Shelter from the Storm

by Molly Wens

  His kiss nearly drowned her, robbing her of breath as he wound his arms around her body, pulling her up close. She felt the rumble of laughter, heard it erupt from his throat as he pulled his head up. “You better want this damned diamond. It cost almost all my life's savings."

  He set her back down again, pulling the ring from the box and sliding it onto her finger before kissing her hand. It fit her hand perfectly, she realized, something that had her amazed. She cocked her head to the side, shooting him a playful glance. “You mean you're not rich? Deal's off."

  He grabbed her around the waist, lifting her against him and swatting her backside. “No way, you already said yes.” He kissed her again, then lifting his head, feeling her shiver against him. “I better get you inside before you catch cold. I won't have you endangering my child this way."

  "Your child? I don't see you getting swollen ankles or tossing your cookies every morning,” she retorted with mock severity.

  "Yes,” he said softly. “My child, my wife, my love."

  He swung her up in his arms as if she weighed nothing, carrying her to the door and inside where he found the faces of those assembled staring at them in silence, waiting to find out what had happened. Walking past the Davidsons and Alice to where his father sat on the couch, Bryce set her down next to him, looking at his father and grinning. “She said yes."

  "Wonderful!” Donnan yelled, hugging Carissa tightly, as the others joined in with a cacophony of celebration while two small children squealed, wanting to know what was going on. “I have a new daughter."

  "Well, I'm glad that's finally settled,” Alice voiced. She walked straight to her future son-in-law and sized him up with her appraising gaze. “You must be Bryce. Welcome to our little family."

  When Bryce eyed her cautiously, both she and Carissa laughed before Alice wrapped herself around him in an affectionate hug. He returned the warmth of her action, hugging her fiercely in return.

  Donnan pried them apart, telling his son to go get the gifts from the car, before following Alice as she left the room. Zane and Sheanna ran to their mother, asking questions too fast to be answered, and quieting only when Bryce entered again, his arms laden with bags and boxes. He set the offerings at Carissa's feet, going back to the car to retrieve the rest. Once all the presents were in the house, the children began pawing through them, wondering if Bryce were really Santa Clause in disguise.

  "Come here, kids,” Carissa called, saying it a second time before she got their attention. “I want you to meet someone,” she said, putting an arm around each of her precious children. “This is Bryce. He and I are going to get married."

  Zane spoke first, turning to his mother with sharp eyes. “Does that mean he's gonna be our new daddy?"

  "If you let me,” Bryce answered softly, dropping to one knee in front of both kids. “I always wanted a little boy like you. Will it be all right? Do you think you would like another dad?"

  The little boy thought for a moment before a smile crossed his face. “Okay, but you gotta play ball with me."

  "It's a deal,” Bryce said, grinning at the child and sticking out his hand. “Shake on it."

  Sheanna immediately began crying, wrapping her arms about her mother's neck, wailing pitifully against her snow-dampened sweater. “I want a new daddy too,” she sobbed. “No fair."

  Bryce crouched down and laid a hand on the child's shoulder, turning her toward him gently. In this child he could see the eyes of her mother, and a resemblance to the woman he loved that was so uncanny as to cause his heart to lurch. He knew it would be hard not to pick her as his favorite. “Can I be your new dad? I promise to hug you and tuck you in every night, and I'll always be there whenever you need me."

  Placated, the little girl nodded, giving him a teary smile and sniffling her acceptance. She drew back shyly against her mother, staring at the giant man who was holding out his hand to her.

  "How about a hug, then, baby girl,” he said, still smiling.

  He was rewarded when the child wrapped her tiny arms around his neck. She drew back, running her little fingers over his left cheek. “You gots a bumpy face,” she said, giggling in childish glee.

  It was the first time that Bryce ever laughed at his own scars and it felt strange. He lifted Sheanna up as he stood when his father and Alice returned to the room, bearing trays of eggnog and hot chocolate, passing the mugs out to all who were gathered.

  "To the happy couple,” Donnan said, raising his mug.

  "Hear, hear,” bellowed Chris.

  Chris and Karen had just taken their leave when Donnan cleared his throat, catching the attention of the remaining gathering. “Alice and I are going to take the kids to the park for some sledding and give you two a little time to yourselves."

  "Aw, I wanted to open presents,” Zane muttered.

  "Zane.” Alice chided. “You can't do that until later, young man. You know the rules."

  Undaunted, he lifted and shook a package, gracing his grandmother with a charming grin. “That's okay. Sledding's fun.” He dropped the gift and ran for his coat, his little sister tagging along behind him.

  "You'll need these,” Bryce said, grinning as the children stopped in their tracks. He pulled two large boxes from the huge pile of gifts and laughed as the children tore into them. Each child sang out in delight at the little sleds they had unwrapped.

  "Thank you, Bryce,” Carissa whispered as she stood beside him. “They love you already."

  "They're incredible,” he said as he turned to give her a tender kiss.

  "That's enough, you two,” Alice interrupted with a knowing smile. “At least let us get these kids out of here."

  After much cajoling, they were able to get the kids dressed in warm coats, hats and mittens before herding them out the door, with Skoll bounding happily after them. The dog had taken right to the children, allowing them to climb on him and pull his ears.

  Donnan appeared to be falling into his new role as grandfather with zeal. He escorted the little troupe out the door with his hand resting on the small of Alice's back. He shot his son a wink as they disappeared, closing the door behind them. Carissa was left to stare after them, her eyebrows arching high in surprise at the man's actions, and at how Alice did not seem to mind.

  "Alone at last,” Bryce said, turning, dragging Carissa against him and running his hands down over her posterior. “I thought they'd never leave."

  He ducked his head, pressing her lips in a gentle, passionate kiss, slipping his tongue into her mouth. His arms came up, sliding under her sweater to the warm flesh beneath. A moan escaped her throat as she dissolved against him with her arms reaching for his neck.

  "Show me to your bedroom,” he said, his breath coming in short pants, his hands slithering between them to skim along the lacy edge of her bra.

  She pulled away, taking his hand as it slid from beneath her sweater, making promises with her smile. Leading him into the hallway, she stifled a protest when the doorbell rang, followed by raucous pounding on the inside door. “Be right back, lover,” she cooed as she walked away from him.

  Opening the door, she was expecting to find one of her family members had forgotten something and had locked themselves out. What she found on the other side of the threshold, propping the outside door open with his body, gave her a mixture of shock and disgust. “What do you want?” she hissed at the intruder.

  "Get off your high horse, sugar-tits,” the man said, looking her up and down with over-bright eyes. He pushed his way into the house, glancing around the area before turning his attention back to Carissa. “I want my kids."

  "John, I did not invite you in my house and the kids aren't here. Besides, you don't get to see them until tomorrow, remember?” She felt her anger rising, wanted to shove him back through the open door.

  "Tomorrow's not good for me. I'll take them now and Santa can visit them at my house tonight. Get their little duds together. Zane. Sheanna. Get your asses out here."

  "Get
out of my house, now. The kids aren't here,” Carissa said, hearing Bryce walk up behind her. “Even if they were I wouldn't let you have them. Your day is tomorrow and not before noon."

  John James looked from Carissa's livid face to the big man that had placed his hands on her shoulders. “So you're the guy that shacked up with my wife, eh? Fancy finding you here,” John said, his words coming out in an uncontrolled rush. He turned back to Carissa. “I want my kids. Where are they?"

  "No,” Carissa said, feeling Bryce move away from her. “You don't get them. Now leave."

  Bryce had stepped into the living room, coming back with his coat on, taking a large, folded manila envelope out of the inside pocket. “James,” he commanded. “You and I need to go outside for some words."

  "Bryce, leave it be. John's leaving.” Carissa was suddenly filled with dread over what her new fiancé was planning, whatever it was.

  "Yeah, mind your own business, fuckwad,” John snapped.

  With a heavy sigh, Bryce looked at the man in front of him. He was a big man, at least six feet in height and more than a few pounds overweight, but no match for himself. He grabbed the man by the scruff of the neck with his free hand.

  "You're the man who beat Carissa, put those scars on her back. Were I you, I'd be very careful how I choose my words."

  He shoved the smaller man out the door and onto the stoop. Bryce turned back around at the sound of Carissa's protest, placing a kiss on her forehead and saying, “Don't worry, he'll live.” Then he dragged John around the side of the garage, disappearing from sight.

  For several anxious minutes, Carissa paced, stopping to glance out the front windows from time to time. She had visions of her wedding taking place in a prison chapel, with her groom shackled at the ankles and wrists. What is he doing? she asked herself.

  Finally, just as she was going to go investigate, both men appeared from behind the garage, John looking terrified and Bryce looking triumphant. Her ex-husband hurriedly climbed into his car without a glance while Bryce walked in the front door. Carissa faced Bryce, her hands on her hips, a question in her eyes.

  "Don't worry. He won't be bothering us anymore,” he said with a grin on his lips.

  "What did you do?” she asked, fearing the answer.

  "Just talked to him,” he said, tossing his coat aside. “Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted."

  "Bryce,” she demanded, stomping her foot. “What did you say to him?"

  Bryce smiled, a charming mix of amusement and sweetness. “I told him that you didn't need him causing you anymore trouble, that I thought he should leave you alone and drop the suit for the kids."

  "And what else? I know he didn't run away like a scared rabbit because of that."

  Pulling the folded packet out of his hip pocket with a sigh, he handed it to her, saying, “I told him I would hand this over to the authorities, if he wasn't a good boy. I told him to stay away from you and leave the kids alone. I informed him that he is no longer welcome in their life. He took one look and agreed. He says you'll never see him again."

  Carissa opened the envelope, wondering what could be so bad that he would consent to such a mandate. She was horrified at what she found—pictures with notes explaining the significance of each. Looking at him, her eyes huge with disbelief, she questioned him again. “Where did you get these?"

  "I was a little busy last night,” he said softly, his face sober. “One of those reporters gave me a tidbit of information about the asshole. I bought a camera and did a little reconnaissance. Your ex-husband's been paying his legal fees with dirty money. He's got quite a little business going, from what I could tell.” He took one of the photos from her hand, pointing at one of the subjects. “I'm told this is his attorney, the one with the straw up his nose."

  Carissa looked again, seeing the man that had represented John in their earlier court appearances. All the pictures contained what appeared to be illegal drugs, in one form or another. Baggies and cash were everywhere, and in one picture, an unsavory-looking woman had her head in his lap, looking to be performing a sex act. She stuffed the pictures back in the envelope—repulsed by what she saw—and handed it back to him.

  "I won't give these to the police just yet. Apparently, they're already investigating him, from what I heard last night. If I still have these then we have some control over him. I'll turn them over when they make an arrest. They can use them for evidence. Until then, we'll have to keep them in a safe place."

  "I have a safe deposit box at the bank. That would be a good place. I can't believe this. He's turned into a real dirt-bag. I'm glad he never had a chance to expose my children to that. I mean our children,” she corrected herself, looking into Bryce's eyes. She glanced at the envelope in his hand, a smile dancing at the corners of her mouth. “So this is what you were up to last night, eh? No wonder I couldn't find you."

  "Well, that, and a little shopping,” he laughed, indicating the pile of gifts behind her and touching the ring on her finger. Like I said, I was busy.” He kissed her mouth, savoring the taste of her before asking, “You were looking for me?"

  She nodded, her head moving against his chest. “Yes, I thought I'd go crazy when I couldn't find you. I found your hotel but you weren't there, dammit."

  Bryce pulled her back from him, lifting her face with a curled finger under chin. “I wish I'd known that. I worried myself half-daffy wondering if you would even see me."

  "I wanted to tell you I was sorry. I wanted to tell you I love you,” she whispered.

  Bryce smiled at her, his hand sliding up to her cheek, caressing her warm skin with his thumb. “Those are words a man can live on the rest of his life."

  His touch on her face and the heat of his body, so near her own, had her feeling giddy. His dark eyes fairly sparkled with the love she saw there, that she was sure was mirrored in her own eyes. “Take me to bed, Bryce,” she rasped. “I missed more than just your smile."

  He chuckled softly, glancing lustfully at her sensuous lips. “As you wish. I live to serve.” This time his kiss was not so tender, more passionate, and left her dizzy when he stopped. “Point the way, my love,” he said, his voice husky with emotion. “I'm at your command."

  "I like that in a man,” she returned, a wicked giggle bubbling up from her throat, as she took his hand in hers.

  Once in the bedroom, Bryce closed the door, locking it against any intrusion. He tossed the envelope onto the dresser and turned to her. “I've dreamt of this moment,” he growled as he pulled her close. “I don't think I'll ever get enough of you."

  His mouth engulfed hers, his hands pulling at her sweater, his lips leaving hers only long enough to drag the garment over her head. Grasping her hips in his hands, he hauled her close again, kissing her and trailing his lips along the delicate line of her jaw. He pushed his hands against the small of her back, pressing her belly into the hardness behind his zipper.

  Carissa moaned, her fingers making short work of the buttons on his black shirt before pulling it out of his waistband and skimming the lean muscles of his abdomen with her fingertips. “I missed you, Bryce. Thank you for coming for me,” she whispered against his chest.

  He raised his head, the fire behind his smoldering eyes igniting into an inferno. “If you don't mind your hands, I'll be coming for you right here where I stand,” he growled, his voice thick with emotion and lust.

  As if answering a challenge, she reached for the zipper on his fly, a wickedly innocent smile on her full lips. “Oh? So you wouldn't want me reaching in here, would you?” she asked as she opened his fly, reaching in to wiggle her fingers through the opening of his shorts.

  Bryce lifted Carissa, tossing her on the bed before snagging the waistband of her slacks. “I'll teach you to tease me, woman,” he huffed as he stripped her naked with less-than-gentle motions, hearing Carissa's impassioned laughter.

  He fell upon her, his lips devouring hers before moving lower to nip at the skin of her neck. Caris
sa felt the heat rising in her belly as he caressed her skin, his mouth forging a lane of fire over her flesh, scorching everywhere that he touched. She moaned out his name as she arched against him, trying to get closer to his mouth, his body.

  Impulsively, he jumped off the bed, throwing off his clothes before flipping her onto her belly and pulling her up onto her hands and knees. She felt his movements behind her, knew he was positioning himself. With a mighty lunge, he buried himself in her slick flesh, a feral snarl falling from his lips.

  Carissa bucked against him, crying out in sheer delight at being filled by him once again. She loved the way he felt inside her body, the way his hands held her hips as he drove into her repeatedly. The way her body responded to him amazed her, as she matched his rhythm.

  "Bryce,” she cried. “You feel incredible."

  "Tell me, baby,” he growled in return. “Tell me what you feel."

  She crooned his name again as he reached under her, finding the hard knot of nerves hidden in the folds of her sex. “I ... I'm feeling...” she stammered, panting against the rising waves that threatened to take her. “I'm going to come,” she rasped.

  "I want you to come for me. Let me feel you come,” he groaned.

  She lifted herself back against him, circling one arm around his neck, pressing the fingers of her other hand against his fingers between her thighs. She threw her head back, a soft, keening wail emitting from her throat as she surrendered to the intense swells of sublime orgasm. Her muscles clamped around his shaft, holding him tightly in her body's embrace. Her frame shook against him, convulsing in pleasure as she was nearly swallowed by darkness. With one last immense drive, he shot his hot seed into her, bending his head to nip at her shoulder and holding himself deep within her.

  His body shaking in the aftermath, he gently laid her down on the bed before falling next to her, both panting. “So much for sweet, tender love-making,” Bryce laughed.

  Carissa rolled to her side, reaching out to touch the beads of sweat that had formed over the scars on his face. “We have time yet."