He collapsed at my side. I flung my leg over his, and we drifted to sleep.
Later that evening I woke, hearing birds outside the bay window chirping away, their sweet songs making the room feel cozy.
Stretching, I looked over at Ethan who was blinking awake. He looked so beautiful, so rested, like all the tension he’d once held on to was now gone.
“Hi,” I said softly.
He smiled. “Let’s hope this is Hotel California.”
“Silly.”
Laying there with my head resting on the pillow, happy and sated, I suppressed an urge to tell Ethan just how fantastic sex was with him. I didn’t want to undermine what we’d shared before, because those tender moments of intimacy had touched me just as deeply and brought us closer.
Still, my body tingled deliciously with its post-fucked lull, and I stretched leisurely, my right hand coming to rest on his bicep.
All those years ago, way back during my time in France, I’d learned the profoundness of what it was to love entirely and that with each breath, each moment of faith, my soul could sooth another’s.
Being here with Ethan felt like the final journey of my authentic self, as though I’d always been destined to be by his side. Loving him completely had been inevitable, I knew that now.
He looked over at me with passion in his eyes.
I bit my lip, scared that I might say the wrong thing and ruin this moment.
“You’re very quiet,” he said.
I tilted my head to look at him. “You have that effect.”
“That was fucking amazing.” He raised his hand. “Sorry for the language but I’d forgotten how good that can feel.”
“I like spending time with you, Ethan.”
“Why do I sense a ‘but’ coming?”
“Happiness makes me nervous.”
He reached out and took my hand, kissing my wrist. I melted as his soft lips caressed my skin. “I’m still here.”
“Thank you for trusting me.”
He arched a brow as though realizing I was talking about Chrysalis. “That might have been one of the craziest weeks of my life. I wasn’t allowed out. Cameron literally locked me in there.” He chuckled. “It was insane.”
“But it worked.”
“I’m sure you’re intrigued with what happened in there?”
“It’s between you and your doctor.”
Ethan let out another low chuckle. “Yeah, right.”
“You don’t regret it, do you?”
He peeked beneath the covers at his cock. “Doesn’t look like it.”
My gaze followed his and I could see he was ready to go again. I tingled all over, thinking of the kind of pleasure that was imminent.
Ethan let out a sigh. “What Cameron pulled off was a goddamned miracle. And believe it or not it has little to do with this big guy here.” He gestured downward.
I smiled.
“The pain that was lodged in my chest for years is gone. Completely gone. The memories are there, but Cameron did this ninja trick on the way I connect to those memories and I feel free of guilt for the first time since…”
“I’m so relieved.” Rolling onto my side I rested my head on his chest. “I stayed at Chrysalis the entire time and was pacing constantly. Nearly gatecrashed your therapy.”
“I’d have been like,” he raised his hand, “welcome to the party. Pull up a chair. The circus is in town.”
“Was it scary?”
“At first. Then, halfway through the week we just sat around eating pizza and chatting about life like we were old buddies. Until the late night sessions resumed. Richard shared his experience with me of what Cameron had done to him. I got off lightly, apparently.”
“Richard lost someone close to him, too.”
“He told me about his fiancée’s death.”
“Cameron wanted you to see it was possible.”
“I’d been ignoring the symptoms for so long.” He reached low and caressed his erection. “I can’t believe it.”
“I’m so relieved you got to see the good work we do.” I cringed. “That didn’t come out right. You’re more to me than that.”
“I get what you’re saying.”
I lifted my head and looked toward the door.
Ethan followed my gaze. “We won’t be disturbed.”
“Oh?”
“Cameron told me we can stay here all weekend if we like.”
“He’s not here?”
“Left before you arrived. He wanted us to have privacy.”
My head crashed back onto the pillow. “We have the weekend together?”
“If you want.”
I beamed at him. “I want.”
“I missed you. You were my motivation. All I could think of was being able to please you, Scarlet.”
Sliding down beneath the covers, I lowered myself between his thighs and then glanced up at him. His eyelids closed as I took him in my mouth. Lapping and sucking, I found the equivalent of a G-spot between where his balls met his shaft, making him writhe. To slow him down a little, I concentrated on the head of his cock, my tongue circling it until his breaths were short and sharp, and pre-cum beaded at the tip.
“Scarlet,” he said. “You’re a miracle worker.”
Gently, I pulled on his balls and felt him go still beneath me, my other hand working him up and down in unison with my mouth.
“I’m close.”
“Let me drink you.”
Ethan groaned loudly, clutching at the sheets as his hips bucked, his warmth filling my mouth. I swallowed, thrilled to see him so enraptured, so carried away with bliss.
His body shuddered and he cried out.
I moved up next to him and rested my head on his chest, watching him carefully, knowing an emotional floodgate might be released at any moment.
I wanted him to know I was here for him.
“I’m going to warn you,” he said. “Cameron gave me a cocktail of medications, too.”
“Testosterone?”
“Shot right in my butt. Apparently my levels were low. That, and all this intensive psychotherapy has made this,” he looked down, “my new superpower. Watch out lady, I’m going to be taking you every five minutes.”
“Oh, really?” I grinned at him.
He stared up at the ceiling. “I think I’m going to marry you.”
“Ethan…”
“Was that wrong of me?”
I crashed onto him and he hugged me tightly. “All I can think of is making you happy.”
Chapter 27
ETHAN WANTED TO see Cameron’s house.
After sharing a long, hot shower, we’d both dressed and made our way down to the ground floor.
I led Ethan down to the ridiculously large kitchen. The luxurious space could have been lifted out of a home in Tuscany. Of course, I knew it intimately from all those parties I’d attended - everyone had always ended up hanging out here. It had an Italian flair, with blue and yellow tiles, highlighted by the light streaming in through the large windows.
Ethan perched on one of the tall barstools and leaned his elbows on the black granite countertop, watching me. I set about preparing us some lemon water in two tall crystal glasses filled with ice. Rummaging through Cam’s fridge, I found us a selection of stuffed olives and pâté and crackers.
This house really did feel like home. Cameron was the brother I’d never had and he always made everyone feel welcome - even when he wasn’t here. His generosity knew no bounds.
Refreshed, we left the kitchen and headed down the west hallway, both of us pausing here and there to admire the many paintings lining the walls. It was fun to take a moment to contemplate the undertones of each one.
Captured within a simple black frame was a painting of a young virgin running away from a winged angel. The oil colors were extraordinary and caught the light in the most exquisite way. It made me wonder if Cameron had bought this one because in some way he was working through some ideology. He was, afte
r all, considered a connoisseur of the dark arts and was a man who liked his sex with extra-kink and a healthy layer of love.
He knew all too well he had the ability to mind-fuck a woman into obsessing over him night and day, so he always chose his lovers carefully - too carefully, as far as I was concerned.
I so wanted him to find that special someone. The last woman in Cam’s life, McKenzie Carter, had almost destroyed him and it made me wonder whether he’d ever risk his heart again.
Ethan pointed to a door. “What’s in here?”
“Have a look.” I gestured for him to open it.
We stepped onto the hardwood floor of the gym.
“He fences in here,” I told him. “Shay taught him, but in true Cameron fashion—”
“He outgrew his teacher?”
“You could say that.”
Ethan scrunched up his nose. “Is there anything Cole can’t do?”
“I’m still figuring that out.”
“Bet he can’t do this.” Ethan jogged over toward the back of the room and picked up the lone basketball resting against the wall. He bounced it a few times and then threw it high into the net above - a slam dunk.
He cheered as though he’d just defeated the entire Lakers’ team.
I moved quickly toward him. “I’ve been known to land a few shots myself.”
“Really?” He arched a brow and threw the ball over to me.
I caught it, then circled beneath the net, leaped up and tossed the ball right in. Jumping up and down, I cheered like I’d thrown the winning shot.
Ethan pumped his fist in the air.
We played a little longer and it was fun to relax and forget everything for a while.
Leaving the gym, we headed out to the sprawling garden. Tall lush trees lined the high walls to ensure privacy. Tiles from Rome had been shipped in to decorate the sparkling pool in the center, where I had enjoyed swimming so many times in the past.
Ethan looked impressed. “I’m surprised Cameron ever leaves this place.”
“I know, right?”
“Yeah, medicine is not paying for this place.”
“He’s a Cole.”
Ethan shrugged. “Which means?”
“Cole Tea. Tempest Coffee.”
Ethan’s expression changed to awe as his gaze swept over the garden. “It’s his dad’s company?”
“I thought you knew.”
“No, I dug around for information on him but only his clinic came up. Everything I found online about Cameron was positive. I’m assuming that’s partially thanks to Shay.”
“Cam is squeaky clean.” I raised my hand in defense of the statement. “He doesn’t do drugs. He donates to charity. He’s good to women, and his staff loves him. He’s honest and kind.”
“All right, all right, but…come on. Let me in on one of his weaknesses.”
I let out a deep sigh. “We’re his weakness, Ethan. His friends. He’d do anything for us.”
“There must be something? Some scandal?”
“He had his heart broken by a woman not that long ago.”
“What happened?”
“He’s also very private.” I walked over to the edge of the pool and knelt, dipping my hand in the warm water. “It’s heated. Wanna take a dip?”
“Actually, I have an appointment.”
“Tonight?”
“Yes. Visiting rights.”
“Oh?”
“I have a baby. She’s my pride and joy. Just eight weeks old.” He came over and knelt beside me, smiling. “Want to meet her?”
My jaw had fallen open, and I slammed it shut.
“A baby?” I was trying to process this revelation while I studied his face for the truth.
“She’s adopted.”
There were so many issues to contend with, not the least of which was that his life had been under threat - and anyone connected to him was also at risk. Had he really placed a baby in jeopardy?
“You look surprised.”
“A little, maybe. I’d love to meet her though.”
He pushed himself to his feet.
I tried to keep my concern from showing. “Where is she?”
“Secret location.”
I stood and stared up at him. “I’d like to come with you.”
I was having so much fun with him, the thought of parting was too painful right now - and there was something intriguing about seeing him with a baby.
A fricken baby! Ethan Neilson, Mr. Hard Ass! My mind was blown.
“Shit, I just realized,” he said. “I don’t have my car.”
“Oh, no, neither do I!”
“We can grab a taxi. Or an Uber?”
“I have an idea. Come on.”
A few minutes later, Ethan was left speechless. We stood in Cameron’s subterranean parking structure right beneath the house. His twenty-car collection was impressive, and included a Bugatti Veyron, a Porsche Spyder and a well-preserved Mustang.
“He has a Corvette Z06?” Ethan practically drooled. “Zero to sixty in less than three seconds.”
The blue sports car he was giddy over really was a thing of beauty with its sleek lines and low chassis.
“We’ll take the Corvette then.” I headed back to the wall safe.
“No way.”
“I borrow his cars all the time.”
“This isn’t right, Scarlet. It’s one thing to stay in his house.”
I opened the safe and pulled out the keys to the Corvette, then dangled them in front of him. “Are you sure?”
He stepped back as though hating the idea.
“Come on,” I said. “It’ll be fun.”
“Call him.”
“You call him.”
“I’m not calling him and asking to borrow one of his cars. He’ll really think I’m taking advantage.”
I pulled out my phone and checked the bars finding the signal weak, but usable. I slid my finger over to my contacts and pressed Cameron’s number.
“Hey,” Cam answered quickly. “How’s it going?”
“Hello, my darling,” I said brightly. “Everything is amazing. Can you tell Ethan we can borrow your Corvette?”
He laughed. “Sure.”
I beamed and handed Ethan my phone.
“Cameron,” Ethan began, “I appreciate you letting me stay here. You’ve gone above and beyond and I can’t thank you enough.”
He listened intently to Cameron for a minute or so.
“You don’t have to do that,” Ethan said, combing his fingers through his hair. “You’ve already—”
I gave Ethan a thumbs-up in anticipation.
“I feel like I’m imposing. Are you sure, Cameron?”
When the call ended, Ethan turned to face the car, his expression full of wonder. “Well, fuck me.”
“I’m driving.” I headed on over to the Corvette.
He followed. “No, Cameron specifically told me I was to drive.”
“Who’s the boss here?”
“That’s me. Most definitely.”
I melted at his cheeky grin and the way he ran his fingers over the sleek hood.
But I still hid the keys behind my back.
He tackled me for them and I tried to stay upright. I’d not laughed this hard in years.
Chapter 28
THE CORVETTE DROVE like a dream with Ethan at the wheel.
Wearing a big smile, he weaved the sports car through heavy traffic. We slowed when we reached the 134 Freeway. My gaze drifted over to Providence Saint Joseph’s Hospital, looming large to our right.
We drove past its freeway exit.
I looked at Ethan. “Are we going to someone’s home?”
“No.”
“Where then?”
“You’ll figure it out.”
“Did you use a surrogate?” The thought of another woman carrying Ethan’s child made me examine my feelings. It would have been his DNA growing in her womb. I flinched when my fingernails dug too deeply into my p
alms.
“You’re a bit nosy, aren’t you?” He revved the engine and slid into the right lane.
Ethan was having a little too much fun. He seemed overly excited about seeing his baby, and the more I thought about it the more it made sense to me.
I’d never met anyone I wanted to have a child with until now. I’d pushed that dream behind me. My thoughts ran wild with the possibility of becoming a loving stepmother to Ethan’s baby girl. I’d really try and get to know her. I promised myself that.
He steered us off Victoria Avenue and we made a right turn followed by a quick left.
And then I saw the sign and my jaw tightened.
No, he didn’t just do this to me…
“Ethan,” I snapped.
He turned the radio up and Queen’s “Somebody to Love” blared from the speakers.
Although I sensed what was coming it was hard to be angry with Ethan for long.
We pulled into the parking lot of the L.A. Zoo.
“Ethan?” I nudged his ribs.
“You know what they say about people who assume,” he said with a grin. He climbed out of the car and ran round to my side.
He opened my door in a gallant fashion. That “southern gentleman” act of his always made me smile.
I accepted his hand. “You’re a cheeky bastard.”
He laughed and led me toward the front gate. With a flash of his ID, which he’d slipped out of his wallet, we were through and heading up the wide expanse to the interior of the park. The scent of green grass and animal dung wafted through the air as we strolled hand in hand. I didn’t mind the smells - I liked the earthiness of it all.
“This place closes at 5:00 P.M., so most of the animals are bedded down for the night. Stand here a minute, I want to take a photo of you.” He nudged me up against a fence and I smiled for him.
Ethan held his iPhone steady. “I’m filming you.”
I waved and said, “It’s our day out at the zoo. We’re here to see Ethan’s baby. I can’t wait.”
He kept filming. “You are one brave lady.”
“What?”
“Look behind you.”
I turned to see a chain-link fence and behind it was a swampy pond. I saw the tail first.
A ten-foot alligator.
“Jesus Christ—” I leaped toward Ethan.
He howled and tried to fight off my fists as I struck him playfully.
Enthrall Secrets (ENTHRALL SESSIONS 7) Page 15
