Addiction

by Angela McPherson

  "I'm not sure if you're enjoying torturing me, but I'm really mad at you right now."

  I smiled knowing she was anything but mad. "Spud, I've seen you mad." I rolled my hips against her.

  She closed her eyes and bit down on her lip.

  "Baby, this isn't mad. Frustrated, yes…" I leaned down and skimmed my tongue across her bottom lip before backing away. "But not mad."

  I looked down at her, waiting for her to focus before giving her what we both wanted.

  "I love you."

  She traced my jaw with the tips of her finger. Her charged eyes gazed up at me with a mix of desire and love. "I love you more."

  "I beg to differ, but considering the constraints we're under, I'll wait till we're back home."

  Fuck, I was going to explode if I didn't feel her around me. Before she could argue more, I ripped her panties off, tossed the material, and drove inside. Her eyes closed and the sound of her pleasing moan fueled my need to be deeper.

  Elle met me stroke for stroke. I grabbed her hip and hiked her leg around my waist. Her lips parted in a silent scream, and I crashed my mouth over hers to muffle her cries. Her fingernails dug into my arm and she bit my lip.

  I felt her clench around me as she broke away from my kiss and buried her face in my shoulder. I rocked into her faster, harder until I felt my release and then collapsed with her.

  We stayed silent, catching our breaths.

  "Was that my Christmas present?" She laughed under me, stirring up my desire for her again.

  I moved to my side, resting my head on my hand. "That was me missing you. You'll get your present later."

  Her entire face lit when she smiled.

  "You really got me a Christmas present?"

  "Spud, I get you a Christmas gift every year. Why would you think this year is any different?" She shivered, and I pulled the covers up. "Come here."

  Elle rested her head on my chest, and I hugged her to me.

  "I guess I just wasn't sure." She placed her hand over my heart and yawned.

  I kissed the top of her hair. "Get some sleep. We can talk about it in the morning."

  Her answer came in the sound of a soft purring snore. I smiled with a complete sense of satisfying bliss.

  The thrill of bringing a woman to her breaking point and hearing her endless cries of ecstasy when she lost control used to satisfy me, but only sexually. I never felt complete. As a matter of fact, even while being with Kellie there was always something missing.

  Until Elle.

  I'd never known complete perfection until I made love to her for the first time. Every touch, kiss, stroke, or caress made was all in a need to show her how much I cared. How much I loved her.

  Now, with her held in my arms, well, I considered myself a pretty fucking happy man. Loving Elle is what I was made to do, and I planned to make sure I showed her every day.

  I closed my eyes, and knowing I was right where I was meant to be, I fell asleep.

  Elle

  The next morning, secured in a tangled mess with Tristan, I forgot where I was. Well, until I heard my sister's voice in the hall. Reality snapped me back just before my bedroom door opened.

  "Elle, I was wondering if you–" Heather's eyes grew wide.

  Tristan didn't budge.

  "Heather. Um, hi."

  I tried wiggling out from under Tristan's massive arms and legs, but his grip tightened around me instead. As if my sister walking in on us both naked in my bed wasn't bad enough, hearing my mom's voice down the hall topped it.

  I lifted my head to look past Heather standing in the doorway, but couldn't see anything.

  "Elle, are you awake in there?"

  I glanced at Heather, pleading for her to stall. We were sisters for crying out loud. Surely she'd cover for me. For old time's sake. She had to help me. Covering for your sister, well, there had to be a code for this sort of thing. Right?

  "Yeah, Mom. Elle's in her room." Heather grinned, wickedly.

  My stomach dropped, and I held my breath.

  "But she wants to sleep in a bit longer. She said," Heather cocked a brow, "she was up late last night. Something about tossing and turning. Not being able to sleep."

  What in the hell? I glared back and mouthed, "Thanks, jerk."

  She rolled her eyes.

  "Oh, okay. Tell her I'll give her another hour or so."

  "I'll be sure to let her know, Mom." She smirked. She was loving this. Our roles had definitely reversed.

  "I'm going to let you get back to your morning fun." She moved her gaze from me to Tristan.

  I hoped to goodness all his important parts were covered.

  "But I want details when you decide to get up." She laughed, only adding to my embarrassment.

  "Okay, fine. Whatever. Just please get out and shut the door." My entire face heated, and then adding to the embarrassing situation, Tristan moved in his sleep. His hand cupped my boob. Oh, my God.

  Giggling, Heather finally closed my bedroom door behind her. As soon as I heard the door click, I sank back into Tristan.

  "So, you're planning on giving Heather details from last night?"

  Oh, my God! I whipped my head over to Tristan. He peeked at me with one eye open and grinned. The same grin that always made my pulse speed and my knees weak. Good thing we were still in bed.

  "Were you awake the entire time she was in here?"

  He closed his peeping eye and shrugged.

  "I woke up a little bit ago." Tristan pressed his warm, hard, tight body against mine. My pulse rocketed. "I didn't want to wake you up. Besides, I like watching you sleep. Especially when you're in bed with me… naked."

  His eyes opened, his purpose clear to read. Warmth pooled in the pit of my stomach. "In case you were wondering, I prefer you without clothes…" He raised up to lean on an elbow and winked. "In bed, and ready for me to make love to over and over."

  Every time his hot breath ran over sections of exposed skin, my stomach fluttered. I shifted on my back and he moved to hover over me. Tristan cleared his throat.

  "So, looks like we have an hour to spare." He slid his hand down to rest on my hip.

  My thoughts darted to my unlocked bedroom door. My mom and sister were downstairs, and they could barge in at any minute.

  "Why don't we refresh your memory?" Tristan pressed his lips near the base of my throat, trailing a line of slow, sinful kisses down to my shoulder. "Ya know, in case you forgot details."

  His voice completely turned me on–and utterly mortified me all at the same time.

  "Tristan, my mom is awake and downstairs. She could come in here, like right now."

  He released his hand on my hip and slowly inched down the front of my stomach. Before I could protest, he advanced farther. I squeaked.

  "My sister knows you're in here," I said in an embarrassing pant, my eyes closing on their own. "She knows what we're–"

  Tristan leaned down and pressed his lips over mine. The skillful way he worked his tongue drove me crazy, and I fisted a handful of my cotton sheets in both hands to keep from crying out. Just when I finally gave in and relaxed into the feel of his touch, he broke away.

  My eyes opened, ready to ask why he'd stopped and grown a freaking conscience. Only when our eyes locked, Tristan rocked into me. This time I had to bite my lip to keep from making any noise.

  Our rhythm intensified, the friction pushing me closer to the edge of sweet ecstasy. Tristan grabbed my thigh, his fingers sliding over my dampened skin. The slow fire in my stomach burned hotter.

  "Oh, Tristan." I dug my heels into the mattress as he thrust into me, each time harder, faster.

  He whispered, "Baby, I love you, but I can't hold on much longer. I want to feel you fall apart around me. I want you to come with me." I did, and not so quietly either.

  Once dressed and fully coherent again, I was going to kill him. But while I watched him slide on his jeans, the only thing I could think about was ripping them off.

  He b
ent over to grab his shirt from the floor. His stomach contracted, revealing a solid row of incredible abdominal muscles. As usual, his dark brown hair fell into his rich, honey-filled eyes. I'd always appreciated his body from afar. Now that I'd finally gotten close enough to touch him, taste him, fall into him, I knew he'd ruined me for any other man.

  "Hey, Spud. How're things going with Heather so far?"

  He turned his gaze to me, catching me watching him. Those sinfully delicious, tender lips crept into his usual panty-dropping grin. Before he finished pulling his T-shirt over his head, he walked over to me.

  His eyes held mine, and when he reached me, my legs gave. I wobbled, and he caught me around the waist.

  "You are insatiable. I love it." He ran his knuckles down the side of my heated cheek, his sincere gaze squeezing my heart. "How are y'all? Seriously."

  I cleared my throat before speaking, loving how much he cared.

  "Good." I smiled, remembering how much fun we all had last night. I only prayed she'd be okay after we visited our family.

  Tristan frowned. "What's wrong?"

  I could never lie to him. He always knew when something was wrong. I sighed, and then wrapped my arms around his waist. "Nothing, really. It's just… I'm worried how everyone'll treat Heather." I shrugged, not wanting to bother him with potential problems.

  "What time are y'all supposed to be there?"

  "Around noon."

  Tristan pulled me in, hugging me firmly to his chest. "I'll be there."

  I backed away, surprised. "Tristan, you need to be with your family. It's Christmas. We'll be okay. I promise." I smiled reassuringly.

  "You've always been a part of my family, Spud. You may not have a ring on your finger, but that doesn't change the way I feel about you. You're mine now. I'm coming, and there's nothing to argue about."

  He stood taller, determination set in his jawline. I slid my arms around his neck.

  "I didn't think I could fall more in love with you, but you've proven me wrong, Tristan Wade Daniels. I love you."

  His lips curved into a wide smile. "Say it again."

  I stepped on my tiptoes and leaned in, my lips a breath away from touching his. I whispered, "I love the way my body craves more of you. I love the way your hands feel while touching me. I love the way your lips taste…"

  The earlier adoration in his eyes turned into passion. His erection stirred my want for him, as well. In fact, I didn't think I'd ever get enough of him. My eyes darted to his lips, and then back to his eyes.

  "I love how much you care. I don't just love you, but everything about you. I always have, Tristan. I always will."

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  Tristan left the way he came–through my window–but not before he devoured my lips in the hottest, most amazing kiss ever. My limbs turned to liquid, my stomach knotted, and a wildfire of passion swept through my entire body.

  When we broke away, both of us were breathless and ached for more. Unfortunately, I didn't think I'd be able to stave off Mom from coming in my room much longer. Sadly, he headed out.

  Tristan promised to meet me at my grandmother's house in an hour. I couldn't wait. I wanted the chance to make an official announcement about us. My insides flip-flopped.

  I picked up my room and made my bed before I took a shower. Tristan hadn't been gone ten minutes when my door opened and Mom walked in. "You need to hurry and get ready to go."

  "Yeah, Mom. I'm about to jump in the shower."

  Even though I was an adult, Tristan escaping before my mom caught him in here made me breathe easier.

  She tilted her head. "Tell Tristan next time he leaves this house, it better be through my front door. Which is how he should've come in. Not the window. Understood."

  Sheer humiliation covered my face. I could only nod.

  "Good."

  Mom looked ready to say more, maybe lecture me since I hadn't given her an opportunity when I lived here, but she must've changed her mind. Without another word, she left my room. Yeah, I was going to kill Tristan–and possibly Heather if she'd ratted me out.

  Heather

  Mom and I were in the living room when we noticed pieces of ivy falling to the ground, followed by a large-ass figure.

  The look on Mom's face when Tristan climbed down the terrace was priceless.

  I laughed. Hard.

  However, when she whipped her head around, glaring at me, I shut up.

  "This is not funny. He just…" She threw her arm toward the window, blushing. "He just left your sister's room."

  I laughed harder, with snorts. "Elle is a grown woman. At least someone is having sex in this house."

  She sucked in sharp breath, really fuming. Her eyes were wide, round, and on fire. "I cannot believe you just said that."

  Yeah, Mom still liked to live in la la land. Nothing wrong with that. Wrong. I shook my head, irritated. Why in the hell was it so hard for her to face reality?

  "Mom, you need to get a grip. Besides, you don't have to worry about Elle. I'm 100% sure Tristan is her first."

  I loved my sister, but she was a goody-two-shoes. More than that though, she'd been in love with Tristan since we were kids. Elle didn't let many people in, and I'm thinking Mom would've mentioned if she were in a serious relationship with anyone else. So, yeah, I was pretty certain Tristan was it for her.

  "I'm not worried." Her face paled. I actually felt bad for her.

  "Well then, give ‘em hell. You're right. They should have more respect for you in your own home."

  Color made its way to her cheeks again. Her shoulders straightened, and she held her chin out, determined.

  "Exactly. I'll be right back." With that, she opened the door and marched for Tristan.

  Poor bastard. I would've felt sorry for him had I not been laughing my ass off. Shit, when was Mom gonna let go?

  Man, if she had a problem seeing him crawl outta Elle's window, she would've flipped her lid hearing them last night. I'd never wished for sleep more in my life.

  The walls were way too thin. As a matter of fact, I could've lived a thousand years without hearing the shit I heard. Some things you just couldn't unhear.

  Jealousy snuck up on me, causing my skin to prickle. There was a hidden place inside me when I sometimes wanted what Elle and Tristan had. I came close. Once. Experiencing the butterflies in my stomach, an accelerated pulse, and sweaty palms used to make me happy.

  Damn, the memory was so long ago I often wondered if I made it up. The fairytale. Happy endings were created for people like my sister, not for those who teetered between life and death. Wasted or sober.

  Danny Dove.

  When the fog in my head cleared I'd picture his face, but mostly his eyes. Like a calico, his changing gray eyes saw beyond my bullshit and lies. We were only kids, but Danny was my safe haven, my refuge in a war at home. We'd talk. Or he talked. I listened.

  Danny loved to read, and his deep voice always soothed my anxiety. My favorite book he read was Zero by Tom Leveen.

  Friends are how God apologizes for your family.

  That was my favorite quote. I told him that was us. There were countless times we'd find ourselves cuddled on the cement floor in his basement. The only warmth came from us holding each other during the night. His mom had taken off not long after he was born, and his dad was a filthy drunk who enjoyed a live-action punching bag most nights.

  We were each other's escape from the daily cruelties… until the day his dad took his drinking binge a little too far.

  I remembered rushing to his house. The rumors spread like cockroaches. I didn't want to believe it, but in my heart I knew they were true. When I made it to his house, they'd already handcuffed his good-for-nothing dad and placed him in the back of a cop car. He looked up. I wanted to rip out his red, bloodshot eyes with my bare hands. I never really knew hate until him. That was the second worst day of my life. I remember calling Alyssa, Elle's other best friend, to pick me up. Back in the day, she used to have a little f
un and I wanted to forget. When she picked me up, we drove to a house across the tracks. She warned me not to do anything stupid. Of course, I agreed but never intended to keep my word.

  That was also the first time I shot up.

  Tristan

  "Excuse me."

  I heard behind me after I landed on the ground. Son-of-a- bitch. Better get this over with. I turned.

  "Um, good morning, Mrs. Richards." I smiled. She didn't. "Merry Christmas." People were more forgiving this time of year. Right?

  "Tristan Daniels."

  Ah shit, she was pissed, but I refused to take back last night or this morning. Honestly, I didn't see what the big deal was. We were both adults for shitsake. I did feel bad for Elle, but making this up to her would be fucking amazing.

  I smiled, and was rewarded with a death glare.

  "I'm sorry, do you find this funny?"

  "No, ma'am. I understand where you're coming from, but I won't apologize for being with your daughter. Elle's an adult, so… um… I'll be sure to use the front door next time."

  Mrs. Richards crossed her arms over her chest, her left brow slightly raised. "Really? Last time I checked, adults didn't sneak in and out of their girlfriend's window in the middle of the night."

  Made me feel like a dipshit. Maybe I should try a different tactic.

  "Mrs. Richards, I love your daughter, and I plan to be with her for as long as she'll have me."

  My stomach balled up. She frowned, glared, squinted, and did a bunch of other shit with her face. But I meant what I said. When the right time came, I'd make Elle my forever. I'd marry her today if she'd say yes, but I knew she wouldn't. She needed time to adjust to the fact we were even an us.

  Elle's mom continued to stare. I couldn't take the silence any longer.

  "I didn't mean to disrespect you in your home, but I stand by what I said. I love Elle, so much my heart aches when I'm not with her." I paused, my throat drying up. And why in the fuck was I pouring my heart out to her mom, like a pussy? I went on, anyway.