by Ginna Moran
“I’ll do better,” he says through another kiss.
“I’ll try not to be such a pain.”
He moans softly, kissing my throat. “Only the good kind, dandelion.”
Heat and desire, a pleasure so intense that we both fall quiet to savor it, explodes between us. Bronx takes his time enjoying me, kissing me, exploring my tongue with his, holding my hands to feel even more connected. What started as hot and intense and full of need turns into a moment where I’m certain I can feel his soul. A moment we blend together to be one, experiencing each other on an emotional level I never knew existed. A level I hadn’t realized how much I craved.
Bronx whispers my name into my ear, grazing his fangs along my throat and to my shoulder. He nips my skin, and I moan and bend my neck, giving him silent permission to bite me if he wants. He pricks me, the pinch fading the second his tongue glides over my skin and he sucks just for a minute until he thrusts harder into me with his climax.
“I didn’t drink too much, but you should bite me in case,” he murmurs.
Nerves grip me as I think about what happened the last time I bit him. Bronx must see the hesitation in my eyes because he rolls beside me. Biting his arm, he eases it around me, cuddling me from behind. I suck hard enough to make him moan, feeling his erection harden more between my legs. I hum, astounded that he’s ready to go at it again.
“Can you imagine it being like this with us forever?” he whispers. “Is that something you’d want?”
It’s then that I realize the heaviness of his words.
What they mean.
I also realize that forever might not be possible. I was bitten by Laredo and never transformed.
But I can’t bring myself to say the words. I don’t want to ruin this amazing moment. I don’t want to see the sadness or worry cross Bronx’s handsome face.
So instead, I say, “I don’t know if forever is long enough.”
Chapter 18
Brotherly Disappointment
“YOU GET ENOUGH TO DRINK?” Bronx asks, standing in front of the bathroom sink while he shaves his face.
I swirl my nearly empty glass of his blood in my hand, watching the ruby liquid coat the sides. “I’m going to wait for the rest of your brothers if that’s okay with you.”
He turns around, giving me a complete view of his hot, muscular body. “That’s probably a good idea. I’m not sure I could resist asking you to bite me.”
I can’t stop my heart from racing, seeing his boner pointing in my direction. How he still manages to be so horny after the day we had? Fuck, I might never walk normal again.
I didn’t realize how achy I was because Bronx had carried me into the shower and then back to the bed where we slept for all of an hour. It wasn’t until I tried to get up to get ready for breakfast and to check on Silas did I realize the good consequences of giving in over and over again to our desire.
Stretching my leg up, I watch as foamy bubbles trickle from my toes and back into the citrus fragranced water. “You’ll have to come to me. I’m not leaving this amazing bath for at least another thirty minutes.”
His eyes flash silver. “Careful, dandelion.”
I don’t get a chance to respond because Bronx jerks his head toward the bathroom door at the sound of muffled voices. I can’t distinguish who they belong to over the soft music playing through the surround sound, but they draw closer.
Snatching a towel from the rack, Bronx wraps it around his waist and strides to the tub. Leaning down, he meets me for a kiss and says, “Stay in here as long as you want. If you need something for your aches, I’ll call Everett if you need me to.”
I crinkle my nose, most definitely not wanting that. I nip his lip. “I like the reminder.”
He releases the sexiest noise from his throat. “I’ll be right outside.”
Bronx disappears into his bedroom, and I rest my head on the soft bath pillow and close my eyes. But the peace surrounding the bathroom doesn’t last long. Something crashes in Bronx’s room, and he yells a couple of creative swear words that tense my muscles. A door slams, his angry voice fading. I try to listen to what’s going on, but it’s nearly impossible unless I get out of the tub.
I use the side of the tub to pull myself up, my knees wobbling like jelly from the crazy-ass stretches of our passion. I make a note not to let so many days pass without some sort of exercise, especially with how creative Bronx is.
Suddenly, the wall of the tub looks a billion times taller than when Bronx set me in. Unlike with Mikkalo’s tub, Bronx’s doesn’t have any steps to get in and out. I suck in a breath and swing my leg up, groaning in the process. The bathroom door swings open, startling me, and I slip and fall back into the tub.
Two hands pull me from the water, and I laugh out in embarrassment as Jameson holds me against him, squishing my wet boobs to his chest.
“Damn, Gigi. I’m totally not sorry for scaring you. This was exactly the welcome I wanted,” he says, smiling at me with his fangs.
I pat his damp shirt and shake my head. “You’re...something else. What are you even doing here?”
“Bronx said you were planning to stay in the bath for a while longer and asked me to wait for you. I couldn’t stand just sitting in the bedroom—which, damn it, Gigi. I can smell your sexiness everywhere, and I’m incredibly jealous.” He licks his lips.
“Jamie,” I say, twisting my mouth.
He kisses me. “I’m just kidding...mostly. I’m more anxious than anything.”
I can’t stop the cross between a moan and a groan as my vagina decides to clench and tingle at the thought. I’m both excited and scared by his anticipation, because really, I never thought I’d experience so much pleasure in my life, and I don’t know how I’ll handle it all.
Raising his eyebrows, he gives me a look that screams he sees my sudden nervousness. Instead of calling me out on it, he adds, “I have the best time planned. I was hoping you’d help me with a new art piece for our room. I can’t get it just right without you.”
“What is it?” I ask, smiling at him. I want so much to smother him for his consideration and determination to make sure I’m great without me having to tell him. I’m nearly certain he can read me better than even my own family ever could.
“A surprise. But don’t worry. It’s nothing intense. Relaxing.”
I slide my arms around his neck. “That sounds perfect.”
“I thought you could also come with me to introduce your brother to the kitchen staff. He’s probably not ready just yet, but I think it would be good for him to see the humans here so that he knows we don’t have a dungeon of donors on tap or whatever it is you guys used to imagine.”
“We didn’t imagine it,” I say, pursing my lips.
He grimaces, knowing that I speak the truth. I’ve seen humans in chains with my own eyes, and recently. Corona had others imprisoned near me. “I just want everything to be good for your family.”
I hug him. “Me too. I appreciate everything you’re doing. I know it isn’t exactly ideal or easy. I just hope Everett and I got through the worst of it with Silas.”
“Want me to call Everett for an update?” he asks, roaming his hands down my slippery back but never taking them past my waist.
“Silas was still sleeping not that long ago. I’d rather he rest.”
He smirks at me. “You’re right. Less douchey that way. At least, I know that for me from experience. The two things that leave me in a bad mood are being hungry and tired.”
“Yet you pull all-dayers with me,” I tease.
He chuckles. “It’s worth it.”
“He’s right about that.” Bronx’s smooth voice draws my attention from Jameson, and I offer him a smile as his gaze trails over my soapy, wet body like he didn’t just see me.
Jameson eases away, and I take a few steps, trying to walk like I didn’t discover some never before used muscles. Bronx closes the space to me and wraps a towel around my shoulders. He scoops me up int
o his arms and carries me back into the bedroom. I meet Mikkalo’s gaze as he sits on the leather couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table.
“Hey, Mikkalo,” I say, wiggling my fingers at him. “How was your day?”
“Not as exciting as yours,” he says, teasing me.
I wag my finger at him and laugh, letting Bronx carry me into the wardrobe. I hear Jameson join Mikkalo in the sitting area but keep my focus on Bronx. He sets me on the seat and strolls to my drawers to pick out some undergarments for me.
I raise my eyebrows, surprised that he picks out a bra that will actually support my boobs. He’s been paying attention to my preferences, and I can’t stop myself from smiling.
“Are these okay?” he asks me, holding the bra up to his chest.
I crack up. “Try it on and tell me if it’s comfortable.”
Bronx laughs and shakes his head. “I don’t mind if you decide you’d prefer to go without.”
I stick my tongue out at him. “Only if you swear to carry me all day without bouncing me. Promise I won’t have to do any running, climb stairs, or get cold.”
“Deal.”
I laugh and snatch the bra from him to put it on. He kneels on the floor in front of me and slides a pair of cotton boy-shorts styled underwear up my legs. Lifting my hips, I let him pull them up all the way. He eases my legs open and onto his shoulders, bending in close to kiss me between the legs on top of my underwear where I’m most sensitive. He grins at my reaction and works his way up my stomach, follows my cleavage, and meets my lips.
“You make it tempting to turn in the paperwork that announces Zaire’s death so that I can forget about the region and spend the rest of time experiencing and savoring every inch of you.” He says the words too quietly so that his brothers wouldn’t be able to hear him.
Something about his words prods at me, and I guess I must make a face because he tilts his head, searching my eyes. “You don’t like the thought of that.”
I blink a few times, trying to gather my jumbled mess of emotions suddenly coursing through me.
“I’m moving too fast,” he adds, almost like he’s warning himself. “I’m sorry, Gwen.”
My eyes widen, and I reach out and cup his face. “Oh, no. It’s fine.”
“I forgot that time feels different for you,” he continues.
I kiss him to stop him from rambling. I haven’t ever seen him act nervous like this before, and I realize that the step we took in our relationship was a huge one—but especially with him. I know how guarded he keeps himself. How much his life before me revolved around doing everything for Zaire and the region. For power. But now? This decision of being with me—it was for himself.
“I know that. I kind of feel it being around you guys. Things feel almost timeless—like so much yet so little passes,” I say, smiling. “And I don’t feel as if you’re moving too fast. I like that you keep imagining me to be part of your future.”
He relaxes and kisses me again. “You sure? The face you gave me...what was it for then? The only times you’ve looked at me like that was because I fucked up.”
“You definitely didn’t mess up. I just—is everything going to be okay with your brothers now? I mean, I’m not going to have to remind you that I love giving them my time too?” I bite my lip as I say the words, though they’re not exactly what was on my mind. Bronx didn’t get all possessive seeing me with Jameson in the bathroom. But it’s like my mouth refuses to say what I’m really thinking.
Bronx’s forehead wrinkles with his frown. “I know that, Gwen. I’m more okay with it than I thought possible. After today...I have no doubt in my mind about any of this. It amazes me how you make me feel like I’m not only getting a part of you.”
“Because you’re not. I’m all in with all of you.” I link my fingers through his, bringing his hands up to my chest so that he can feel my heartbeat. “It feels so natural. Perfect.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” he says. “Even when you’re being a pain in my balls.”
I laugh and smack his taut shoulder. “Hey now.”
Bronx chuckles and pulls away to dress. He picks out some athletic pants and a tank top for me and insists on dressing me. I do the same for him, finally getting my ass together to push through the muscle aches until I barely notice them.
“You guys are seriously doing this?” Jameson asks, waving his finger at the two of us when we step out of the wardrobe.
I tilt my head. “Would you prefer if we stay naked?”
Jameson smirks, cocking an eyebrow.
Holding my hand up, I say, “Never mind. Don’t answer that.”
Mikkalo howls a laugh and whacks Jameson on the shoulders. “He means the coordinated clothes.”
“You jealous?” Bronx asks, sliding his hands around my stomach.
“Nah, I know our girl hates that.” Mikkalo grins at me. “I just think you two look so damn adorable together. I might have to go change to join in.”
Bronx releases a low growl at his brother’s teasing, and I spin around to face him and clutch his face to pull him to me for a kiss.
“Bronx is adorable, isn’t he?” I say, talking to Mikkalo while smiling at Bronx. “And sexy. Hot. I mean, these muscles. I can’t stop touching him.” I stand on my tiptoes and kiss his neck. “Or kissing him.”
Jameson heaves a dramatic groan. “Okay, Gigi. We get the point.”
“Maybe you’ll let me bite you a little?” I continue, grinning at Bronx.
He chuckles and spins me off my feet before plopping with me on the couch between his brothers. I somehow land on my stomach across the three of their laps with my face right on Jameson’s bulge. Mikkalo slaps me on the ass in the spot where he had bitten me, and I shoot up in surprise. Even though the bite mark completely healed without even so much as a scar, I still feel a whisper of pleasure from him touching the spot. I flip over and arch my back, covering my eyes with my hands.
“Fuck, she’s so fun to tease,” Mikkalo says, linking his fingers to the side of my hip.
Bronx slides his arms under my arched back and curls me toward him to snuggle his face into my boobs. Jameson takes advantage and kisses me tenderly. I hum under my breath, his lips so soft and sweet that he has to ease away first because I’m not going to.
“Damn,” Mikkalo whispers under his breath.
I sit up and smile, twisting on Bronx’s lap, feeling his arousal as I meet Mikkalo for the kiss I know he wants. He kisses me far more passionately than Jameson, tasting my mouth with the caress of his tongue, devouring my affection.
“The only thing that would make the perfect start of my day even better would be if Everett were here too,” I say, patting Mikkalo’s cheek. I smile at Bronx and Jameson. “I just love this.”
A small tap on the door draws my attention. Bronx calls out for Everett to come in. Everett smiles at me, his handsome face lit up. “You wanted me?”
I slide off of Bronx to get to my feet. Everett closes the distance, not letting me take more than a step. I hug him and press my chin to his shoulder, giving him the attention he wants. “Always. How’s Silas?” I ask, tipping my head up to meet his blue eyes.
“He’s in the shower. Pretty calm, all things considered,” Everett says, glancing to his brothers.
It makes me dart my gaze to them. I flick my attention to Bronx. “So what was all the yelling over earlier?” Jameson distracted me so much that I nearly forgot that Bronx left me in the tub.
“Nothing important, dandelion. Brooklyn called with another warning. Apparently the Hunter Coven broke off their alliance with the Anderson Coven because of our arrival last night. Brentwood kept his word on keeping our appearance secret, but Corona suspects something is up. Brooklyn overheard him talking to Francisca. She’s supposed to call Everett.”
I turn back to Everett. “Want me to punch her heart out?”
I don’t know what he was expecting—that maybe I’d be annoyed or jealous considering that he has history wi
th the gorgeous blonde—but it definitely wasn’t what I suggested. All four of them break out into laughter that makes this whole situation seem less dire. I know Bronx said it was nothing important, meaning he was taking care of it, but I don’t even have to know vampire politics to know that breaking an alliance is some serious shit.
“Tell her yes,” Mikkalo says. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything so sexy.”
I scrunch my nose at him. “I guess I’m going to have to work on that.”
Everett groans and hugs me, lifting me off my feet to squeeze the two of us on the couch between Bronx and Jameson. “As much as I want to let you, I don’t think that’s the best idea.”
“That’s no fun,” Jameson says. “That bitch tried to take my heart.”
I pout my lip at him. I can’t stand even thinking about that horrible moment and how Jameson was willing to die for me.
Jameson nudges me with his foot. “But luckily, I got you back.”
A weird-ass coo noise escapes my lips, and I pull the front of his shirt to get him to kiss me.
Bronx clears his throat. “We will deal with her appropriately when the time comes. I promise you that, brothers. But for now, I must agree with Everett. Francisca arranged the exchanges for Gwen’s brothers. We need her alive to narrow down the placement of Declan, Ashton, and Porter. They’ve been taken out of our region.”
“I promise to get the information, Gwen,” Everett says, snuggling his nose to my throat. “It’s just taking longer because...”
I peer at him straight on. “Because why?”
“Ev won’t bone her like he used to,” Jameson says, answering for him.
Everett releases a scary-ass growl at his brother, and I plant my mouth to Everett’s to distract him long enough not to start a fight. He sinks into my kiss, tightening his hold on me until I ease away.
I turn to Jameson. “I hope you didn’t suggest that he should, Jamie. Because Everett’s mine and that would be a pretty shitty thing to even mention.”
It’s Everett who distracts me this time, gently pinching my chin to get me to shift the weight of my gaze from Jameson and his wide green eyes. “He didn’t, Gwen.”