Shadows: A Love Ever After Series

by Amber Lacie

  Deciding not to bother him, I pass his room and head for the kitchen. After my dream last night, I am in desperate need of coffee. I make myself a cup of coffee and sit down at the dining table. I've never noticed how beautiful the view is through these windows.

  I'm scrolling through the notifications on my phone when it rings. Jumping, I bump the table spilling my coffee just a little. I swipe the screen and put it on speaker.

  "I want you to know, you have just made me spill my coffee. Death would normally be the sentence for that, but because I have found myself injured. You, Kayla, are in luck."

  "Forgive me, let's take a moment of silence for the spilled coffee."

  I wipe up the coffee and sit back down at the table. Robert walks in and starts going on and on about the walking trails by the house. I have no idea what he is babbling about.

  Kayla's voice shouts out into the room, "Robert, shut up! We are having a moment of silence." The look of surprise on his face is hilarious! He had to have jumped at least two feet in the air. I'm hysterically laughing. Kayla yells over the phone, "Jesus, Eve, calm down. It couldn't have been that funny." I can hear her laughing.

  Robert is looking around trying to find the voice. "What the hell? Where is that coming from?" I hold up my phone and point to the screen. "You have her on speakerphone? Jesus, Eve. Warn a man. You two scared the crap out of me, I thought it was some kind of fancy high-tech maid or some shit." His reasoning doesn’t help matters.

  Kayla’s disembodied voice fills the room. "Robert, were you really that scared?" I'm absolutely loving her right now. She completely caught him off guard. My sides are aching from laughing so hard.

  "Screw you, Kayla. It wasn't like that." Robert looks over to the front door at Theron as he carries in some grocery bags. "Help me out, man. They are ganging up on me over speakerphone."

  "What, you can't handle two girls using an iPhone?" Theron looks at me, rolling his eyes, as I'm wiping tears out of mine.

  "Ha! Even the God, Theron, thinks you've lost your shit being scared of a girl over the phone!" Kayla is intentionally egging him on. She has always liked to push his buttons.

  "Go to hell, Kayla. I wasn’t scared." Robert is pissed. His entire face is red. He hates being the butt of a joke. He's pacing across the kitchen with his hands clenched into fists at his side. How can he not see it's at least a little bit amusing?

  "Robert, you jumped into the air like a scared cat!" I'm trying my best to calm down. Taking deep breaths, I turn to look at the gorgeous view out the window.

  "Hey, Robert, Meow!"

  I absolutely lose it when Kayla meows over the phone. I attempt to push myself back from the table, but instead I end up falling backwards out of the chair, landing with a thud on the floor. Robert and Theron both rush to me and I'm holding my side. I can't stop laughing.

  "Kayla, this is Theron. She's going to have to call you back. She's currently lost her mind and has fallen out of her chair."

  "What? Are you serious?"

  "Sadly, I am. I'll have her call you." Theron holds up my phone over my face. "Say goodbye, Eve."

  Laughing, I shout, "Goodbye, Eve," into the phone. Theron takes away my phone, laughing, and shaking his head at me. Robert tries to help me up with my good hand, but ends up falling next to me.

  "Damn it, Eve, grow up! You're going to hurt your hand." Robert is so pissed and then it happens. I snort; not once, but twice. My face instantly reddens from embarrassment.

  "Oh, my God. Eve, did you just snort? I didn't know you still did that when you laugh." Robert pushes himself up from the floor and helps me stand with the assistance of Theron.

  "That makes twice I've heard her laugh like that. Oddly, both times were from her falling off a chair and lying on my floor." Theron just shrugs his shoulder as Robert gives him a confused look.

  Standing next to the table, I hold onto it with my good hand, looking out the window. I take a few deep breaths and turn to face the guys. A small snicker escapes, so I turn around to look back out the window. Strong arms wrap around my waist. I turn my head to see Theron standing behind me. "I'm sorry."

  "Why?"

  "Because I lost my mind there for a second."

  "You did, but I'm more worried about your hand." Spinning me around, he gently takes off the sling. "How does it feel this morning?"

  "A little sore, but not too bad. I took a pain pill in the middle of the night, but I haven't had one since."

  "Why didn't you wake me?"

  "I didn’t need to. You were sleeping peacefully and the pills were on the nightstand by the water you left me. How did you know I would need another one?"

  "I didn't. I just put it there in case you rolled over on your hand again." My irritation at him keeping secrets slowly chips away. He can be incredibly sweet. He slips the sling back over my head, content with his inspection of my hand.

  "Please, keep this on today." Laying my injured hand in the sling, he softly kisses my forehead. "When do you want to start on your accounts for tomorrow?"

  "Oh, um, I guess we could start now. I was hoping we could walk over to see Isa today. I miss your Gram. How is she?"

  "She's doing better. Evan says she won't stop pestering him. I'm sure she would love to see you. Let me finish putting the groceries away and then we can get out your laptop. You'll just have to walk me through the process." Sliding one arm back around my waist, he lets his hand fall to rest on the curve of my ass. "Oh, and just so we are clear, your hand may be broken," he slides his other hand between us, slipping into my shorts. Pushing my panties aside, he thrusts one finger into me, "but this isn't."

  My eyes are wide. He swirls his finger around my clit and slips his hand from my panties. Looking me in the eye, he sucks his finger into his mouth. I'm aroused and shocked. Did he just do that with my brother close by? Turning around rather smugly, he starts putting away the groceries. I head to the bedroom to gather my senses and my laptop.

  I'm making sure I have the charging cord and the case when I hear a light tap on the door. I turn around to see Robert standing behind me.

  "Hey, I know he wanted me here to help you, but I don't think you need me. I'm going to get ready to head out soon. I need to find an apartment and try to get some work in tomorrow. Call me if you need me." He kisses the top of my head. "Butthead, you have a very good man taking care of you."

  He walks out of the room leaving me completely confused. Good man? What happened to this all seeming crazy? Their secrets are only going to nag at me. Hopefully, when I see Isa, she can give me some clue as to what they are hiding. I make a mental note to get the logged accounts out of the way, so I can focus on finding out what's going on.

  I set up the laptop at the dining table so I won't have to try and balance it in my lap. Theron takes a seat beside me and I show him how I log in. Once the program is open, I enter the first couple transactions belonging to the first account on my list for the day. I'm not surprised when Theron takes the computer over and starts entering the logs himself. Keeping a watch over his shoulder, I make mention of any errors as they come along.

  We've only been at it a couple of hours, but we ended up finishing all the logs for Monday. Hopefully it will help me get a head start on the rest of the week.

  Theron closes my laptop and turns me in my chair to face him. His hand softly grasps my neck, his thumb gently caressing my skin. My body immediately responds to him and my thoughts scatter.

  "Do you want to eat lunch with my Gram? We could take something with us, or we could order in."

  "Can we order in with your Gram?"

  "Of course, what would you like?"

  "Oh, I don't care. Surprise me. I need to get changed though, and try to do something with my hair. It's starting to get a mind of its own." Sliding his hand up my neck, he cups my face, his thumbs tracing my bottom lip. He leans in as if he's going to kiss my lips, but instead he places a soft kiss on the tip of my nose. He's such a tease. I can tell by the smug look on his
face, he knows exactly what he's doing.

  Standing up, he helps me from my chair. "I'm going to call out for lunch. Go get ready." He smacks me playfully on my ass as I walk away.

  Grabbing my clothes, I head to our bedroom to get ready. I'm standing in front of the bathroom mirror, brushing my hair when Theron takes the brush from me. I watch his gentle movements in the mirror. He takes his time brushing it, making sure to smooth it all out.

  "Do you have a hair band?" I open my makeup case and pull one out handing it to him. He brushes my hair back into a ponytail and secures it firmly with the hair band.

  I watch as different expressions dance over his features. Happiness, sadness, loneliness and love, all make a moment's stay on his face. I don't say a word. He's calm, quiet, and rather serene. He twists a couple locks of my ponytail through his fingers.

  "I used to brush my mom's hair for her. She always wanted to look her best, but eventually she couldn’t do it anymore, so I did it for her." My irritation with him crumbles. He's already been hurt so badly by those he's loved. I'll let him come to me when he's ready.

  Looking into his eyes in the mirror, I mouth the words I love you. He holds his palm out for me, and I gladly take it as we walk out of the room. My heart is breaking for the young boy who had to grow up too early. The irritation I had with him is replaced with anger. I'm not sure if he's keeping secrets, but I am sure it's his father who has made him feel so alone. I make a vow to myself to never let him hurt Theron again.

  We find Isa sitting in the library surrounded by a stack of books. She notices us and waves us over. "My lovelies, I've missed you."

  "Gram, you just saw me this morning when I came to see if you needed anything."

  "Okay, well, I missed my beautiful Eve. She's my favorite, you know." Smiling, I take a seat beside her on the leather couch.

  "You are officially one of my favorite people too." I squeeze her hand and she smiles. It hurts my heart when I notice it's not as bright as usual.

  "What am I, nothing? Do I not count?" Theron pretends to pout, but we both know better.

  "Fine, you count. Can I just have a moment with this beautiful girl without you interrupting?" Turning to face me, she holds her hand by her mouth hiding it from Theron. "Spoiled brat." I giggle and her bright smile is back. "You are in for a treat. The gardener is coming by to trim the rose bushes today."

  "Gram, he just planted those. They are too short to be trimmed."

  "Don't tell him that. I'm going to watch his ass bend over. I might even give him a raise if he does it with a little shake." My mouth is hanging open, once again, from this crass woman beside me. "Close your mouth, dear. Theron will think your daydreaming of the gardener." I belt out a loud laugh and it echoes around the room.

  "Eve, don't encourage her." Theron runs his hand through his hair and my favorite lock falls just above his eye. Our eyes lock and everything else in the room fades away. I watch as he pushes back the lock of hair. My breathing changes and I realize I'm biting my lower lip. Isa clears her throat and I turn towards her breaking my gaze with Theron.

  "So, lunch? I'm starving. Eve, could you please help me up from here? I fear I've been sitting way too long." Offering my hand to Isa, I help her stand. The worried look on Theron's face tells me everything I need to know. She isn't doing well.

  The conversation during lunch is light. Isa nor Theron bring up my hand or his dad, which I am grateful for. I'm not sure I would be able to be in the same room as that man, without wanting to throw another punch at him.

  After lunch, we walk into the living room and relax by the windows. I notice one set of windows are actual doors that lead to a stone patio. I walk over to them to get a better view. It's breathtaking.

  Stone pathways wind in and out of a beautiful garden. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are already starting to bloom. There's a beautifully painted birdbath with flowers surrounding it. I close my eyes and picture myself basking in the sun, sitting on the patio with a good book in my hand. I sigh.

  "Beautiful, isn't it?" Isa stands beside me smiling. Her eyes bright and alive as she gazes out the window. The love the garden brings her, shows in her smile.

  "It is. It's just gorgeous. I'm sure you enjoy it."

  "Oh, I do. More so when my husband was still around, but I still enjoy walking in the garden when the flowers bloom. It would be a beautiful place for a wedding, wouldn’t you agree?"

  "It would." I look over at Theron and he looks so sad. His eyes are lost in the gardens. I want to ask him about it, but he blinks his eyes and comes back from wherever he was. Smiling at him, I try to offer him some comfort.

  "I'm sure you two have plans and I'm rather tired. I'll have Evan see me to my room. Perhaps, I'll just relax in the bath a bit."

  "Gram, I'm right here. Let me walk with you." Theron takes Isa's hand in his as they leave the room. A soft giggle escapes my lips as I watch them walk away. He turns back to look at me, but I just sweetly smile.

  Evan is waiting for us at the bottom of the staircase as Isa softly places a kiss on each of my cheeks and then does the same with Theron. "I love you both very much." We watch as Evan helps her up the stairs. Giggling, I nudge Theron motioning for him to look up. When she reaches the top, she gives us a wave and turns around revealing the word sexy in bold pink letters across her ass. Giving us a little shake, she laughs as Evan escorts her to her room. Theron rolls his eyes, but I notice the smallest of smiles hiding in the corner of his mouth. She may be bold, but he adores her. Our fingers lock together as we head back to the guesthouse.

  "She's not well, is she?" I ask Theron as he opens the front door.

  "No, beautiful she's not. The doctor fears her fall may have been a stroke, but she refuses to go to the hospital to have any tests ran. It's rather frustrating to be honest."

  Taking his hand, I lead him to our bedroom. I can't heal his Gram, but I can help him release some stress. I take off my sling and lay it on the nightstand. Turning slowly, I remove my shirt and kick my pants off to the side. I'm standing in a purple satin bra and matching panties with little bows on my hips. He hisses through his teeth as I walk towards him.

  Smoothing my palm out over his chest, I run my hand up the back of his neck as his mouth finds mine. His kisses travel across my lips, my jaw, and down my neck, softly nipping at my throat. A soft whimper escapes me.

  Wanting to take control, I place my hands on his as he starts to lift me. "Shirt. Take it off." He stands back and grabs the hem of his shirt, pulling it over his head. His body is so perfectly cut and defined. My fingers trace his abs moving upwards to his chest. Taking a step closer to him, I lightly press my lips to his tattoo. Feeling the warmth of his skin under my lips only arouses me more. I want to ease his mind and distract him from reality for a bit.

  Stretching up on my toes to reach his ear with my mouth, I lightly nip at his ear and whisper, "Pants. Off."

  "So, you think you have control?"

  "Yes, I do." My tongue trails along his jawline sweeping across his lower lip. He slightly parts his lips and I invade his mouth trying to conquer his tongue with mine.

  Undoing the button on his pants, I slide my hands into the waistband of his boxers, pushing them both to the floor. He steps out, kicking them to the side. His hands skim up my sides to my breasts, pulling and teasing my nipples into hard peaks through my satin bra. Pleasure pours through his touch heating my skin.

  Grasping my hips, he pulls me tightly against his body trapping his hard erection between us. I grind my hips into him. His fingers trail up my spine deftly, unclasping my bra. Hooking his fingers into the straps, he slowly slides them down my arms, careful to avoid hurting my hand. I step back letting my bra fall to the floor. Feeling sexy, I decide to make a show of things.

  I run my hands up to my breasts, massaging them, teasing my nipples with my fingers. Leaning my head back, I expose my throat, moaning from the pleasure I'm giving myself.

  "Bed. Now. Lay back, bend your knees
and spread those legs for me." My body reacts on instinct to his commands. He knows he has control over me. I can see it written all over his face as I spread my legs, exposing myself to him. "Who has control?"

  "You do." A delicious smirk slowly forms across his face. He slowly steps towards me. My heart is pounding in its cage. Blood is rushing through my body at high rates of speed. I already feel lightheaded and he hasn't even touched me yet.

  "Only like this, beautiful, and only with you." His hands slide up my calves, past my knees, and rest on my thighs. Leaning down with his face hovering over my wet folds, he whispers, "You want me." His warm breath prickles my exposed flesh.

  "Yes." My voice is laced with need.

  He leans his face closer, his lips almost touching my skin. I raise my hips, but his hands pin them to the mattress. "You need me."

  "Yes." My voice is but a whisper. Knowing he is so close to touching me, but holding back, is torture to my senses.

  "You need to feel me." Slowly, he slides two fingers between my slick folds, circling my clit with my wetness.

  "Yes."

  "You are mine." Those words light up all my senses as he thrusts his fingers deep into my pussy.

  "Yes. Yours!"

  "Good girl." Curling up his fingers, he hits all the right nerves. My toes curl and my fists cling to the sheets, twisting them in my hands. His fingers slam into me, his palm hitting my clit with every thrust. I'm losing control between the heat of his touch and the skill of his hands.

  "Oh. My. God. Theron." Slowing his pace, he drags his fingers along my nerves. It's torture. I'm a breath away from heavenly bliss and he slows down. "No! Don't stop. I'm so close." I buck my hips and he lets out a laugh.

  "Fuck me, beautiful. I love what I see. What will happen if I don't let you come?"

  I move my hands down my body towards my clit, but he grabs my wrist. I need a release. "I'll die, Theron. Please, I need you, only you."