A sure sign that he has a headache.

  “How long have you been at this?”

  His startled gaze meets mine, caught unaware.

  “Less than an hour. Carter sent me the file, along with the surveillance footage outside Thorne Tower before and after the limo exploded.”

  “Have you eaten?”

  “I’m not hungry.”

  “I’m holding you to your promise, Mr. Thorne.”

  “I know, Sweetness.” His calm voice cannot hide the strain I see in his eyes. “I’ll take a break as soon I finish reading this page.”

  “You have two minutes.” I set the timer on my iPhone and take a set.

  He gives me questioning look but does not object to the time restraint. A speed reader, Lucian will read as much as he can in the time I have given him.

  When the timer goes off, Lucian lifts his head. “Time for lunch.” I stand, extending my hand to him.

  “When did you become such a Drill Sargent?”

  “When the man I love refuses to follow doctor’s orders.”

  “As I recall, you weren’t an easy patient,” he teases.

  “Yet you still did what was best for me.”

  “Always,” he says, taking my hand in his.

&n
bsp; Lifting our joined hands, I press his knuckles to my lips and kiss. “And I’ll always do what’s best for you.”

  We are seated at the breakfast bar, enjoying our lunch, when Lucian receives a call from the hospital. I listen to the one-sided conversation, hopeful there’s good news.

  “Franklin’s condition has been upgraded to stable,” Lucian relays, breathing sigh of relief.

  “That’s wonderful!” I cheer. “How soon before he’s permitted visitors?”

  “He’s still in the ICU, with a long recovery ahead of him. But his doctor says if he continues to improve over the next few days he can be moved to a private room and receive visitors.”

  “I know he’ll make a full recovery; it’s just a matter of time,” I say, sharing my thoughts.

  “I love your optimism, Sweetness.”

  Offering him my mouth, I smile against his lips. There is something about this man that makes me shine from within. Just being near him powers a light that the darkness fears. Tethered together by an inseparable bond, he is my always and forever.

  Lucian and I clean and put away the dishes, before returning to his office.

  “Would you like some help?” I offer.

  I have ulterior motives, of course. I don’t want him to spend too much time consumed with all this. I’m afraid it will trigger a headache.

  “I’ve read the eye-witness accounts. All that’s left is the surveillance video.”

  “Two pair of eyes are better than one.”

  Lucian takes a seat at his desk and pats his lap for me to sit.

  “The best seat in the house.”

  He grins, kissing my neck when my hips rest against his cock.

  “What are we looking for?” I ask, after we have viewed an hour of video footage.

  “Any suspicious activity near the limo when it was unattended.”

  “Is the limo usually parked outside Thorne Tower all day?”

  “Most days, yes.”

  “And what does Franklin do while he waits for you?”

  “He works with Carter. He’s always in the building or close by.”

  “Oh, okay.” A memory of Franklin with Lucian ten years ago comes unbidden. “Has be always been your bodyguard?”