While She Sleeps: The Dirty Heroes Collection

by René, Dani

  “Don’t say that.”

  “Why?” She looks up at me, curiosity burning in her pretty eyes that are framed by long dark lashes.

  “Because then I would never have found you,” I tell her honestly.

  Vera straightens in the chair, shock evident in her expression. “Are you being romantic, Logan Oakridge?”

  “I don’t do romance, Beauty,” I admit easily. “I’m not the good for you prince, I’m the dragon that will devour you whole.” Even as I say it, I realize that she knows it, and she’s still here, sitting across from me while wearing my T-shirt that looks so good on her.

  “Who said the princess wanted the prince anyway?” She smiles as she takes another sip of her drink. This girl is going to be the end of me.

  “I’m heading to the store later. Do you want anything in particular?” I push off the chair and grab a notepad and pen. “Write whatever you want on here, and I’ll make sure to get it.”

  “Can’t I come with you?”

  Shaking my head, I meet her gaze. “It’s too dangerous. If we’re both spotted, we would both be in danger.”

  Vera pouts, her lips pursed, and my dick takes notice of how plump they are. The soft pink color making me pulse with need.

  “Fine,” she responds while picking up the pen and scribbling down a few items while I watch her. Even though she’s aware of me, she doesn’t look up, instead she focuses on the page in front of her.

  It feels so normal to be here with her. As if we were a proper couple, living together, and I’m heading out to do the shopping while she stays home to do whatever it is women do.

  I don’t notice her finish up the list because she asks, “What’s wrong?” It drags me from my thoughts, bringing me back to the present.

  “Nothing.”

  “Logan, do you think we could ever be like this in a normal situation?” she asks in response.

  “What?”

  “I don’t know. I mean, we’re like a couple. Right?” This time when she looks at me, I see it in her eyes. She cares, or something. She has feelings for me even after I kidnapped her.

  “Vera,” I mumble her name as I consider what this could mean.

  “No, please don’t tell me I’m being stupid.”

  I turn away, focusing on the truck outside instead of looking at her. “I’m not going to tell you anything that’s a lie.” I grip the counter so hard, my knuckles turn white. I want nothing more than to believe we can make this work, but I’m not into fairy tales. My story doesn’t end with a happily ever after.

  “Logan,” she calls to me, but I can’t look at her. “Please, Logan, tell me you feel it. You have to.” Her plea twists my gut.

  “Vera,” I say her name once more, then spin on my heel to look at her. “I feel every fucking thing that you do. I want nothing more than to claim you as mine. To keep you locked away in a tower where nobody can find you.”

  “Which is pretty much what you did,” she tells me on a shrug.

  “Fuck.” I run my fingers through my hair, tugging the strands, pulling so hard, I feel the bite of pain as it pricks my scalp. “I never meant to hurt you. To steal you.”

  “I know.” She’s in front of me in seconds, her hands on my arm, but I can’t touch her because I’m craving her far too much. “I’m going to the store.” I pull away from her, grabbing her scribbled list and my wallet. I don’t lock her in, I don’t even tell her not to leave, I make my way to the truck before I race back inside and take her the way I want to.

  It’s better that I go get something for dinner and perhaps a bottle of wine. I’ve never been big on drinking, but maybe I can show her a small ounce of romance. We could sit and eat together, enjoy some wine, and finally get to know each other.

  That’s what I want to do, learn about who she is. Deep down, I know that the physical part of a relationship, or whatever we’re doing here will take longer to nurture.

  Her admission of wanting me, even after what I did shocked me. I knew she enjoyed a few kinks that weren’t normal, but I’ve never seen desire swim in someone’s gaze the way it did when I squeezed her neck. When I stole her breath and enjoyed her body.

  It’s wrong.

  But I can’t stop my feelings from taking over.

  21

  Vera

  Once the truck is gone from view, I move toward the fridge and open it. There aren’t many vegetables in the drawer, but I can make do with what he has. I search the rest of the cabinets and find ingredients for soup.

  The moment he walked out of the door, I decided I would do something for him. Logan has been alone for so long, the same as I have, and I’d like to show him how this could work.

  Even though our physical relationship is teetering on edge, I know we can find an emotional connection. I believe we already did, now I just need him to see it. I set out all the ingredients before I grab a pot and set it on the stove.

  When I turn to the counter, I glance at the corner of the living room where Logan’s laptop sits, along with my backpack. Quickly, I race to the bag and unzip it, finding my iPad and laptop. I pull out the smaller device and turn it on. If I can let my father know I’m safe, then I can relax.

  Once the browser opens, I click on my mail link and open the inbox. I type out a quick message and smile when I imagine him reading it. I miss my father. He was a good man, nothing like Herbert.

  I shut down everything once the message has sent and head back into the kitchen to start the soup. If Logan had a cell phone, I could’ve told him to bring some bread.

  I smile at the thought of trying this, being in a relationship. It’s not the normal way people meet, but then again, there are dating apps with success stories. I guess ours started out differently when we met all those years ago.

  I think back on that day, reminding myself how big he looked then. Like a mountain of a boy, and he was only eighteen. Now that he’s a man, he’s larger than life.

  I get to work on the vegetables and get them to simmering before I hear the truck again. I go to the door, pulling it open to find Logan coming up the steps. He reaches the porch before noticing me.

  “Hey,” he says, and I notice his gaze is no longer troubled. Perhaps the space has given him some time to think and come to terms with whatever this is.

  “Hey.” Stepping aside, I let him in and notice the two large brown paper bags he’s carrying. Once we’re shut inside, I follow him into the kitchen.

  “What are you making?” he questions as he looks at me with an amused expression.

  “Soup, you had some veggies that have seen better days, and I figured we could have it for lunch.” I don’t want to seem over eager, but I can’t stop the flurry of butterflies that awaken in my belly when he smiles. I’ve not ever seen him grin like that, and I have to be honest; it’s breathtaking.

  “Okay, then.” He chuckles. “Guess it’s a good thing I got some freshly baked bread rolls.” He starts unpacking the groceries and I help to put items in the fridge. We move in comfortable silence.

  By the time everything is in its rightful place, we stop, both standing in the middle of the small kitchen. Our gazes locked on each other.

  “This definitely will take some getting used to,” Logan finally says.

  “What?”

  He takes a step toward me, closing the distance between us. “Having a beauty in my home, having her make me lunch, give me kisses when I want it.”

  “And all you had to do was kidnap me,” I tease before leaning up on my tiptoes to press a kiss to his mouth. The beard he’s been growing tickles my chin, and Logan’s hands trail down to my ass as he lifts me against him.

  My legs easily wrap around his waist, and my arms lace around his neck. Our lips mold together, his tongue darts out, dancing with mine as he deepens the kiss. Heat pools between my legs. A whimper of pleasure escapes me when Logan bites down on my lower lip, tugging the flesh until a sting of pain shoots through me, all the way to my clit.

  “Logan
,” I mewl his name, and he swallows it with a kiss. He sets me on the kitchen counter before his hands roam my thighs, his one hand snaking between us as he teases the apex between my legs. “Logan.” Another whimper tumbles free as he continues to play with me, pressing, circling, taunting.

  “Come for me, Beauty,” Logan coaxes me, his expert touch sending me spiraling into pleasure as I cry out his name again and again. Gently, ever so slowly, I come down from my high. The moment I open my eyes again, I look at him, meeting his dark gaze.

  “Why…? What…?

  “I just wanted to see you come,” he tells me before leaving me on the counter and heading to the cooker to make sure the soup hasn’t burned to a crisp.

  I hop down to my feet and go to him. Circling my arms around his waist, I lay my head against his back, feeling his warmth.

  “I like you,” I tell him suddenly. The admission is true, and easy. It’s not the other L word, but perhaps one day, it could be.

  “I like you too, Vera,” he responds, turning in my hold and wrapping me in his arms. “I like you too.” His words sink through the strangeness of our situation, they tumble straight to my heart and settle there for later.

  * * *

  When I come downstairs for dinner, I find Logan at the counter. It’s been set for two, with wine glasses and plates. My earlier lunch has been forgotten, and after spending the afternoon reading in bed, I’m starving. The scent of a grill hits my nose and I smile at him when he turns to me.

  “It’s nothing fancy,” he says. Logan sets the plates on the counter. Both have a rather large grilled steak, mushrooms, and potatoes that look like they have melted butter drenched over them.

  “Wow, this is amazing.” I inhale the fragrances, and my mouth waters at the anticipation of having dinner with him.

  “Being alone here, I’ve never had to cook for anyone. I hope it’s okay,” he tells me almost shyly. This is new to both of us. I’ve spent my life alone. I think we have so much more in common than he even realizes.

  I pick up my cutlery and cut into the potato, which steams as I bring it to my lips. I blow a short breath on it, cooling it down before I pop it into my mouth. The flavor of herbs and butter mingles on my tongue causing me to moan in pleasure.

  “Vera,” Logan growls. I open my eyes to find him staring at me with those dark eyes and bore right to my very soul. “Keep that up, and I’ll bend you over this counter.”

  “What about dinner?” I question playfully earning myself a chuckle. The sound is so foreign coming from him, but it’s equally as charming. He may look scary from the outside, but I have a feeling that Logan’s just a warm, affectionate teddy bear deep down.

  “Eat,” he orders while he uncorks the wine and fills my glass. The red liquid sloshes around as he pours. He picks up his glass, and I follow suit. “To something strange.”

  “To something new.” My words hit me right in the chest. I look at Logan, and his expression isn’t anger or frustration, he seems calm. Almost happy, if I have to gauge a reaction. “Tell me about you.”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “The normal first date things,” I say with a shrug. “Favorite food, color, song, you know.” I continue eating, ignoring the way he’s staring at me because I feel the heat of his eyes on me.

  “I didn’t realize this was a date.” Logan sits straight, setting his knife and fork on the plate as he regards me. The corner of his mouth ticks up, and a smile graces his usually serious expression.

  “Well, from what I gather, when a man cooks dinner for a woman, it’s considered a date. And vice versa. And on dates, normally they get acquainted.”

  “Ah, I didn’t realize that was the protocol. Well, Ms. Conreid, my favorite food is most definitely steak, the color would be the shade of green of your eyes, and song, well that has to be something hard and loud, maybe some Metallica.” He offers me wink before he picks up his cutlery and continues eating.

  “That was pretty romantic, Mr. I don’t do romance,” I tell him, attempting a deep, gravely tone with the last few words. And I find myself laughing along with Logan as we settle into a comfortable conversation.

  22

  Logan

  The couch is comfortable with Vera sitting beside me. We’ve spent the past hour chatting about our favorite things, what we’d like to do with our lives career-wise, and now that dinner is over, I want nothing more than to take her upstairs.

  But I know what will happen. I’ll lose control.

  “Are you thinking about sex?” Vera asks, suddenly causing me to snap my gaze to her. “I only asked because I am.” Her admission calms my erratic heartbeat.

  “Yeah, I was actually.”

  “Can we try?”

  My body says yes, but my mind and heart say no. I want her, I do, but the way I want her would only end up with pain. I know it will. Even if I try to be gentle, to do things normally somehow, I know, I’ll lose control.

  “Logan,” she pleads, moving over, so she’s straddling me. “I want you to feel good too. You gave me so much earlier, I have never experienced pleasure like that. Let me show you how good it can feel.”

  Her wide eyes lock on mine, her mouth pouts playfully, and I can’t imagine anything other than feeding her my cock. She grinds on me slow and steady, earning her a growl of frustrated pleasure.

  A giggle escapes her lips before she slides off me and heads to the door. Without warning, she opens it and races out onto the patio. I’m on my feet in seconds, but Vera is fast.

  She runs into the dark, leaving me calling after her. I can’t focus, but I head out anyway, running toward the sound of her footfalls. I follow her, listening for more sounds as to where she’s going.

  “Vera!” I call her, but all I get in return is a giggle that drifts over the trees, and I’m left in the darkness. I stop, stilling all movement as I listen, trying to tune my hearing into the forest where my girl has now decided it’s best to go running out into the night.

  A few seconds later, I hear a crack of a branch and follow it. I know she can hear me, and I know she’s hiding somewhere in these tall trunks.

  “Vera, if you don’t come out now, I’m going to whip you with my fucking belt, I swear to God.” My voice booms, bouncing against the trees. But even as I attempt to find her in the darkness, my cock is hard, it’s ready for her. Because the moment I find her, I’m going to give her a lashing, and then I’m going to impale her on my dick until all she can feel is me.

  Another giggle, some rustling, and then I’m following her slight frame as it weaves amongst the trees. It’s as if she’s toying with my inner monster that’s hungry for her. I want to devour her cunt, her tits, I want to make her scream so loud.

  I turn around and slam into her tiny body, forcing her to the floor of the forest. I’m on her in a second, pinning her with my much larger frame.

  “Is this what you fucking wanted?” I growl, my hands gripping her arms so hard, I know I’m leaving bruises, but I’m lost to the pleasure of the scene. She whimpers and mewls as she tries to fight me off, but I’m bigger, and stronger.

  “Please, Logan.”

  Her plea means nothing to me as I reach between us to find her panties soaked. She’s wearing barely anything, and on the cold ground, I’m sure she’s freezing, but I can’t bring myself to stop. My fingers dip into her cunt, pushing two in as I finger fuck her hard and fast.

  My cock presses against her, and I grind myself against the smooth flesh of her thigh. I know she can feel me because her eyes go wide. Her legs are still wiggling under me, and it only serves to make my cock harder.

  My other hand finds her throat. My mind goes blank, and pleasure takes over as I squeeze the sides of her neck, staling her breath which only earns me more whimpers of pleasure.

  Her cunt drips onto my hand as I make her take my fingers. Again, and again. I feel her pulse, her arousal coating both digits, and I’m tempted to see if she’ll accept them in her ass, but if I move,
she’ll fight back and run.

  “This is what makes your pretty cunt wet?” I question in a low growl. “You wanted me like this? A fucking monster?” My fingers move faster as her hips rise up to meet my violent thrusts.

  “Oh god,” she croaks when I give her a short breath before squeezing again until I see her eyes roll back from my ministrations and lack of air.

  The control I have over her is like a drug, and I need more of it. My body rocks against her as I feel her pussy tightening around my fingers and I hold her down, pinning her just like she asked me to and that’s when I feel her shudder.

  She cries out through croaked words as she squirts all over my hand and arm. Her eyes close, but her lashes flutter as I release her neck and see her look up at me.

  “Fuck,” she whispers in the dark when she finally comes back to me. “I’ve never…” Her words trickle into the night, and I want to nod, to agree with her, but I can’t because I haven’t allowed myself to find pleasure.

  Silently, I move off her, standing as I offer her a hand, but she shakes her head. Suddenly, hands are tugging at my sweats and boxers as she takes me in her hand.

  “Vera, no,” I tell her. “It’s okay. I’m—” My words are cut short when she wraps her pouty lips around my shaft, and in the dark, I close my eyes and bask in the need racing through my veins.

  She works hard, taking me into her throat until I feel it pulse around my tip. My body is rigid, my veins spark and sizzle as pure and feral lust burns me from the inside out.

  I bite down on my lower lip as a grunt escapes me. Her hand cups my balls, massaging and rubbing them gently. But then she squeezes as she takes me just that inch deeper into her throat, and I feel myself seize as my mind blanks out.

  “I-I’m…” I can’t get the words out as I feel my orgasm erupt violently, but Vera swallows every drop of me.

  When I finally open my eyes, I look down to see her still on her knees, her tongue lapping at me as if I’m her favorite fucking candy.