Erin stretched her entire body. Although, she didn’t want to, she needed to move. Abel stirred behind her and withdrew himself from her. Flopping to his back, he pulled her against him, unwilling to let her go. She snuggled contentedly for a few moments before she began to feel hot and sticky.
Sighing, she sat up, and avoided his attempts to pull her back down with him. “I need to clean up.” Her stomach chose that exact moment to give a gigantic growl.
Abel chuckled and sat up next to her. “After you’re done, I’ll feed you. You need to keep your strength up.”
Erin ducked her head and pressed her hand against her stomach, willing it to stop. Before she could become too embarrassed, Abel cupped her chin in his hand and kissed her. Thoroughly, he caressed every part of her lips before he pulled back from her. By the time he was finished, her toes were curled and her fingers were clamped around his shoulders. The man certainly knew how to kiss. Her stomach chose that moment to rumble once again.
Abel shook his head, stood, and offered her his hand. “We’ve definitely got to feed you.”
Together they waded into the pond and took a quick swim to clean themselves off. Abel was back on the blanket and spreading out lunch by the time she climbed out of the water. Ringing out her hair, she plopped down next to him, totally unconcerned about her nudity.
The feast on the blanket was simple but inspiring. Fresh grapes, slices of peaches, strawberries and chunks of melon were piled high in a bowl. Another container lay open, revealing several types of crackers and chunks of various cheeses. But the thing that caught her immediate attention was the two slabs of cheesecake set to one side. She reached for the cake as he filled a glass with iced tea. The ice cubes were almost melted, but the tea was cold and refreshing as she took a sip from the one he handed her.
“Dessert first?” He propped himself on one arm and reached for his own piece.
“I thought we’d already had dessert?” She batted her eyelashes playfully at him.
“We certainly did.” Desire flared in his eyes again and his cock began to stir again.
“You’re impossible,” she informed him before taking a large forkful of cheesecake. She allowed the flavors to roll across her tongue before slowly chewing and swallowing it. Carefully, she licked the fork clean before reaching for another bite.
Abel groaned. “Not impossible at all. In fact, very likely if you keep that up.”
Erin grinned, and scooped up another bite. “Eat first. I don’t want to wear you out.”
He waited until she’d finished her cheesecake before urging her to lie flat on her back. Erin settled comfortably and watched him as he removed several containers from a thermal bag. Leaning over, he leisurely kissed her lips. “Close your eyes,” he whispered as he kissed both her eyelids shut. Erin relaxed and waited to see what he would do.
The only sound was the one of containers being opened. Then she felt something cool and light on her breasts. Her eyes twitched, almost opening, but she caught herself before they actually opened. The sensation was arousing and she squirmed on the blanket.
“Open your mouth.” She opened her mouth and felt the soft slide of something sweet on her lips. The sweet scent of strawberries tickled her nose, and she flicked her tongue out to taste before she took a bite.
Abel groaned, but held another one to her lips. She took that one from his fingers, pausing to lick the sticky tips before chewing and swallowing the luscious fruit. Strawberries had never tasted this good before. With her eyes closed all her senses were heightened and she was eagerly anticipating what would come next.
Her lips parted, waiting for another strawberry. She gasped when she felt Abel’s lips on her breasts, licking at whatever he had coated them with. His lips came up to graze hers and she tasted fresh whipped cream. “Umm, that tastes good.” The combination of strawberry juice, fresh cream, and Abel was better than anything she’d ever imagined.
Abel returned to her breasts, licking the cream from her flesh. His teeth flicked the hard nubs of her nipples before swirling back over the plump mound. Every inch was suckled until all the cream was gone. Erin just lay there, lost in the wicked sensations. Being unable to see him, and not knowing what he was going to do next, aroused her to new heights.
He kissed a trail down her stomach, pausing to nibble on her hipbones before continuing down to her pussy. She could feel him shifting as he spread her lips wide with one hand and poured something onto her skin with the other. Thick liquid oozed slipped down her folds, making her shiver.
Abel nuzzled her pubic hair before lowering his lips to lap at her slick folds. “Honey, sweet and thick,” he murmured as he sucked her clit. “But not as sweet as the honey from your body.” His tongue plunged deep inside her pussy making her cry out with desire.
“Abel,” she groaned, not quite knowing what she wanted.
“You’re so sweet.” Abel’s tongue was all over her pussy, licking and sucking the honey from every crevice of her body. His fingers slipped inside her, stroking her, as he continued to pleasure her with her mouth.
Her entire body was on fire now as she clenched her eyes shut and rode the waves of pleasure that racked her body. She was just about to come, when Abel moved. “No,” she cried, reaching out her hands to pull him back to her.
His hands gripped her hips as he plunged his cock deep into her pussy. Erin almost cried the relief was so great. There was no more teasing now as he slammed into her, his strokes getting harder and deeper with each thrust. Erin could feel her muscles clench and then she was soaring as she came.
Her eyes popped open as she screamed her release. Abel was like some dark warrior between her thighs, taking what was his. His eyes were closed, his face a mask of concentration as his large body strained for completion. He gave one long, hard thrust and then he came, his entire body jerking as he grunted and continued to drive into her, prolonging his orgasm.
He slumped to his forearms, still buried in her depths. She could feel him still pulsing within her and her own body responded by clamping down hard around his cock. Erin was feeling wonderful, but sticky, and although she would have liked to stay as she was, she desperately needed to rinse her body. She pushed at his shoulder, but it was like trying to move an immovable object.
“Abel, we’re going to attract ants if I don’t get cleaned up.” That thought made her glance around the blanket. So far, so good, but that wouldn’t last if she didn’t get cleaned up.
Abel raised his head, and a huge grin split his face. Easing his cock from her body, he reared back on his knees, hauled her over his shoulder, gained his feet, and sauntered towards the water.
Erin laughed as she hung upside down and took the opportunity to ogle his tight butt. He gave her no warning, but suddenly flipped her over and dropped her into the pond. His wicked grin was the last thing she saw before the water covered her head and she began to sink.
Planting her feet on his stomach, she pushed off and felt smug when she heard a very satisfying splash as Abel fell backwards into the water. She tried to swim away, but his large hand wrapped around her thigh, pulling her backwards. Erin didn’t even try to fight, but instead allowed him to pull her to the surface.
Abel hauled her tight against his chest and kissed her, deep and long. Flinging her arms around his neck, she returned the heated embrace. Then her stomach growled again.
Abel laughed and tugged her out of the water behind him. “Obviously, we haven’t fed you enough.”
Erin allowed him to lead her back to the blanket where they both collapsed and began eating their picnic feast.
The next hour flew as they ate and talked. She told him about the upcoming harvest and Abel told her that he was halfway through his parent’s papers. He popped a cracker topped with a piece of cheese in his mouth before offering her one. They’d been taking turns feeding each other. He chewed and swallowed before taking a sip of iced tea.
“I found an old journal of my mother’s. It seems to be
quite old.”
“Really.” Erin was intrigued. “Are you going to read it?”
“Of course,” Abel replied. “Giving my chosen profession, how could you think that I wouldn’t?”
“That’s right,” she teased. “You’re a professional snoop.”
Abel didn’t take offense. Instead, he popped a grape in her mouth. “I think it’s from the year I was born. It’s a chance to maybe understand what she was thinking and feeling at the time.” He ate a fresh strawberry before continuing. “It’s strange to see your parents as people in their own right and not just as your parents.”
“I imagine it would be. I know I’ve never really thought about it before.” Erin’s mind drifted to her father and her brothers, as well as to the mother she’d never really known.
They fell into a comfortable silence until Abel began to put away the remains of their picnic. “As much as I hate it, you have to get ready to go if you’re not going to be late for supper.”
Reluctantly, Erin stood and began to search for her clothing. It took her awhile to find most of it, but she couldn’t find her panties anywhere. Finally, she gave up and hauled her shorts up over her bare butt. When she’d retied her sneakers, she shook out the blanket and handed it to Abel. He placed it on the top of the satchel he’d brought and turned to her. She slipped easily into his arms, not wanting to ever let him go.
“Thank you for this afternoon.” She nuzzled her nose against his chest, loving the feel of his hot skin. He hadn’t buttoned his shirt and she was taking full advantage of that fact.
“You’re very welcome. But I should be thanking you.” He kissed the top of her head before he took a step away from her.
“Go, before I change my mind and keep you here with me.” From the look on his face, Erin could tell he was only half kidding.
“I’ll be over first thing tomorrow morning.” With that, she turned and ran towards home. She never looked back, afraid that if she did, she’d never find the strength to leave him. He was fast becoming the most important thing in her life and she didn’t want to imagine what her life would be like after he was gone.
He watched her until she totally disappeared from sight before he reached into his back pocket and withdrew a bundle of white cloth. Shaking it out, he rubbed the soft fabric against his cheek and inhaled the rich perfume of a woman’s arousal before placing it back in his pocket. It was a way of keeping her close even when she wasn’t here, and he rationalized, she wouldn’t miss one pair of panties.
Chapter Thirteen
Erin cautiously opened Abel’s back door the next morning, holding her breath as it creaked slightly. Last night had dragged on forever as she’d wanted desperately to spend it with Abel. Instead, she’d sat through supper with her brothers enduring their banter and small talk about work, crops, and town gossip. Nathan had watched her constantly. She’d wondered if he’d suspected something when he’d casually asked her if she’d talked to Carly.
She’d managed to talk to her, but it had been brief as Carly had worked a double shift yesterday when one of her waitresses had called in sick. Her friend had sounded tired but excited. Erin figured if they didn’t talk soon, Carly would show up at the house and drag her upstairs until she spilled her guts about everything. She might be small, but she was tough. Erin grinned as she imagined Carly grilling her about her “mystery” date.
Finally, she eased Abel’s back door open and let herself inside. She didn’t want to wake him if he was still asleep. In fact, she was hoping he was still sleeping so she could hop in bed and surprise him.
Instead, she found him already sitting at the kitchen table, slumped over a cup of coffee. “Well, darn. I was hoping to surprise you.” She walked to the counter, grabbed a mug, and poured herself a cup of coffee from the mostly full pot.
There was silence behind her. No teasing reply or quick comeback. Only silence. Concerned, she turned back towards the table. He hadn’t moved a muscle. Leaving the coffee on the counter, she hurried over to the table to his side. “Abel?” Her voice shook slightly. His unnatural silence was beginning to scare her.
When he raised his head, she was appalled at the stark look of despair in his bloodshot eyes. His clothing was rumpled and his face unshaven, suggesting that he hadn’t slept at all night. Tortured was the word that popped into her head. He looked like a man trapped in absolute anguish, and it was this look that had her wrapping her arms around him and hugging his face to her chest. “Whatever is wrong, I’ll help you through it.”
The sound of her voice seemed to penetrate his misery. “Erin?” Like a man coming out of a trance, he tugged her into his arms and gripped her so tight she could barely breathe. His desperation was a living breathing thing. Every muscle in his body was tense and she could see the strain on his unnaturally pale face.
“Should I call Jackson or Nathan?” She didn’t have any idea what could have upset him like this, but she was ready and willing to mobilize everyone she knew to help him. She started to ease out of his arms so she could use the phone.
“No,” his voice was raw. “Stay.”
Erin cupped his face in her hands. “I won’t leave you, but tell me what has happened.”
He shook his head and looked away. Determinedly, she brought his face back around so he was forced to look at her. “You’re scaring me, Abel. If you can’t talk to me, will you talk to Jackson or Nathan?”
Abel opened his mouth and closed it. He swallowed hard and tried again. “Mom and Dad,” he began.
“What about them? Was it something you found in their papers?” She couldn’t begin to imagine what he could have found that would have upset him so. All those papers were at least fourteen years old or more.
“They’re not my parents.”
“What?” Erin couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “You’re adopted?” She could understand why that would shock him. But he was more than just shocked, whatever he’d discovered had wounded him deeply.
His laugh was harsh and angry. “Adopted. I wish.” He rubbed one of his hands over his face and sighed. “I was purchased for cash from another couple.”
Erin was too stunned to speak for a moment. “Isn’t that illegal?”
“Yeah.”
Abel closed his eyes and tipped his head back. She could see he was fighting down the emotions that welled up inside him. “How did you find out?” If she could pull together all the details, then maybe she could help him work through this.
“I found the bill of sale. Look for yourself.” He leaned forward and plucked a piece of paper off the table and handed it to her.
Erin glanced nervously at the document, but she was determined to read it. Perhaps Abel had misunderstood what he’d read. Even as she had that thought, she was discarding it. Abel was a top-notch investigative writer, and he would have checked and double-checked his facts before believing them.
Her hand was shaky as she took the seemingly innocent sheet of yellowed paper from him. Amazing to think such a simple thing could cause such huge problems. Scanning it quickly, she noted the sum of ten thousand dollars was paid to a Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin for the adoption of their son, Abel.
“I don’t believe this.” She felt her anger rising. Erin had loved Abel’s parents, but especially his mother, Sarah, who had taught her so much. If she felt their betrayal so deeply, she figured it must cut Abel right to the very marrow of his bones. “I’m so sorry, Abel.”
A part of her still wanted to believe that this was all just some kind of horrible mistake. “You’re sure there’s no mistake?”
“None.” He gestured to the journal sitting on the table. “I read it in her diary after I found the papers. Part of it was around the same time they got me. Same dates. Everything matches…”
“Tell me,” she encouraged as his voice trailed off and he started to stare absently off into space.
Gathering himself for a moment, he launched into his tale. “Apparently, she miscarried when they were travel
ing through Illinois on a holiday. She ended up in the same hospital as the Benjamin family. Mom was despondent and the Benjamins were poor and couldn’t afford two children, so they sold their youngest one. Both couples went home with a child and everyone lived happily ever after.”
Bitterness filled his voice, but Erin focused on the most appalling part. “What do you mean they couldn’t afford two children?”
Abel continued to stare at the table, so she grabbed him by the front of his shirt and shook him. He barely budged and was hardly even startled by her physical outburst. “Tell me!” she yelled.
“I have a twin brother.” His voice broke on the last word and he buried his face in his hands. “All these years I’ve been alone and I have a brother. How could they do that?” He swiped at his eyes and looked at her as if she had the answers for him. “How could they not tell me?”
“Oh, sweetheart, I don’t know.” Wrapping her arms around him, she rocked him gently, trying to soothe some of the pain in his heart. Betrayed by those who supposedly loved him best. Desperately, she tried to find something to help him. “Perhaps they meant to tell you on your eighteenth birthday, but never got the chance. They were killed just two weeks before. Remember?”
“You really think so?” Like a drowning man, he grabbed onto the lifeline she threw him.
“I do.” She nodded emphatically. “I might not approve of what they did, but your parents loved you more than anything. Like most of us, they probably figured they had all kinds of time to tell you. And besides, they probably knew you’d want to find your brother right away, but until you were both of legal age, it’s possible his parents could have kept you apart.”
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