by Elin Peer
He growled. “Finally, we get to finish what we started.”
“Uh-huh.” I still didn’t understand how I’d felt so sure that we’d had sex when he said we didn’t.
“Is it like you imagined?” I breathed.
“Much better. Being inside you is heaven. It feels so fucking amazing.” Solo leaned back and looked down. “Seeing us connected like this is a fucking dream come true. My cock finally taking possession of your tight pussy!”
His words got to me and made me even hornier.
“Did you fantasize about this?” my vanity asked.
“All the fucking time.” Solo bit my jawline again and fisted a hand into my hair.
More butterflies filled my stomach. I had longed for this, to hear Solomon declare how he still wanted me, and in my haze of lust, I didn’t care that I was walking on fire.
He cupped my face and kept pushing in and out of me while kissing me, biting at my lips, sucking on my tongue, and making me feel like a molten pool of woman.
Pulling out of me, he turned me on my back. “Willow, lift your legs.”
I had always been flexible and raised my legs. With his hands around my ankles, Solo pressed my knees back to my ears and got up on his knees. In this position he got in deeper and I squinted my eyes a little. “Careful.”
Solo kissed my shin and pumped in and out at high speed. The bed was squeaking and I worried someone would hear us. At the same time, I never wanted it to end. The sensation of our merging in this position was taking my breath away. Placing my hand on his arms, I whispered, “I want you to go deep and stay there for a second.”
Solo did as I’d asked, and it was the most peculiar feeling of a second heartbeat inside me.
“You like the feeling of me filling you up, don’t you, babe?” His forehead was sweaty and he cupped one of my breasts like he owned it.
“I want to remember it,” I admitted.
Solo moved a tiny bit, the friction creating delicious sensations that tickled at my core. I pushed myself against him, meeting his thrusts and moaning deeper the higher he pushed me, and Solo kept pushing me.
The fear of someone finding us kept poking up in the back of my head as he moved me around in different positions, each one showing me pleasure.
How long had we been at it? Our bodies were covered in a sheet of perspiration and Solo seemed like he could go on forever.
My inner walls were vibrating and when Solo intensified the pace, the sensation of them cramping made me hyperventilate. My body was spiraling out of my control.
“Solo, Solo, yes, yes,” I closed my eyes, unable to form a full sentence. “More.”
“That’s right.” He intertwined his right hand with mine, squeezing it while pumping in and out of me at high speed. “Let go, babe. Just let go.”
At that moment I didn’t worry about anyone finding us. I squeezed my eyes together, my body tensing up as I released a small scream. “Yeeess, Solo, yeess.”
“Willow, fuck yes… take it.” Solo was pounding into me and growling at the same time. “Mine, mine, mine.”
I heard him through my orgasmic haze and held on to him as if someone would tear us apart again.
Solo bored his nose against my cheek, encapsulating me with his arms while pushing all the way inside me, and stiffening as he reached his own peak.
We were sweaty and out of breath as we collapsed in each other’s arms.
After a minute, I pushed at him. “You’re too heavy.”
Solo rolled onto his side but kept a leg on top of my leg. “How do you feel?”
Still panting, I turned my head and smiled. “How do you feel?”
“Happy.” He flashed his teeth in a wide smile.
“Yeah, it was good.” I sat up but Solo pulled me back down again.
“Stay a little longer.”
“It’s better if we get dressed. Someone could come, and I don’t want you to think there’s more to it than sex.”
“Willow, why would you deny yourself what felt so right?” Solo let his hand slide down my belly and placed it on top of my pelvis area. At the same time, he leaned in and kissed me like the kiss was a declaration of love in itself.
“It does feel right, doesn’t it?” I whispered and immediately wished I hadn’t said that.
“That’s because we were always meant to be together. I’ve loved you from the first time I saw you.”
The resentment and hate that I'd held on to like a shield of ice around my heart these past seven years was melting fast, and my blood rushed through my veins like a powerful stream from a melted glacier.
“Solo, I can’t.” In a fit of perseverance, I pushed away from him and started dressing.
“Willow, don’t deny what we have together.”
“There’s too much at stake and I’m not making the same mistake twice.” My hands were shaking as I fumbled to close my pants. I couldn’t look at him. “I told you it would just be this one time.”
“Willow, listen to me.” Solo held out his hand. “Do you remember what we were doing when the soldiers found us?”
“You said we were trying to have sex.”
“No, Willow. We were trying to make love. Do you remember why?”
“What do you mean, why?”
“Do you remember the ring of grass?” Solo got up to stand in front of me. He didn’t care that he was naked but reached out to touch me with determination. “We gave each other promises. I tied a ring of grass around your finger and…”
I gasped, my eyes unfocused as memories took me back to the river. I was fifteen again and holding up my hand and telling him the ring was my favorite color. “We made our own wedding ceremony,” I breathed.
“Yes.” He grabbed my hands and looked deep into my eyes. “You remember now, don’t you? We were in the middle of consummating our marriage when we were interrupted.”
My eyes blinked as more blocked memories returned. “That explains my memories of making love to you.”
Solo gave me a soft smile. “We made the promises and now we made love. I would say the bond is tied.”
Pulling away, I jerked my hands back. “No.”
“Willow.” Solo sighed. “We promised we would never let anyone come between us. Do you remember? I kept my promise and waited for you. I still love you.”
“I’m sorry.” I turned my back to him, overwhelmed with emotional memories from our time together.
“Don’t you see that you never truly hated me? They made you think you did, but it was never real.”
My head was exploding with painful confusion when I turned back to meet him face to face. “Oh, trust me, my hatred was very real. I can still feel it right beneath the surface.”
Solo’s arm fell down along his body and his chest fell in a deep sigh. “Willow, don’t do this. Don’t hide from me.”
“You need to leave before someone sees you.”
With harsh movements, Solo picked up his clothes and dressed. I stood watching him with my arms wrapped around me, and my brain splitting from conflicting emotions.
Before he left, he picked up my torn panties and walked close to me. “Maybe you’re not ready to hear it yet, but you don’t hate me, and I meant what I said.” His eyes lowered to my abdomen. “One day our kid will grow in your belly and you’ll call me your mate again.”
Solo strode out of the room and when he closed the door behind him, I sank to the bed, releasing the breath I’d been holding with a loud “whoosh” sound. My body began to shake and tears welled up in my eyes. I didn’t want Solo to complicate my life, but our time together on the run stood out clearly now and I remembered how sure I had felt that day by the river when I’d called him my soulmate. I’d promised him to be his forever and we’d been so in love. How could it be nothing more than an infatuation like the psychologists had claimed if, after all these years, being close to Solo still made me feel like coming home?
“He’s not right for me,” I whispered low. How could he
be when being with Solo would be the ultimate betrayal against Hunter, who had vowed to protect me from him?
CHAPTER 24
Redemption
Solo
I’d taken a huge chance with Willow, but it had paid off. As far as I was concerned the lovemaking we’d shared was a consummation of the marriage between us that took place seven years ago.
Now, she’ll remember what really happened between us, I told myself as I walked down the stairs in the Gray Manor.
But what if she’s serious about this being a one-time thing?
My skin itched just from the thought of never being able to touch her again. Willow was mine! I’d just claimed her and with her knowledge of Northland culture she would know that.
I’d allowed her the silly comments about our lovemaking being a one-time thing because I sensed that she needed that piece of self-deceit in order to let go. Deep down Willow would have known that there was no turning back for either one of us. She was like me and wanted to marry and have children. Now, I needed her to acknowledge to the world that she wanted it with me.
My mind was deep in speculation as I walked out the large French doors leading to the park. If I found Hunter and somehow made peace with him it would help Willow make her decision, but if it backfired and his hate for me grew, it could make things worse.
“Solo.”
I turned my head to see Pearl and Laura sitting in the same place as I’d last seen them. They were alone.
Pearl waved her hand, her blue eyes sparkling in the sunlight. “Come join us for a second.”
“Ladies.” I inclined my head and stopped in front of them.
“At ease, soldier, and come sit down.” Laura patted the back of the chair next to her. There were ten chairs around the large table and I complied with her wish, looking over my shoulder not sure if this was a good idea or not.
“I’m pleased to see you looking so well, Solo.” Pearl brushed her long blond hair back and smiled at me. “I was told you fought bravely this morning when the men stormed the hotel.”
“It’s what I’m trained to do.”
“I know, and we’re all thankful for the protection you offered our guests. Things could have been much worse if not for you and the rest of the security team.”
“Just doing my job.”
Pearl leaned forward. “Except in your case you’re paying penance, aren’t you?”
I lowered my brow. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“You didn’t wonder why Magni chose you for this assignment? It must have been strange to both you and Willow to be forced upon each other after everyone has been so eager to keep you apart.”
Leaning my elbows on the armrests, I intertwined my fingers and pressed my thumbs against each other. “We make it work.”
“I knew you would, but I still think you’re entitled to an explanation.” Pearl looked at Laura with a small smile and then back at me. “I doubt Khan and Magni took time to explain to you why you were given this assignment and I don’t want you to think it was a way to punish you. Heaven knows that you were punished enough as a teenager.”
Laura moved in her seat. “I’ve told Pearl what the Huntsmen did to you, Solo. It wasn’t right.”
“I’m afraid it’s partially our fault.” Pearl used her nail to scratch the table a little. “You see, back when you and Willow went missing, you jeopardized the whole integration process. Those eight days none of us got much sleep, and Khan and Magni were ready to kill you for what you’d done. They didn’t care about the promise the Huntsmen had given to Willow about sparing your life. I don’t know if you realize how humiliated our husbands were that they couldn’t find two teenagers.”
Laura made a sound of agreement. “You made Magni look stupid, Solo, and you broke our most sacred laws. We had every right to be disappointed in you and the men’s fury was justified.”
I leaned back in the chair. “Do we have to talk about this? It happened years ago and Magni made his point clear. He beat me close to death, remember?”
Laura crossed her arms. “You may have spent a week in the hospital after that fight, but Magni was injured as well.”
I failed to dial down the pride in my voice when I spoke: “Yes, I heard he’s deaf in one ear because of it.”
Laura raised an eyebrow but before she could speak, Pearl leaned in. “The point is that you were assigned to protect the Motlanders because I requested it.”
That surprised me. “You did?”
Pearl nodded. “Yes.”
“I thought Magni was behind it.”
“Well, he gave the order, but I was the one suggesting putting you in charge of Willow’s safety. I thought it would be an excellent way for you to do penance for putting her in danger all those years ago.”
I frowned. “Why?”
Pearl tilted her head. “Because it was time, Solo. You’re a different person than you were then and you both deserved a chance to set things straight.”
I looked down, trying not to reveal my feelings about this.
“Life has a way of evening things out. In your case you hurt a woman and you now serve other women as a member of the domestic violence unit.” Pearl gave me a sympathetic smile. “We all know how fierce a warrior you are, Solo. But none of us has the power to go back in time and correct your mistakes. All you can do is bring balance by doing penance.”
“At first, I wanted Magni to assign you to guarding Willow. It seemed right to me that you do penance by watching over the woman you once kidnapped.”
“I didn’t kidnap her.” I was still looking down but my words came out through gritted teeth.
Pearl sighed out loud and leaned forward with her hands on the table in front of her, as if she wanted to touch me. “Either way, Magni refused. He said it would be unfair to Willow so you were ordered to guard Salma Rose instead.” She paused for my input. I gave none.
“Anyway, Solo, I just wanted you to know that we weren’t trying to punish you further. We were giving you a chance to give back what you took.”
“What I took?” This time I met Pearl’s eyes.
“Yes, we all need to take responsibility for our mistakes, and you took Willow’s sense of safety. She could have died. You both could have. That’s why I wanted you to restore her sense of safety by protecting her.”
To me it was twisted Motlander logic, but I was grateful that Pearl had made her suggestion. If she hadn’t, Willow and I wouldn’t have made love today and even though things hadn’t ended as I’d hoped, I was more hopeful than ever.
“We know things haven’t been easy for you,” Pearl continued. “I fear that you’ll end up bitter and cynical if you go through life without a chance to talk about what happened. We humans heal through dialogue.”
“Maybe.” I scratched my head, seeing an opportunity. “It’s not just Willow, though. It’s Hunter too. I think he hates me more than she does.”
Laura and Pearl exchanged glances.
“He has every right to hate you,” Laura said, her bright red hair glinting in the sun.
“Ahh, I see. And here I thought you were all about healing people through dialogue. But maybe that privilege is reserved for people other than Hunter?”
Pearl lifted her mouth in a speculative smile. “I see what you did there.” She leaned back. “You want us to help you make peace with Hunter.”
“I doubt you can. The hate he feels for me runs deep.”
Laura tilted her head. “Maybe he’ll listen if you sit down and apologize to his face. Just tell him that you’re older now and can see how wrong it was to take Willow away. And give him your solemn promise that you’ll never come on to her again.”
I bit down on my lip and frowned. There was no way I could make a promise like that. I had every intention of being with Willow, whether or not Hunter agreed. I thought about how to respond without revealing too much, but Pearl’s quiet laughter revealed she had seen right through me.
“Wow, Solo, your l
evel of determination and loyalty is admirable. You’re never going to give up on Willow, are you?” Her eyes were full of life and curiosity.
“Would Khan give up on you?” I turned and looked at Laura. “And what about Magni? He never gave up on you either, did he?”
“That was different. Magni and I were married, and I loved him. If Willow doesn’t love you, there’s no point in waiting for her.” Laura swung her hand. “There are beautiful women in the choir and orchestra; why not seduce one of them?”
My brow lowered, and I pulled back in my chair letting my dismissive body language answer for me.
Pearl tapped her lip. “I don’t mind talking to Hunter, but maybe it’s better if Laura does it. He might hold a grudge against me for coming up with the suggestion of having him play soccer in the Motherlands.”
Laura was just about to answer when her head snapped up at the sound of loud voices shouting in anger.
“Where’s Mason?” She flew up with her eyes wide in worry. “If that boy got himself into another fight, I swear I’ll…”
“Stay here,” I instructed, but she didn’t listen. Laura got around the table and ran down from the patio before sprinting toward the sound. I set after her and with my longer legs I caught up fast. “It’s not Mason.” The voices were those of men.
That didn’t slow Laura, who ran like Mason was being beaten to death and she needed to rescue him.
