by Payton Reed
“They’re destroying our family, and your advice is to let it happen?” Malone picked up her champagne and suddenly tossed it in Willow’s face. “I’ll have no part of it, and I want no part of you, your mother, or that bastard in her womb.”
“Malone, go straight to your room,” shouted Ashton, his expression filled with thunder, and his face flushed a deep red.
Malone didn’t say another word as she got up and left the table, stalking from the dining room without looking back or speaking to any of them.
After a moment, Dalton took a deep breath and passed her his napkin. “You have a little champagne on you.” He winked at her.
His tone was enough to make her giggle, though it was completely inappropriate at the moment. She couldn’t help laughing as she wiped the champagne off her face. “I think it’s more than a little,” she said with a hint of amusement.
“That went better than expected,” said Calvin, completely deadpan.
Ashton still looked on the verge of exploding in anger, but Hannah was the first one to laugh at Calvin’s words. Her laugh was a cue for everyone to relax, and Ashton finally sat down again, slowly having his complexion return to its normal color.
“Congratulations, Dad and Hannah. I’m sure you’ll be really happy with the baby.” Dalton seemed sincere.
“Thank you, Dalton. And you too, Calvin.” Hannah turned her gaze to Willow, looking vaguely apologetic, and certainly worried. “How do you feel about it?”
“I’m okay with it. Really.” She lifted her glass of champagne to her mom and then took a sip, finding it far more pleasing than the wine the sommelier had served with dinner. She finished it over the next few minutes as they talked and finished dessert.
On the surface, everyone was happy, but she could see Ashton’s gaze darting to the empty seat Malone had occupied, and she imagined he was feeling the loss of her. As much as she disliked Malone, she wished the girl would return just to make her dad feel better. She briefly considered going to get Malone, but there was no way her stepsister would listen to her. It was better if she stayed out of it, and she returned her attention to the chocolate pecan pie while occasionally looking up to find Dalton’s gaze almost always on her.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Dalton
He stood staring down at her for a moment. He could see spaghetti straps on her shoulders, and they looked to be bright yellow, though it was difficult to tell in the darkened room, lit only by the moonlight through the curtains. Everything else was covered by the blanket, and he lifted it carefully. He only raised it high enough to allow him to slip under. He was wearing pajama pants, but his feet were bare, and he could feel the flannel of her pants as well.
She moaned softly and rolled against him in her sleep as he gathered her into his arms. He held her with her bottom pressed against his groin, struggling not to grow hard. He just wanted to hold her, not seduce her. Not that he would reject her advances if she woke enthusiastic to the idea, but he was just here to hold her. He needed a deeper connection with her, and it was something he couldn’t even explain to himself. It was certainly profounder than sex, and far more important.
He put his hand on her stomach, and she snuggled a bit closer. With his hand like that, he couldn’t help thinking about Hannah being pregnant. He was still unsettled by the news, but he realized it didn’t truly affect his life in a big way. He could accept it and move on. He’d even started to accept Hannah, especially since his dad seemed happier than he had in years.
Thoughts of babies made him think about Willow swollen with his child in the future. He longed for that future with an intensity he couldn’t verbalize. Not that he wanted to give her a baby right now, but he could see spending the rest of his life with her and having a family together years from now. He was more convinced than ever that he’d fallen for her.
He closed his eyes and allowed the fantasy to form, and to his surprise, it wasn’t just the two of them when he thought about it. Jonas was there, and so was Lex. The thought made his stomach clench a little, but he didn’t outright reject it. He forced himself to imagine her hugging and kissing the other men, and while it caused jealousy, it wasn’t an unmanageable level.
Could he actually handle the idea of sharing her? Every fiber of his being wanted to reject the notion, but if he didn’t accept it, she would never respond to his overtures. Right now, she thought he still just wanted sex, and until the last few days, that’s what he’d tried to pretend he wanted as well.
He’d fought against wanting more following the epiphany in his dorm room after the Halloween dance that he was in love with her. By the next morning, he’d rejected that idea. He’d briefly thought he had overcome the silly notion he loved her and assumed he just needed to fuck her. Now, he saw the potential for so much more, but it came with the baggage of her other lovers. Could he accept that?
She stiffened against him suddenly, apparently waking up. She struggled to turn, and he pressed his hand a little more firmly against her stomach, keeping her against him. “Hush, it’s just me. I’m not going to hurt you.”
“Dalton, what are you doing in my bed? If your dad or my mom catch you—”
He ran his hand up and down her stomach in a soothing fashion. “It’s okay. I won’t stay all night. I just want to hold you.”
She snorted. “Yeah, right?”
Dalton kept his voice gentle, striving to convey sincerity. “I mean it. I just want to feel you in my arms. No ulterior motives, and I’m not here for sex. I just want to hold you like this.”
She remained stiff for a moment, but she gradually relaxed against him. “Okay, but it doesn’t change anything. I’m still not choosing anyone or breaking up with them for you.”
“I guess I’m not asking you to.” He inched his hand under the hem of her spaghetti strap tank top to splay his hand against her bare flesh instead. “I’m not thrilled with the idea of sharing, but I guess I’ve realized it’s the only way I get a chance to be with you.”
“It’s not like you can seduce me away from them and convince me to change my mind.” Her voice was rich with a warning. “If you really want to date me, it has to be with the understanding that I’m not choosing. You can’t change my mind on that, okay?”
He let out a sigh. “I understand. I’m not an idiot.” She snorted, but he let that slide. “I might’ve acted like an idiot sometimes, but I’m not. I understand what the terms are, and I’m agreeing to them. I want to be with you badly enough that I’m willing to try sharing you.”
“Oh.” She went still and didn’t speak again.
Unsettled by her silence, he said, “Oh is all you have say?”
After a moment, she turned in his arms when he loosened them enough to let her. She was looking into his eyes now, and it felt like she was drilling into his soul. “Do you really mean that you’re willing to try sharing me?”
He nodded, not looking away from her gaze.
“Then okay. But I’ll only date you if you’re a decent human being, Dalton. You seem like maybe you could be, but if any of the old Dalton returns, it’s over. I can’t handle the mean, bullying side of you and still nurture any kind of emotions besides irritation or hatred.”
“Haven’t you ever heard not to get involved with a guy if you’re expecting him to change?” Was he actually warning her? Did he feel so protective of her that he wanted to warn her away from himself? He shook his head at his own foolishness. Maybe he was an idiot.
She licked her lips. “I’ve heard that, and I believe it too. I’m skeptical about your claims, but I’m willing to give you a chance to prove you’re really changing. If you decide it’s too much pressure, you can tell me any time that you’re out. I won’t like it, especially if I’ve gotten close to you, but I’m not going to try to force you to change. And I’d rather you be honest than lie or try to fool me.”
“I haven’t exactly changed, but you make me more aware of my behavior, and I realize I need to be a better per
son. I’m not just saying that to convince you.” He felt raw at the admission, but he couldn’t hold back if he wanted her to believe he was really reevaluating everything because of her.
Her mouth softened into a smile, and she lifted a hand to run through his hair. “I believe you. You seem genuine, and maybe I’m a fool for believing you, but I don’t think you’re lying to me. So, let’s see where things go, okay?”
He smiled, exhaling heavily in relief. “For now, let’s just go to sleep.” She snuggled closer, and he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I could get used to holding you in my arms like this.”
She murmured something before stretching against him. “I could get used to it too. Good night, Dalton.”
“Good night, Willow.” He kissed her forehead again before closing his eyes and forcing himself to stop thinking about the temptation of her flesh against his. He came here to hold her, and that was what he intended to do. He intended to hold on to her by proving he was changing. He would deal with jealousy as it arose, but he didn’t want to think about that right now. He just wanted to enjoy having her to himself for a few quiet hours.
Part IV
December
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Willow
Within her first few days of returning to Dunwich after Thanksgiving break, Willow was convinced all the professors were trying to kill them. They couched it as reviewing for the midterms that would take place in January, after returning from Christmas break, but she was convinced it was really a secret form of torture they enjoyed inflicting on them. Even her beloved Kip had increased the workload and was driving everyone hard.
To make matters worse, Jonas had no reason to be at the school right now, so the only time she got to see him was on weekends, when she signed out for a pass. She spent the first Saturday night following resumption of classes reconnecting with him, and though she was willing to go farther, he stopped before they could progress to the part where they had sex.
With their time dwindling, she asked in frustration, “But why?”
Jonas reached into the drawer beside him, making her hope he was getting a condom. Instead, he pulled out a small box and set it on her naked chest. “That’s why.”
With a frown of confusion, she looked down at the box and pulled off the silver bow. When she opened it, she gasped at the lovely pair of ruby earrings on a velvet bed. “Oh, I love them. Thank you!” She reached over to hug and kiss him, still grumpy when he pulled back too quickly. “But what do earrings have to do with sex?”
He put his arm around her, drawing her closer to him. “You’ll be eighteen in a few days. I’m already skirting the law in a big way, but I’ll feel more secure when you’re a legal adult.”
She scowled. “Do you think I’m going to tell someone to get you in trouble?”
He shook his head. “No, but things have a way of coming out. Humor me. You’ll be an adult the next time we have some time alone.” He frowned. “Which reminds me. I can’t have you over next weekend. My father’s sister and her husband are visiting, and I won’t subject you to that.” He shuddered lightly.
She frowned. “I won’t get to see you the weekend after with the dance, and then we’re going home for Christmas break.” She put a hand on his thigh, inching upward. “We should take advantage while we have a chance.”
He sighed. “I’m still not doing that yet. Go to sleep, Willow.” His tone was firm, but his embrace was gentle.
She accepted his reasons, though she didn’t like them. After a short time, she snuggled up against him while staring at the shimmering rubies. The gleaming gems dominated her vision as she drifted to sleep.
As she was leaving Sunday morning, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a long, passionate kiss. Martha, who hadn’t warmed up any, was likely watching them from the kitchen, but Willow didn’t care. She wouldn’t get to see Jonas again until after Christmas break, so she needed something to help get through the separation.
The sound of Gabe’s car pulling up the driveway forced them apart, and he groaned softly as he leaned his forehead against hers. “I wish you could stay.”
“Me too.” She was breathless, but that was because he’d kissed her so thoroughly. “I can’t wait for May.”
“All the flowers?” He teased with a wink.
“That, and I can finally be with whom ever I want without needing anyone else’s permission.” She palmed the hard bulge in the front of his pants for a second before she stepped back. “I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
He nodded and waved at her as she started walking. “Have a safe trip back.”
She waved in return and got in Gabe’s car. She expected some kind of comment, but he said nothing, just as he hadn’t said anything the last time, he picked her up from Jonas’s place. The ride back to school was accomplished in silence, and she returned to her dorm room to tackle a pile of homework just like all the other students.
Monday morning, she met Lex for breakfast and snuggled close to him. That was as close as they could get to public displays of affection without being in trouble, so she had to content herself with that.
Lex’s lips brushed against her neck, but he didn’t actually kiss her. “Do you think you could get out of one of your classes and meet me in the darkroom? It’s free during second and fourth periods.”
“I can try,” she said. “I prefer fourth, since that’ll get me out of Manion’s class for a while.” She shuddered just thinking about the teacher, with his creepy touches and creepier leers. He was definitely focused on her, and knowing what he was capable of, it frightened her as much as it made her angry. She shouldn’t have to be afraid of her teacher, but she hadn’t bothered talking to Philip Hastings about it. What was the point? He wouldn’t believe her, and since he was looking for a reason to get rid of her, he might even turn it around and use it to expel her for making false accusations.
“Let’s plan on fourth. I’ll wait for you. Twenty minutes into class?” At her nod, he put his hand on her thigh and inched higher, slipping just under the edge of the hem of her skirt. “It’s my turn today.”
She looked at him, eyes wide. It was easy enough to infer what he meant, and she trembled with anticipation. Her first time experiencing that had been with Jonas, and she was greedy enough to want it with all her men. All the time, she thought with a small grin as she imagined how little they’d get done if they took turns pleasuring her all the time. It was an intriguing idea even if it didn’t hold up to reality.
After breakfast with Lex, she headed toward her first class, surprised when Dalton fell in step with her. He put his arm around her shoulders, and she let him lead her into an empty classroom. As soon as the door closed behind them, he started kissing her. She responded with enthusiasm, but when his hands bracketed her head, and his body pushed her against the door forcefully, she reared back slightly and twisted her head. “No.”
He frowned. “I don’t understand. I thought we decided to see each other?”
She nodded. “That doesn’t mean we just make out. I want to talk to you and get to know you better before we go that far.”
He frowned. “I thought we’d done most of that already. If you’re afraid, I won’t hurt you. I mean, at least not deliberately. I think it hurts most girls the first time.”
Willow sighed. “I’m not ready to find out for a while, okay? I need to make sure you and I are going to last awhile before I do something so intimate with you.”
He scowled. “Are you afraid I’m going to hurt you?” This time, he was clearly talking emotionally instead of physically during her first-time having sex.
She shook her head. Her fear wasn’t that he would hurt her exactly. It had more to do with not knowing if he could really maintain the changes he was tackling, and if he became a bully again, she didn’t want to have more regrets than having given him some of her time.
She left that unspoken as the first bell rang. “I have to go.” She wiggled against his body, almost surp
rised when he moved back, since he hesitated for a moment before doing so. “And I want to date you, but that means getting to know each other better. So how about this? We’ll hang out in the rec room a couple of nights this week. I’ll make sure it doesn’t conflict with my studying schedule,” She left Lex’s name unmentioned, “And we can spend time together.”
He sighed heavily. “Fine, but what about when we want to do more than talk? I mean, I just want to touch you everywhere. You’re always in my thoughts.”
Her eyes widened at the information. She hadn’t realized he was that into her. “Maybe we could meet somewhere once a week and have a different kind of conversation.” She tried to think of a place where they could have some privacy.
“Maybe the greenhouse?” she said after a minute. The thought didn’t sit well with her, since she tended to think of anything outdoors and garden-oriented associated with Jonas, and she didn’t want to be thinking about Jonas when she was with Dalton. No other idea occurred to her though. She didn’t know Dunwich well enough to know its nooks and crannies.
“Too cold, but I know just the place. I’ll show you tonight.” He bent down to kiss her, and they parted ways to head to their first classes.
She was antsy throughout her classes, counting down the time until fourth period. At the appointed time, she raised her hand, and Manion called on her. “May I have a pass, merci, Monsieur Manion?”
He looked irritated at the interruption of the class conversation, which was flowing nicely with the students, but he nodded and turned his attention to a different group. She didn’t think he’d suddenly lost interest in her, but he couldn’t deny her a visit to the bathroom without a good reason.
Clutching the pass, she left his classroom and hurried to the darkroom to meet Lex. He was waiting for her, and she went into his arms immediately. His strong, hot kisses left her feeling flushed and plundered, but in a pleasant way. She clung to him as he put his hands on her hips, keeping her from falling.
