by Hélène Soper
“So, what do you propose?”
The resignation in her voice relaxed Luc and Gryff’s posture, a little. They all sat down. Luc pulled his chair in front of Avery’s, his knees wide on either side of hers, and took both of her hands in his. His warmth flowed into her, traveled up her arms then into her heart. This man oozed strength and self-confidence. Not in a scary way like Cal. Rather, it was grounding, comforting. Gryff pulled his chair next to Luc’s, and they both looked her squarely in the face, through her eyes, and into her soul. Her breath evened out, and her heartbeat slowed to a more normal rate.
“You and Cassie are going to stay with me for a while.”
Luc barely got the words out of his mouth before she pushed her chair away from his so she could get the hell out of there. Her panic was instinctual. Loss of control over her own environment sent her reeling like she was back in Cal’s clutches.
Avery noticed the subtle glare Gryff sent Luc that told him to back off and let him handle this. Avery appreciated Gryff stepping in to rein in Luc’s well-meaning but overbearing demeanor. Luc sighed heavily and sat back in his chair, giving her some breathing room. Gryff nodded to her vacated chair. She tentatively sat back down.
“Luc has a good idea.” It was Officer Calder speaking to her now. “Neither of us want you to be alone at your place right now. Whoever is trying to scare you obviously knows where you live and work.”
“Fine. I know you’re right. But, I don’t want to scare Cassie or disrupt her life. She’s doing so well. The last thing I want is for her to remember what she witnessed with her father and me.”
“OK. I get it,” Gryff said, his voice gentling. “How about this — Cassie’s staying at your parents’ place tonight after her dance class. Right?” Avery nodded. “Once she’s asleep I’ll go and spend the night on their sofa. In the morning I’ll take her to school. I’ll tell her you have an early meeting or something. Besides, I can’t resist your mother’s breakfast.” His mouth curled up with a mischievous smile. Her apprehension about the plan eased. A bit.
Luc leaned forward, placed his hands gently on her knees — not enough to anchor her to the chair, just enough to reconnect.
“With Cassie safe at your parents’ place thanks to Officer Calder standing guard, you can come stay at my place. Dad’s in Florida and Gen just left on a road trip for a couple of days. It’ll be quiet, and we have an excellent alarm system. You can have one of the guest rooms all to yourself. I’ll be just down the hall in case you need me.”
Gryff stared at his friend with that determined cop glower. “You still have your hand gun?”
“Yes, my permit’s current and I was at the range last week. Dad’s rifle locker’s stocked and I’ve got the key,” Luc responded matter-of-factly.
Avery was taken aback at Luc’s seeming comfort with firearms. Why would winegrowers have a need for guns? Luc must have seen the question on her face, so he explained.
“We’re farmers and any farmer worth his salt has the tools he needs to protect his farm from predators. Mostly, we fire blanks to scare the birds away from the ripening grapes. Every now and then a coyote becomes a nuisance, and we have to take care of the issue before it becomes dangerous.”
It was a plausible explanation and though she would never admit it out loud, knowing Luc had a gun and knew how to use it certainly went a long way to reassuring her she would be safe with him. She and Cassie were in good hands.
Avery took a deep breath, rolled her shoulders, and forced them away from her ears. It did sound like a good plan, for tonight. Then what? She wouldn’t be comfortable staying at Luc’s place without Cassie for more than tonight. But, she was exhausted and didn’t want to be alone, especially at her house. She hated that Cal made her afraid to be in the home she created for her and Cassie. It was small, but she was proud of herself for being able to buy it. It represented her new life and all the possibilities awaiting her. Cal could rot in hell for tainting it. As soon as Gryff checked out her property and made sure her security system would keep them safe, she was taking back her home. She just had to get through the next few hours under the same roof as Luc without collapsing into a blithering mess.
10
The Christianson family home was built on the edge of the main Sky Hill vineyard, nestled beneath the brow of the Niagara escarpment. Moonlight barely lifted night’s shadowy cloak along Niagara’s rural roads. Luc took extra care to scan the roadside for unfamiliar vehicles before he closed the garage doors, safely ensconcing their cars. Nothing caught his attention.
Luc had earned his first black belt in jujitsu many years ago. The mental discipline of martial arts was at the core of his Dom persona. He understood when and where to use his skills and knowledge. It was rare that he considered using his ability in an aggressive way. But Avery brought out his protective instincts. Hell, he felt like he would slay dragons for her.
Luc understood he needed to tread carefully, to not be overbearing. He saw how that behavior just pushed Avery into her shell of self-preservation. Avery trusted Gryff. Luc had yet to earn that privilege, though he was never one to back away from a challenge.
Luc led Avery into the adjoining kitchen, deactivated the alarm and flipped on the lights. He pulled Avery against his chest, placing a tender kiss on the top of her head. She resisted him for a moment then softened into his embrace, clasping her hands behind his back. He loved how perfectly she fit against him.
Four big paws, nails clawing the stone tiles, made a sliding entrance into the kitchen, interrupting the quiet. “Someone’s happy I’m home,” Luc said. “Come on over here, Merlot. There’s someone I’d like you to meet. Avery, please meet Merlot. Merlot, please meet Avery. Despite his size and guard dog training, he really is a big ole lapdog, aren’t you boy?” Luc bent down and not too gently scratched behind both the dog’s ears.
Avery snorted and kneeled down to offer her opened palm in friendship. “Lapdog? I certainly wouldn’t want to be an intruder in his home.”
Luc was delighted Merlot could help divert Avery’s thoughts if only for the briefest of minutes. Even more pleased that she actually smiled. He chuckled when, after a couple of perfunctory sniffs, Merlot sidled right up to Avery and licked her face like she was a long-lost sister.
“Awww, thanks for the kisses, Merlot. I think you’re pretty special too.”
“Looks like you have yourself a new best friend.” Luc beamed at how easily his family’s dog took to Avery. Luc’s dad always trusted an animal’s instincts about people. He could hear the elder Christianson’s words. “Animals can see through all the bullshit people throw out. If the dog accepts you, then you’re all right in my book.” Luc couldn’t agree more.
Luc opened the back door to let Merlot out to do his business. He couldn’t quell his craving to have Avery in his arms, so he didn’t try to ignore his staggering need. “You’re safe here tonight with me and Mr. Guard Dog Extraordinaire,” he whispered and gently kissed the sensitive spot behind her ear, breathing in the smell of her shampoo. Not a heavy scent, just a lovely light, fresh citrus. Avery relaxed a little against him as he rubbed his hands gently up and down her back. But, she was still pretty wound up and she had every right to be. He decided to make it his personal mission to help her unwind and try to forget about that asshole of an ex-husband and a possible stalker.
“Come on, beautiful girl. Let me show you to your room and get you settled. How about a bubble bath while I make us some dinner?” He took her hand to lead her upstairs, but she wouldn’t budge. “Are you OK?” He looked back but didn’t see fear. The warmth and tenderness in her eyes swallowed him whole.
“Thank you, Luc.”
“You don’t have to thank me, little one. I wish it wasn’t these circumstances that brought us here together. I know I’ll sleep much better knowing you and Cassie are safe. I also know you’re dealing with a lot right now. I can be a little…demanding. That’s why I don’t want to force anything between us. You can stay
here as long as you like, no pressure. I hope you know that.”
He was pleased to see her nod her head, even if it was a bit tentative. He also saw a flash of heat cross her gaze and her head tilt to the side as if she was debating whether or not to ask something.
“Don’t mistake my offer of our guest room as lack of desire on my part. Nothing could be further from the truth. I’ve wanted you in my bed, under me, me inside you, since we bumped into each other at the Vintner’s Awards. Long before that, too, if truth be told.”
He watched her pupils dilate, the pulse point on her neck throbbed to a faster beat and her face flushed. Mmmm. She wanted him too.
“I know you’re scared about the notes and what they could mean. I get that. I can be patient, beautiful girl. It’s taking all my control not to haul you off to my bed right now, but you’re worth the wait.”
She hesitated for a moment before responding. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m not a china doll you and Gryff need to protect and coddle. Yes, I’ve been through more crap than I think anyone should have to go through, but I’m also a strong, independent woman because of that crap. I’m not going to break. I’ll have my moments, don’t get me wrong, but I’m proud of who I’ve become and who Cassie is becoming. Enough about all that. Now, what was that about a bubble bath?”
Relief washed over Luc as he led her to the master bathroom. Relief and admiration. This woman continued to amaze him with her resilience and determination. Fuck that was sexy.
“Gen brought back these foaming salts from a region in New Zealand that’s famous for its thermal spas. Would you like to try some in your bath?” He opened the bottle and held it for her to smell. She closed her eyes, took a sniff, and a low moan of pleasure sounded from her throat and reverberated deep in his groin.
“Smells heavenly. She won’t mind?”
“I think she’d be happy it helped you feel better. She said this particular mix is supposed to be calming, centering.”
“Well, if that’s the case, yes please.”
There was a glimmer of joy in her eyes, yet it disappeared as quickly as it appeared. It made his heart ache to know this gorgeous creature had been hurt by someone she should have been able to trust. He didn’t know the details, however, based on what he had witnessed at the winery, it must have been bad. In Luc’s book, a few years in jail was hardly enough punishment for a man who hurt a woman. A woman, especially this woman, deserves to be respected, cherished, and well loved every single day so she flourishes to become her glorious self. He’d watched Sydney blossom and Ella was starting to shine before they were taken from him. He let out a heavy sigh. Would the ache in his soul ever not be suffocating? Tendrils of guilt strangled his heart, constricting the life out of any hope for anything more than a quick fuck with Avery. He couldn’t be the man she needed. How could she trust him enough to open up to him but not expect the same in return? That would necessitate unlocking the carefully crafted box of feelings he would rather leave undisturbed in the pit of roiling turmoil at the base of his gut. Undisturbed and untethered to his current life alone.
“Luc? Are you OK?”
He stole a glance behind himself as he adjusted the water temperature to find Avery’s gaze locked on him. She looked concerned for him. How crazy was that? With everything going on in her life she was worried about him. That was not how this was going to go.
“You don’t need to worry about me, little one. I was just thinking how much I’m going to enjoy taking care of you tonight. Will you permit me that pleasure?” The words were out of his mouth before he could analyze them or determine their potential impact.
There was that flash of joy and unmistakable heat in her eyes. It lasted a little bit longer this time, and her shoulders eased a little bit more.
“I don’t know what I did to deserve this wonderful VIP treatment, Luc Christianson. But, I’m sure as hell not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.”
“Are you calling me a horse?” He smiled broadly, his tone full of sarcasm, trying to lighten his mood as much as hers. She blushed again. Damn she got to him when she blushed.
“Ha! Smart-ass. Go on.” Avery made a sweeping motion toward the bathroom door with the back of her hands. “Get outta here so I can soak a while.”
Luc headed downstairs to fix them something to eat and open a bottle of wine. Unquestionably, he didn’t want to leave her alone in that oversized tub but understood she was probably wrung out from the events of today. She was headed for a major adrenaline crash. A little time by herself, safe, in his tub could melt the anxiety away. The time would also allow him to rein in his inner beast. There was no doubt Avery ignited his Dom side with a force he didn’t want to acknowledge. Whatever had happened to her left residual wounds she wasn't ready to bury, and the Dom in him was compelled to take her to those barriers and help her break them down. To give her what she needed, not what she thought she wanted. What did he need?
His thoughts shifted to Sydney. Syd hadn’t run when Luc let his Dominant side out of his closely guarded cage. Quite the opposite. She’d learned from it, thrived in it, loved it. Luc took Syd to subspace, often. That place where sensation was king and the ability to think or make a decision evaporated into the haze of carnal pleasure. It was a safe place born from an intimate bond based in mutual trust and respect where an experienced Dom could take a sub in his care. It was always such an incredible sensation for both of them. More often than not, Luc entered top-space, the Dom’s equivalent, where he was so focused on his sub’s every breath, movement, reaction, and, of course, her ultimate pleasure, all other sensory inputs outside the scene faded away. The moment existing for only the Dom and his sub. His heart grew heavy again. He missed his girls so much. He missed being enveloped in their love.
Avery was the first woman since Syd to call to Luc in such a primal way. His body thrummed with energy when she responded so beautifully, so effortlessly to his commands. He imagined on more than one occasion what Avery would look like when she flew into subspace — her cool blue eyes warmed with internal flames coursing through her body while her sensual lips formed words of passion. He imagined her begging him to allow her to come and his cock responded accordingly. He wanted to give the gift of ultimate pleasure to Avery. Avery was different. She rocked him to the core of his soul.
Luc let Merlot back into the house, locked up, and set the alarm. He took the stairs two at a time, eager to drink her in. He stood in the doorway of the bathroom, leaning a shoulder against the door frame, a glass of Sky Hill Sauvignon Blanc in each hand. He was mesmerized. Fluffy white bubbles covered her luscious body. Ear buds sat in her ears, her eyes were closed, and her head nodded as crimson-painted toes made waves in the bubbly water from tapping out the beat of some pretty rockin’ music. He felt his grin widen as she mouthed the lyrics with the occasional air guitar for emphasis.
Blood found its way to his growing cock. Straight up lust he could handle. It was the warring emotions batting his heart back and forth like a tennis ball that had his gut in knots. Which team would win was anyone’s guess at this point. Would it be the growing need to unravel this woman, or would it be bone-crushing guilt for even considering there could be another woman who had the power to infiltrate his soul?
11
Bliss. Avery finally relaxed, thanks to Luc. A cool wet nose bumped her hand that was hanging over the edge of the tub. Her mouth curled up in a smile, and she gently rested her hand on the dog’s head. Animals knew when their humans were out of sorts. Her cat, Mr. Chester, hadn’t left her side while she quickly packed her overnight bag. Though she wasn’t Merlot’s human, the sweet dog apparently had adopted her for the evening. Slowly, reluctantly, she opened her eyes to find she wasn’t the only human in the room.
Avery startled, sending water and bubbles over the side of the tub. She yanked the ear buds from her ears and quickly scanned up and down her body to make sure strategically placed bubbles covered her private parts.
“Luc!
You scared the shit out of me.”
Luc had the nerve to chuckle as an indignant, badass guard dog started to contort his body. “Incoming!” Luc warned. Merlot let it fly. He shook from nose to tail, expelling the water and bubbles that had sloshed over the side of the tub and onto his head. By the time Merlot was dry, Luc, the floor, and walls were drenched. Luc sat on the edge of the tub and gently wiped the bubble blob perched on Avery’s slender nose. She burst out laughing, sending more water and bubbles over the side and all over Luc.
“Sorry, beautiful girl. I brought you a glass of wine, but you looked so into whatever you’re listening to I didn’t want to disturb you.” He didn’t try to be inconspicuous with his admiring gaze as it swept up and down the length of the tub. “Merlot, you make a terrible wingman.”
The dog barked, wagged his tail, and took off downstairs.
“Oh, poor puppy. He didn’t mean to cause such a commotion. Wine sounds perfect. Thank you.” She very carefully reached for the glass so the bubble mask remained intact.
To those in the wine business, the liquid in the glass was more than just beverage alcohol. Without thinking, Avery performed the ritual of reverently discovering the nuances of the wine. She swirled it in the bowl of the glass to release the aromatics, closed her eyes, brought the rim of the glass to her nose and took a deep inhale. Then she put the glass to her lips, took a small sip, and rolled it around in her mouth, coating all her taste buds. Mmm. Lovely notes of fresh cut grass, lemon, and lime. Balanced yet substantial mouth-feel. A great sipper but would also be delish with food. Avery couldn’t help herself. Wine had become more intellectual for her since she started on the wine beat — every glass evaluated on its merits rather than simply enjoying. She couldn’t decide if that was a good thing or not.