War of Hearts

by Nina Levine

  He scrubs a hand over his face. “Shit’s busy with the club at the moment, and then I’ve got Noah on Tuesday and Wednesday night. I wanna say tomorrow night, but it’ll depend on whether King has stuff for me to do. What have you got on for the week?”

  “I’ve got the retirement village tomorrow afternoon and then a boxing class at night. Tuesday night is yoga; Wednesday night is boxing again; Thursday night I’m with Holly. I’m free on Friday night.”

  “What’s at the retirement village?”

  “I’m going to start reading with some of the ladies again. You know, the ones whose eyesight isn’t so great anymore.”

  “Is that something you’ve always done?”

  “Yeah. I started in Sydney just before I left and then found a village in Melbourne to keep doing it.”

  His expression turns to one of respect and then he says, “Okay, keep Friday free.”

  “For?” I know what for, but this is about my boundaries. If there’s one thing my shrink taught me, it’s that I need to establish boundaries for how I’ll allow men to treat me. I accept Fury’s bossy ways. I even find them a turn-on. But that doesn’t mean I won’t let him know what I need. And what I need here is the opportunity to agree or disagree with something he wants rather than simply going along with whatever he says.

  “For our first date.”

  I smile. “Yes. I’ll keep Friday free.”

  We end the call and his smile is the last thing I think about before I fall asleep. His smile reaches places in me that no man has ever reached, and I can’t wait for us to add more chapters to our story.

  Fury: I thought about your plant today.

  Me: Really? Like, doesn’t a guy like you have a million other things to think about other than my plant?

  Fury: It confuses the fuck out of me too, but I did. Is it still alive?

  Me: You say that like you expect me to say no.

  Fury: Well is it?

  Me: I think maybe I should add a tick to your “asshole” column.

  Fury: You still have that column going?

  Me: Oh you have no idea. I have columns for everyone. I’m dragging yours back out.

  Fury: Did you have a good day, princess?

  Me: Yeah. Did you?

  Fury: Let’s just say it feels like a long fucking time between Monday and Friday this week.

  Me: I hope you get some sleep tonight. Night xx

  Fury: Night.

  Me: PS My plant is still alive.

  Me: You asleep?

  Fury: No. Noah’s spread across my bed. I don’t see much sleep ahead.

  Me: Did he have a nightmare?

  Fury: No. We’re going through him not wanting his own bed.

  Me: Did you have a good day?

  Fury: It’s still three days until Friday. Define good.

  Me: LOL

  Fury: I gotta go. Noah just woke.

  Me: Night xx

  Fury: Sleep well.

  Me: PS My plant is still alive.

  Fury: Did you kick ass at boxing tonight?

  Me: More like it kicked my ass.

  Fury: I need to see this class one day.

  Me: It’s sweaty and a lot of grunting. I assure you it’s not pretty.

  Fury: Those are two things that would look good on you, princess.

  Me: How’s Noah tonight? Still in your bed?

  Fury: I had a win tonight. He’s in his own bed.

  Me: That is a win!

  Fury: That plant still alive?

  Me: *adds another tick to “asshole” column* Yes, but at this point, you may never have the chance to get in my apartment and see it for yourself.

  Fury: You need to rethink shit if you think I’m never getting in your apartment again. That shit is happening Friday.

  Me: You’re extremely confident about that.

  Fury: There’s not much I’m confident about in life, but I am about you.

  Me: Really?

  Fury: Really.

  Me: Goodnight, Fury xx

  Fury: Night.

  Fury: I have the night off. You sure you’re busy tonight?

  Me: I’m sure. Holly and I have girl-time scheduled.

  Fury: Whatever you have planned, I can beat.

  Me: Oh I bet you could, but girl-time is sacred.

  Fury: Fuck, woman, you know how to keep a man waiting.

  Me: So you’re still on board for tomorrow night?

  Fury: There’s not one thing that would get me off board. I’ll pick you up from work.

  Me: Umm, I have to get changed before our date. That could take some time. Maybe just come over later.

  Fury: No. I’ll pick you up. I’ll wait for you to get changed.

  Me: Well when I say get changed, I mean hair and make-up too. Just so you know.

  Fury: I’ll see you at five.

  I smooth my dress and take a deep breath. My tummy is full of butterflies like it never has been. First dates are always a time for nerves, but this is a whole other level. This is my first date with Fury. And while we already know each other, this is us getting to know the other in a new, different way.

  I chose a long-sleeved little black dress that hits me midthigh. The neckline is high, so it won’t give Fury a hint of skin there, but he’ll have all the skin in the world to look at when it comes to my legs.

  He picked me up from work as promised and it’s safe to say he’s looking forward to this date as much as I am. And full props to the man; he’s waited patiently for me for an hour and a half while I got ready.

  With one last deep breath and one last fluffing of my hair, I leave my bedroom and join him in the living room where he’s on my couch watching TV. He hears me before I’ve barely stepped foot in the room. When he turns to me, it’s like all the air in my lungs is released and I can’t find more.

  He looks at me with the kind of raw hunger I’ve never seen in a man’s eyes.

  It’s carnal, and it matches every wild desire I have for him.

  He stands and comes my way, letting his gaze roam over every inch of me, lingering on my legs. When he finds my eyes again, he rasps, “You are so fucking beautiful, Zara.”

  I reach out and grip his arm, needing to steady myself after his words hit me full force. He makes me feel more beautiful than I already feel. Smiling, I say, “Thank you.” Then, letting go of him, I say, “Where are you taking me tonight? I mean, I hope you weren’t planning on paintball or something. This dress isn’t made for that.”

  He drops his eyes to my body again. “The only thing this dress was made for is the floor.” Meeting my gaze again, he says, “I’m taking you to Black Betty.”

  The butterflies flutter harder in my stomach.

  Fury chose a vegan restaurant for our first date.

  This man is lethal. As in, he turned up wearing blue jeans and a black long-sleeve fitted shirt that hugs those muscles of his in ways that are dangerous to women; he gave me all the time in the world to get ready, without complaint; he made me feel all woman with his appreciation for my beauty; and he’s chosen to take me to a place he knows I’ll like rather than to a place he would prefer.

  I step close to him and place a hand on his chest. “I’ve just deleted your ‘asshole’ column.”

  He hisses and curls a hand around my neck. “For the record, I want my mouth on yours, but I won’t ruin your lipstick because you spent too fucking long on it. Also, for the record, I appreciate that lipstick, but you don’t need it. You’re beautiful even when you’re throwing up on me.”

  Oh. My.

  Lethal.

  It will be a miracle if I make it through dinner without ripping his clothes off.

  I press the button for the lift up to my level and wait with Fury for it to arrive. I’m an achy mess of need after dinner. I barely noticed how amazing the food was because I couldn’t take my eyes off my man. He picked up on every second of my inability to focus and only killed me more with a hand to my knee and a finger to my lips every now and then
. Not to mention the way he looked at me all night; that shit should be illegal.

  The ride home was excruciatingly slow. When I thought he’d take the opportunity to touch me, he didn’t. The fact he’s restraining himself so damn much is forcing my anticipation to unbearable levels. Every action he’s taken and every word he’s said has shown me how much he wants me, but besides the few times he’s touched me, he’s held himself back.

  The lift arrives and we step inside. Again, he doesn’t make a move. He stands next to me, keeping his hands and mouth to himself. Maybe he’s still worried about triggering me, but I’m as far from triggered as someone can get. Seriously, as soon as we reach my apartment, I’ll throw myself at him if I need to.

  As we step out onto my level, he places his hand to the small of my back. My body sighs at the touch, but it’s nowhere near enough.

  My apartment is at the end of the hallway and I practically run to it.

  I unlock the door and we step inside.

  I place my clutch on the counter and turn to Fury.

  And holy mother of God, what I see in his eyes consumes every sense I have.

  Pure masculine need radiates from him.

  And he can’t hold himself back a second longer.

  One hand slides around my waist while his other one goes to the back of my leg. Lifting it up to curl around his body, he presses me against the kitchen counter and lays me back along it. His erection is a hard length to my core as he bends with me and brings his mouth to my chest. Kissing my breasts through my dress, his hands glide up over my body and he brings them to my breasts too.

  I wrap both legs around him and arch up off the counter as he gives me what I want: his hands and mouth on my body.

  “Fuck,” he rasps, lifting his head to meet my gaze.

  Needing desperately to be closer to him, I grip his biceps and pull myself up. His arms go around me and he slides me along the counter until our bodies meet.

  With my fingers tangled in his hair, I pant, “I was dying without your hands on me all night.”

  “I would have fucked you on that table in the middle of the restaurant if I’d allowed myself more than I did. You have no idea how much I want you.”

  His lips crash down onto mine and he finally takes what he wants.

  And holy hell, it’s everything I want to give.

  He kisses me for what feels like forever while our hands explore each other. By the time he’s finished with this kiss, I can’t think straight I’m so aroused.

  “Good God,” I say breathlessly. “You’re the master of foreplay.”

  “We’re just getting started, princess.”

  “No, you started the minute you picked me up this afternoon.”

  He directs his attention to my body, his hands to the hem of my dress. Just when I think I know what he’s going to do next, he changes course. Moving swiftly, he lifts me off the counter and carries me into my bedroom. Depositing me on the bed, he kicks his boots off and kneels in between my legs as I force my heels off and lie back.

  Placing his hands on my thighs, he runs them up and under my dress, pushing it up until my panties are revealed to him. His nostrils flare and his breathing grows laboured while his eyes stay glued to my body.

  Bending slowly, he brings his mouth to my panties and presses a kiss to me.

  Oh God.

  My back comes up off the bed and his hands curve around my hips. Taking hold of me, he pulls me roughly to him, bringing my pussy up at the same time he bends his face to meet it. Inhaling my scent, a deep growl escapes his lips, electrifying every nerve ending in my body.

  “Fuck,” he says, lowering me to the bed. He directs my body deftly, his touch exquisite and assured. Fury knows his way around a woman’s body.

  He hooks his fingers in my panties and removes them. He gives me his eyes briefly and then dips his face to put his mouth on me.

  My hands go to his hair with the first stroke of his tongue.

  My leg coils around his body with the second stroke.

  His name falls from my lips with the third.

  He dedicates time to this, burying his face in my pussy as he takes hold of my ass. He sucks my clit, running his tongue over it repeatedly until I beg him for more.

  He stops what he’s doing, and with his eyes pinned to mine, he kisses between my folds, pushing his tongue inside, slowly.

  So. Damn. Slowly.

  “Oh, God!” I cry, gripping his hair hard, trying to force his head down so he can give me all he has to give.

  He resists my force, though, keeping his eyes on mine. “We’ve waited this long, baby. We’re not rushing this.” With that, he slides his tongue inside me again and continues on his path to my ruin.

  Bringing me to the edge, over and over with his tongue, he reaches for my breasts. Caressing me, he pays particular attention to my nipples until suddenly he lifts his face and yanks my body closer so he can tear my dress off. My bra is next, at which point he cups both my breasts and says, “Fuck, you’re perfect.”

  He tries to bend his face to my breasts, but I stop him and pull his mouth to mine. Our eyes connect for a split second, but it’s all I need to communicate the need I have for his lips. He crushes them to mine and ravages me with a kiss that blazes more heat through my body.

  My hands go to his shirt, his jeans, his boxers. I need them all gone. I need his skin on mine.

  We become frantic.

  Wild.

  Rough.

  Wanting everything we’ve never had together.

  Fury’s mouth discovers every inch of my body.

  His hands deliver untold pleasure.

  I try desperately to force him to hurry.

  He resists, repeatedly, until I’m sure I can’t possibly last another second without having him deep inside me.

  And finally, as I wrap every limb around him, he thrusts inside and joins us in the way we’ve both waited long enough for.

  37

  Fury

  * * *

  I wake in Zara’s bed after getting the kind of sleep I’m not sure I’ve ever had. I’m spooning her with one leg draped over hers, and one arm holding her tightly to me. Spying her phone on the bedside table, I reach for it to check the time.

  6:23 a.m.

  I put the phone back down and tighten my arm back around her.

  The last I checked, it was 2:12 a.m. That was after I fucked her three times. The first time went too fucking fast for me, so I made sure to take my time with her after that. She’d argue that the first time took too long; it seems my woman likes to cut straight to the point. She has a lot to learn about me.

  “Are you awake?” she asks, her voice groggy.

  “Yeah, but go back to sleep.” I drop a kiss to her head. “I’m enjoying the quiet.”

  She wiggles until she’s facing me. Sliding a leg over mine, she says, “Did you get any sleep?”

  Christ, having her in my arms is better than I ever thought it would be. I run a hand over her ass, pulling her harder against me. There’s not going to be any more sleep for either of us. “I got about four hours.”

  “That’s good for you, right?”

  “That’s like premium level sleep for me.”

  A hint of sexy hits her lips when she smiles. “Good. You worked hard for that sleep.”

  Thinking back over last night, I say, “So I’m guessing you did a fuckload of work with a shrink in Melbourne.” She didn’t flinch from me once when I touched her.

  “Yeah, I did. Four years of hardcore work and I’m pretty good now.”

  “Do you ever get triggered?”

  “Sometimes, but it’s usually only the first couple of times with a guy.”

  Fuck. I don’t want to imagine Zara with anyone but me. I like the fact she didn’t have any problems with me our first time, but I want to check to make sure I read the situation right. “You were okay with me?”

  She smiles up at me. “I was.”

  She turns quiet after tha
t, like she’s thinking hard about something.

  “What?” I prod her.

  Biting her lip, she says, “What happened with Lynette? Like, you guys were together together, right?”

  “Yeah, we were, but I never loved her. I tried. She tried. In the end, I realised that what I was trying to achieve by giving Noah a home with two parents under the same roof could never be achieved without love in the mix.”

  “I’m sorry it didn’t work out how you hoped.”

  I grind myself against her. “Princess, we need to stop discussing ex’s and start discussing how we’re gonna change our schedules so I don’t have to go another week without having my mouth on this pussy.”

  She grins at the same time a text comes through on my phone.

  Fucking hell.

  I reach for it.

  * * *

  King: Clubhouse. Forty minutes.

  Me: Yeah.

  * * *

  “I’m gonna say that was King or one of the guys if the look on your face is anything to go by,” she says.

  I kiss her and nod before letting her go and rolling to the side of the bed. With every step I take towards the bathroom, I regret the hell out of having to leave her.

  “There’s fresh towels in the cupboard in there,” she calls. “And Fury?”

  I turn to her, finding a sexy grin on her face.

  “That ass is a ten.”

  Fuck.

  She’s something else, and a whole lot of what I need in my life.

  “What’s going on?” I ask Nitro as he shoves guns at me, his expression grim. I arrived at the clubhouse to chaos. Club members everywhere, weapons everywhere, the mood fucking apocalyptic.

  “Winter showed up an hour ago and so did Zero. It looks like Zenith has hit town. We need to cut them off before they make a move.”

  I load myself up with knives and guns. “What’s the plan?”

  “Zero has a possible location. His men are meeting us there.”