Charlotte sauntered up to me, placing both hands on my chest. “I can’t believe you sell these monsters to people.”
She smelled of lavender and vanilla, her signature scent. Resting both hands on her small hips, I kissed her forehead. “Crazy, isn’t it?”
“We’ll leave you two to head over to the rehab center.” Jax rubbed Elise’s shoulders. “We have a lunch date with my parents.”
“It was so great to meet you.” Elise gave Charlotte a warm hug.
“You too.” Charlotte smiled brightly. “I hope to be back soon.”
That statement caused my heart to squeeze. She’s already thinking about coming back?
“We like to hear that.” Jax shot me a knowing look over both women’s heads.
Waving them off, I took Charlotte’s hand. “You ready to see some sea life?”
“Yes.” Her gaze shone brightly, excitement behind her wide smile. I couldn’t help myself. She was just too tempting right now.
Sliding a hand around the nape of her neck, I pulled her to me. Our lips met, soft at first, then furious and demanding. A soft moan escaped from her chest, sending pleasure right to my cock. Neither one of us gave in. Our tongues sparred, teeth nipped, and hands wandered.
Charlotte was the one who stopped the fervor, breathing hard. “We should head out before we …”
I smirked. “Before we end up having sex on this yacht?”
“Exactly,” she replied, leading us toward the open railing to step onto the dock. I followed her without comment, knowing she was right. Someday, I might be able to control myself around her, but I highly doubted it. I always hoped I’d want her the same way she wanted me.
She glanced over her shoulder, smiling shyly at me.
No, I’d always want her.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Charlotte
None of the fantasies I played in my mind about being with Hawk in Florida could even compare to the week we were having. We grew closer, not just physically but emotionally as well. Always the best of friends, we added another layer to our ever-evolving relationship.
Our time spent at the rehabilitation and rescue center showed me another side of Hawk. Seeing him kick off his shoes to stand in a shallow pool to check on a litter of abandoned sea otters melted my heart. I joined him, and the little creatures became interested in our toes. They squeaked, played, and investigated us. I could barely containi my excitement when Hawk lifted one from the water to let me pet its silky fur.
Dolphins, rescued from fishing nets, a manatee recovering from a boat propeller wound, and even a sea turtle found refuge in this place.
“Will they be returned to the wild?” I asked, feeding fish to an adolescent seal.
Hawk knelt beside me. “Some will, some won’t. It depends on how young they were when we rescued them and how badly they were injured.”
“So your grandmother rescues girls, and you rescue animals.” I shot him a warm smile. “Seems about right.”
His face flushed, something he rarely did. “I’ve just always loved marine life.”
We put the bucket of fish away, washed our hands, and said good-bye to some of the evening staff. On our drive home, our fingers linked together, resting on his thigh. The smell of the ocean never faltered wherever we went.
A slight niggling in my chest kept reminding me that we only had one more full day left together. One day and two nights left wrapped up in our little paradise before reality came rushing back. I’d be back in Central New York where the snow would shock my system. We’d go back to video chatting with each other, texting, and sending pictures.
What weighed on me the most was I’d go to bed alone. No matter how my past continued to fade away into just bad memories, they liked to come back at night. With Hawk’s strong arms holding me fast to his chest, I’d slept like a baby. None of those nightmares dared to bother me with my protector present.
As we walked into the comfort of Hawk’s house, I kicked my wedges off still lost in thought. Would the nightmares come back without Hawk sleeping next to me? How will I go without mind-blowing sex until graduation?
“Lottie, where’d you go?” His voice dragged me from the depths of my mind. I sighed heavily, finally finding the courage to meet his gaze.
“I was just thinking about the day after tomorrow.”
His eyes widened before softening in understanding. “I know. I’ve been trying not to think much about it either.”
Neither of us moved, afraid to spoil the amazing week we’d shared so far. Feet moving without my brain’s permission, I closed the distance between us and rested both hands against his strong chest. The thrum of his heartbeat seemed to steady my own, and I leaned my forehead on his shoulder.
Those strong arms wrapped around me, enveloping me in his protection. His scent of clean cotton, ocean spray, and spice muddled my brain. Everything about him made me want to just stay in his presence. Hawk was home to me.
Tears stung the corners of my eyes. I didn’t expect love, even a love that’s completely requited, to hurt so badly. The desire to be closer, to crawl up him like a tree and stay hidden in his branches, ruminated in my brain.
“You’re my everything, Charlotte.” A hand stroked the top of my head. “I’m so in love with you. It scares the ever-loving shit outta me.”
“I love you too.” As I looked up, our gazes met. “But why are you scared?”
Hawk closed his eyes, his jaw flexing. “Because I never want to lose you.”
Reaching up, I took his face in my hands. “You can’t lose me, Hawk. I only want you.” I pressed a firm kiss to his soft lips. “I want you forever. I’ve always wanted you. Just you.”
He picked me up, and my legs wrapped around his waist. Our mouths sought each other out, passing soft promises without words. I sensed his fears, and I did my best to convey the truth in my passion. If he asked me to marry him right now, tomorrow, days, weeks, months from now—no matter the time, I’d say yes.
Our age difference used to be what kept us apart, and now, distance replaced the time. In only three months, I’d graduate. If Hawk meant what he said about wanting me to move in with him, I would. Being away from him didn’t make sense anymore. We’d crossed the final line into lovers.
“Make love to me,” I said in a breathless whisper that danced over his mouth. “Make me yours, Hawk. Take me and use me.”
A feral growl resonated within his strong chest. His hands on my ass gripped tighter. The hard length of him pressed against my stomach, eager to do just as I’d asked.
“You’re mine, Lottie,” he replied, those stormy blues searching my face. “No one else’s.”
I bit my bottom lip, heat rushing low in my belly at his possessive tone. “I’ve always been yours.”
“And can I keep you mine?” His gaze hooded with desire. My heart skipped a beat in my chest. He wants to keep me?
Forehead pressing against his, I rubbed our noses together. “For as long as you want me, Hawk.”
“Forever is a long time, Lottie.” He stared into my soul, searching for any sense of doubt. “I mean it when I say forever.” His feet began to walk us toward the bedroom. “One day soon, I promise, we’ll have everything.”
So many years ago, I never thought any man would see me for who I became. Afraid that the abused little girl I’d been would mark me as damaged goods. And this man, who’d seen me from the start, the man who I’d fallen for at sixteen, wanted me.
I didn’t have to worry about falling anymore. Together, we’d fly.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Hawk
I did exactly what Charlotte asked me to do. Laying her down gently on my bed, I stripped her of the lavender dress, pleased to find nothing but pink lace panties underneath. Her pert breasts teased me as her nipples furled into tight buds in the cool air.
Soon, she’d leave my bed cold and my heart yearning for her to come back. Tonight wasn’t a night to play nice. Tonight, I’d take what belon
ged to me. She asked for me to take her and use her, so I would.
Tearing the polo over my head, I made quick work of the leather belt around my waist, followed by my shorts and boxers. Hands hooked into the delicate fabric of her panties, pulling them off slender legs. I pinned her to the bed, taking her mouth hostage with my own. My palms slid up and down her arms, slowly raising them over her head.
Her soft gasps infiltrated my ears like strains of music. She knew what this was about. Years of time and distance collided right now on this bed. Gently nudging her thighs apart with my knees, I settled against her wet core.
“You’re ready for me,” I whispered, cupping one of her breasts roughly.
A low moan ripped from her chest as I teased the tip of my cock against her seam. Her legs spread wider, hips bucking, trying to complete our connection. The fact that I did this to her, made her so damn wanton, made every cell flood with testosterone.
Carefully aligning us, I allowed just the tip to dip inside her.
“Hawk, please,” she begged. A haze of lust came over her sea-green eyes. “I want you inside me.”
With a devilish smirk, I thrust hard, sheathing myself deep within her body. She cried out, both legs wrapping around my waist. Her fingernails clawed at my back, desperate to hang on. I set a brutal pace, ravaging Charlotte the way I’d dreamed about since our first kiss.
Her hips swung wildly, trying to keep in time with mine. Never to be outdone, my girl wanted to participate, but there were just some things she needed to let me do. Our bodies became slick with sweat in the humid heat, but I didn’t care. Her back arched, and I took advantage of the change in position.
She screamed my name over and over the deeper I drove as her first orgasm reached its peak. Her gorgeous gaze rolled back into her head, allowing pleasure to consume her. Once I was sure she’d ridden it to the end, I pulled out briefly, flipping her easily over onto her stomach.
A bit off-balance, Charlotte rose to her hands and knees, fingers clutching the sheets. I gripped her hips firmly, connecting us once again with heavy, languorous strokes. Watching her back arch from this angle had my cock thickening with desire. She seemed to notice as a soft whimper escaped her throat.
Her breasts bounced freely as we connected over and over. I snaked my hand around her waist to find her clit. The magic button seemed to work wonders on her. Immediately, her legs widened, her head fell to the mattress, and soft curses tumbled through her lips. I loved pushing her like this.
Her pussy clenched down against me while I circled my fingers against her bundle of nerves. A soft mewl echoed in the silence of our coupling as she came again. She leaned her perfect ass into my hips, gently rubbing against my cock. Sweat dripped down my face as I continued.
Charlotte glanced over her shoulder at me, her lids hooded in satisfaction. That look did something to me. Snapped something inside my brain. I reached forward and took a handful of her hair, now using her for my own gain. Her eyes slid shut, mouth hung open, gasping for air as I fucked her mercilessly.
I punished myself and her for the wasted time between us. My fingers dug into her hip without caring if I’d leave a bruise. Leaned down over her, I tilted her chin up so our lips met in a sloppy kiss. The urge to spank her tingled on my fingertips, but I thought better of it. We could explore that next time. No need to freak her out now.
“Hawk …” she whispered breathlessly.
“Yeah, baby?” A slow burn in my stomach shot down to my balls.
What sounded like a sob choked her words. “Let me keep you.”
Fuck me.
Pleasure sparked behind my eyes. Every limb, every bone sang in pure ecstasy as I spilled inside Charlotte. I knew she took birth control, but my God, I wouldn’t care if I got her pregnant. Not anymore.
Stilling my hips, I leaned over her back, kissing along her spine. We both panted, covered in a sheen of sweat. The smell of sex tinged the air, and I loved it.
“You can keep me for as long as you want me, Lottie,” I replied. “I love you.”
She sniffed. Concern immediately overtook me. Had I hurt her? Was I too rough?
Quickly pulling away, I rolled her over so I could see her face.
“Baby, what’s wrong? Did I hurt you?” I pushed away strands of blond hair that tried to stay plastered to her forehead. “Did I do something wrong?” Fear twisted in my gut that I’d done something to make her think of her abusive past. Was it the hair pulling?
She shook her head, tears slowly cascading down her face.
“Then what is it?” I tried to catch as many as I could with my thumbs.
“I don’t want to leave you,” she sobbed gently. “I miss you already.”
Grabbing her left hand in my own, I leveled my gaze on her. “Do you see this ring, Lottie?”
Her gaze fell to the feather wrapped around her ring finger. She nodded.
“You. Me. Us. This.” I kissed the ring softly. “This is what I want with you. We just have to wait a little longer.”
For a moment, her brows furrowed, as if confused. Then the weight of my words made the eight-inch drop from her head into her heart. Those green eyes widened, and fresh tears welled up.
“I promise, Charlotte.”
Her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me into the most intense kiss I’d ever experienced in my life. I savored every ounce of her taste as the press of her soft lips crushed against mine. Carefully locking it away in my memory bank until the next time we’d be together.
We stood for as long as we could just outside of the security line at the airport. People passed us by, not even giving us a second glance. Charlotte pressed her head into the crook of my neck while I stroked fingers through her silky hair. So far, this had to be our hardest good-bye to date.
“I’ll come see you graduate,” I said gently, not trusting my own voice. “And then you’ll come back here with me.”
She nodded wordlessly against my T-shirt. I could feel wetness begin to soak through the cotton, and it broke my heart.
“Charlotte, look at me.” I gently pried her off me so that we stared at each other, and she swiped at her cheek with her palm. “Three months isn’t that long, baby. We’ll see each other on chat and text every day. I promise.”
“I know.” She exhaled a shaky breath. “It’s just hard this time.”
Her lower lip trembled. My own jaw clenched in order to catch the rising emotions building inside my chest. Why was this so damn hard?
She began to gather her suitcase and carry-on bag together. I could tell this ripped her in half, just as it did me, but it needed to be done. This would be our final few months apart, and then we’d have exactly what we wanted.
“Text me when you land.” I wrapped my arms around her one last time. “I miss you already.”
“I love you so much, Hawk,” she whispered. Her arms squeezed me tighter.
Swallowing down a lump of agony, I replied, “I love you more than you’ll ever know, Lottie.”
Our lips met for one final kiss. One that promised and sealed everything we’d talked about the day before. Three months until her graduation, then she’d come back with me to Florida.
“Bye, Hawk.” She stepped away, falling in line for the TSA check. I watched her for as long as I could. When she made it through and collected her things, she glanced over her shoulder.
Forcing a smile, I waved. She smiled back in return. Then she was gone.
A thousand-pound weight sunk in my stomach. My throat clamped shut. I spun on my heel to head back to my Corvette, but my vision blurred.
Three damn months. Then she’d be all mine.
I needed to be patient.
But how could I be when my entire world drifted out of orbit?
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Charlotte
One month later …
Nerves wreaked havoc on my stomach as I sat inside the warm café in downtown Cazenovia. The mocha latte in front of me tasted wonderful because
I’d had it before. Today, though, it went down like chocolate concrete. My knee jiggled under the table, and I clutched my cell in my lap. Hawk continued to send me courage through texts, but I’d rather him be here by my side for this.
I only had a month and a half left before I graduated college. As soon as I came home, I sat down with Mrs. Ames and explained my situation. Hawk, of course, helped through Skype while we told his grandmother about our relationship. She’d listened with rapt attention and only asked a few very logical questions.
When it seemed too much for me to answer, Hawk had been the one to reassure her he’d take care of me. Admitted that he loved me. That’d made her thin lips quirk up into a smile.
After the conversation ended, though, Mrs. Ames made one request of me before I left New York for good—speak to my mother. Which was exactly why I was about to throw up my beverage for no reason other than anxiety. Remembering the silent promise I made to Mrs. Ames the first day I came to her house, I knew I’d do whatever she asked of me.
The bell above the door tinkled, and my entire body went rigid.
Booted feet paused next to the table where I sat. For a moment, neither of us spoke. My fingers clutched my cup so tightly the lid threatened to pop off.
“Hello, Lottie.” My mother’s voice sounded terse, unsure of how this meeting was going to go.
Inhaling a deep breath, I lifted my head to meet her gaze. “Hello, Marie.”
She didn’t even flinch at me calling her by her name instead of mom. In fact, she chuckled, taking a seat across from me. The waiter came back around to take her order, giving us both a brief reprieve from the awkward silence. All too soon, though, we were on our own.
“I’m so glad you decided to reach out to me,” Marie began. “I’ve wanted to speak with you for years, but I know I lost that right.” Her gaze lowered to the table. While she studied the wood grain on the tabletop, I took notice of how much time had gone by.
Her dirty blond hair fell to her shoulders, looking fuller than I’d ever seen it. While the skin around her eyes crinkled and she had smile lines, her skin had cleared from the mottled red when she was an addict. She’d never been a large woman, but her body weight finally fit her frame. Her skin didn’t pull over her bones, making her look like a ghost of a person.
Feathers: A Novel Page 19
