Breathing Air

by Emily James Taylor

  “After Kevin confronted Cooper and me, we realized it was a mistake. We told Naomi and Lincoln what we did. I swear to you, they had no idea about any of it. We were trying to find you guys when Thomas’s guards showed up, even Kevin and Nao’s parents were there. They were angry that we let you guys leave the party. I was the closest to the back door, Naomi told me to run. I didn’t want to but she told me I needed to find you guys. I ran out but I heard Hadley order the guards to arrest them. Nolan, whatever’s going on, Kevin and Nao’s parents are in on it. I know I screwed up with you guys but I need your help to get my quad back, I need to get Naomi out of there. Please help us. I don’t know what they’ll do to them.”

  “Hadley is one of the nicest people I have ever met,” Nolan says, his voice defensive. “I’m sure she’s only following Thomas’s orders, I can’t see her putting Naomi in danger. She’s probably playing along to humor Thomas. I’m sure they’re sitting in a nice penthouse, lounging around. You should have stayed, we don’t want you here.” Nolan’s voice is harsh and biting. Parker shrinks back, staring into his lap.

  “Sit back down!” Tobias shoots from the couch and points at Nolan. “Parker had no idea this would happen.”

  “I’ve been telling Parker for years about who my father really is,” Nolan spits back, ignoring Tobias’ order. “This is what he deserves for betraying us. Look, I love Naomi and Lincoln and I’m sorry they’re stuck in my asshole of a father’s clutches. But Parker and Cooper are the ones responsible for this. I have Adaline to think about, to protect. Thomas wants to use her and I’m not putting her life at risk going on a rescue mission. Now you and Parker need to leave. We have things to talk about.”

  “I will come back tomorrow,” Tobias concedes.

  “Well ,your daughter’s here, I would hope you would try to see her.” Even I can taste the acid on Nolan’s words.

  Tobias balls his hands into fists. Leaving my spot on the wall, I step between them, ready to stop another fight from happening. Tobias just shakes his head. “Come on Parker, we’re leaving.”

  Standing side by side with Nolan, we watch them leave together. I can respect a man that takes care of his people first. I wonder if Kevin is the same way.

  “So no rescue mission in the near future?” I ask the room.

  Nolan flips his hair with his fingers. He turns to me, sporting a huge grin. “Hopefully,” he says with a wink. “As long as I can talk Adaline out of it. She’s in charge, after all.”

  After settling Kevin on a counter, I pull open the freezer and grab the ice cube tray. I set it on the counter and pull open drawer after drawer, looking for a towel. I finally find them and pull one out. Grabbing the tray, I crack it and dump a few cubes into the towel and gather it up. I step between Kevin’s legs and gently set it on the cut under his eye. Parker definitely got a few good shots in. It’s a good thing we heal fast, the swelling looks like it’s already going down. Even the cut under his eye is almost completely closed.

  Throwing the rag on the counter, a few of the cubes fall out. While the water in the bathroom earlier ran clear, I swear there’s a hint of green in the ice. I wonder if the bodies of water on this planet look green as opposed to our blue waters on Earth?

  “How is it, Kevin, that they have all these things like Earth but they still couldn’t figure out a way to have a television? I’m missing my reruns.” It’s a ridiculous thing to say, but I’m trying to lighten the mood. Besides, I know they probably need actual shows and programming for a television set to be of any use.

  “Why did your dad bring him here, Adi?” I honestly was thinking the same thing.

  “Apparently,” Emmanuel’s voice interrupts my thoughts, “he’s on the run, the same as you guys.” He and Nolan enter the kitchen, side by side. Looks like Emmanuel decided to stick around and enjoy the show. Turning around, I lean into Kevin, needing his strength. I force myself to look at Emmanuel and send him a small smile.

  “Are my father and Parker going to pop out too?” Unable to calm my nerves, I turn back to my abandoned Ice cubes and gather them and refocus on Kevin’s injuries.

  Nolan steps up behind me, sliding an arm around my waist. His other hand finds Kevin’s shoulder. “I told them to leave,” he tells us in a soft voice. “I need to fill you in on why Tobias brought Parker here so we can decide how to handle them.” I sag into Nolan, feeling frustrated. I thought I would have felt relief knowing they were gone, but I still haven’t finished my conversation with my dad yet. I guess that can all wait until tomorrow. Nolan leans forward, moving me into Kevin, then steps toward a cabinet and pulls out four glasses.

  “Tonight may have sucked but one good thing has come from it. We have a new partner to add to the group.” He pulls out a bottle of rinkberry juice that I swear tastes close to orange juice on Earth, along with the only bottle of alcohol we have. Nolan told me earlier while I was getting ready that it’s made from a vegetable called oacrean, apparently, it’s the closest thing they have to a potato. I’m so glad that this kitchen came with such a detailed list, otherwise, I wouldn’t have tried anything.

  Turning in Kevin’s hold, I run my eyes over Emmanuel. His right foot taps a steady rhythm on the black tile floor and he looks quite uncomfortable. From his reaction earlier, I don’t think he’s all too pleased with this news. Nolan hands me a what passes for screwdrivers here on Alt-Earth, as well as one to Kevin. He glances at Emmanuel and then back at us. Kevin pushes me forward and hops down from his spot on the counter. Nolan grabs the last two glasses and steps towards our third partner. Kevin and I follow him. My guys smoothly maneuver me so I’m standing a little more in the middle of our huddle. Nolan clears his throat and holds up his glass.

  “Emmanuel, welcome to our group,” Nolan says warmly. “We may not seem like much since we’re running for our lives. But with you added I can already feel our powers buzzing stronger. Cheers!”

  “Cheers!” We clink our glasses together then each of us brings our cups to our mouths to sip, except Emmanuel. He chugs the drink down in two big gulps. He sets his glass down on the counter.

  “Look, I really appreciate this. Sincerely. But I need you guys to know that I wasn’t expecting this,” Emmanuel waves his hand at us, “to ever happen.” His hand finds the back of his neck, where he grips it. “I have priorities here. I know that we’re supposed to put our quint and nucleus first but I’m responsible for these people’s lives. I can’t turn my back on this place. If you stay, maybe we can figure this out. But if you guys leave, I will not be coming with you,” he backs away from us and stares straight at me. “I’m not going to change my mind.”

  After his announcement, Emmanuel turns on his heel and leaves the room. I stare at the hallway he disappears down. A part of me screams to run after him, to chase him down… but if he doesn’t want to be here, with us, I don’t see the point in trying. The front door slams closed with a bang and I can’t stop the flinch that rocks my body. I shake myself and down the rest of my rickberry screwdriver.

  “Well damn,” Nolan mumbles as he brings his glass down on the counter. “Kev, I got to tell you something.”

  Kevin turns and faces Nolan. “What now?”

  “Parker is on the run from Horus too. They arrested Naomi, Lincoln, and Cooper. Your Mom gave the orders.”

  “My mother had her own daughter arrested?” Kevin asks, incredulous at the thought. “How do you know Parker’s even telling the truth?”

  “Tobias confirmed it,” Nolan answers. “If we had someone else confirm it as well from Earth, I might feel better. I mean no offense, Adaline,” Nolan’s eyes flick to me as he says that. My only response is to shrug my shoulders. I don’t know if we can trust my father either. “But we don’t know what happened after we left, I wouldn’t put it past my father to have Hadley order their arrest. He can be a twisted fuck that way.”

  Kevin’s arm shoots out and his glass shatters against the cream wall. It seemed to happen in slow motion. When it hit the wa
ll, what was left of the drink oozed down the wall, the pieces of glass bouncing and tickling on the smooth black floor. Before I can even react, Kevin grabs me and presses a demanding kiss on my lips. I relax into him and open my mouth, letting him in. He explores my mouth from just a second before he rips away from me.

  “What am I doing?” he grounds out through clenched teeth. Just as quickly as he grabbed me, he abandons me and storms down the hall. Before I can call after him, a door slams shut.

  Nolan’s hand cups my jaw and his thumb rubs a tear from my cheek. I didn’t even realize I was crying. What just happened?

  “Adi, go talk to him,” he says, his voice soft and warm. “It’ll be okay. I need to go handle something anyway.”

  “Just don’t you go slamming doors on your way out of here, okay?” I request, trying to smile. “I’ve had all I can take this evening.”

  A chuckle escapes him. Nolan leans down and he gives me a peck on the lips. A real smile breaks across my lips as he walks out of the room.

  Geez, I’m such a fucking coward. That’s what I am right now. I’ve been standing here for at least ten minutes. Come on, stop being stupid. I repeat my little mantra in my head five times before I decide to do anything. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I guess. Tentatively, I reach my hand up and knock twice.

  “Kevin, can I come in?” I ask when there’s no immediate response.

  “Sure,” comes a muffled reply.

  Opening the door, I find Kevin sitting on the bed. On tiptoe, I make my way over to him and sit criss cross applesauce next to him. I wait, hoping he’ll say something, anything. After examining the bedroom, I take a breath to speak, but he finally interrupts the quiet of the room. Thank goodness, I had no idea what to say.

  “I’m glad I met you, Adi. I’ve always wanted to have you in my life. You’re my nucleus, I need you. But these past few weeks have changed everything. Where are we supposed to go from here? I know my sister’s partners screwed up but am I just supposed to abandon her? Arrested. All thanks to our parents. She’s always been there for me, I can’t just forget about her.” His eyes are sad, but confused.

  “We can focus on the important things tomorrow,” I answer him truthfully, taking his hand in mine. He nods, knowing I’m right. “We can’t do anything about it tonight anyway. What do you need tonight? Something we can actually do?” He sighs, running his free hand across his forehead. Kevin lifts his eyes to mine, a fire swirling within them.

  “I need release, Adi.” His hand captures mine, his thumb rubbing circles on my knuckles. My skin tingles at his touch. “We don’t have to do anything, but I need to be in control of something.”

  The word control sends shivers along my spine. When I was with Nolan, he kept checking to make sure I was okay, kept making sure I was enjoying myself, which was sweet… but the thought of Kevin telling me what to do. It’s tantalizing, I like the idea of him taking control of me. My stomach ripples in anticipation.

  “I’m up for it,” I answer him, knowing this is something he really needs. And maybe I do as well.

  “Fine. But you need to do exactly as I say.” I nod as goosebumps break out on my arms. “If you tell me to stop I will, but other than that, I don’t want you to move, talk, or make any noise unless I specifically ask you to.”

  Before I can nod again, he captures my lips with his and eagerly pushes his tongue through. I relax into him, letting him explore my mouth. Keeping my hands from moving to grab him is hard, but knowing I need to do what he tells me is turning me on. Kevin’s strong hands find my shoulders and he pulls me into him. He runs his hands along my back and he finds the zipper of my dress, which he pulls down slowly. Abruptly, he breaks the kiss, leaving me panting.

  “Raise your arms above your head,” he commands in a gruff voice. My body involuntarily shudders at his deep, serious tone. I comply quickly, my hands had been itching to move. He finishes unzipping the dress and pulls it up over my head, leaving me in just my underwear and bra. His lips find my neck and he sucks, nibbles at my sensitive skin. My stomach clenches and wetness spreads on my underwear. Oh, god, this is exquisite torture.

  His fingers slide inch by deliciously slow inch up my back to my bra clasp. As he unhooks my clasp, he bites down on the part of my neck he was sucking, not too hard but enough for me to jump a bit. The cups of my bra sag open and the cool air of room hardens my nipples. I shiver in response to the sensations over taking my body. Smirking, he winks at me. He leans back into me, finding that spot on my neck again and sucks gently there. Spikes of heat rush through my body as he slowly kisses his way down from my neck to my breasts.

  Kevin stops his delicious teasing of my neck. He slides first one strap, then the other off of my shoulders. It slides down my arms, catching on my elbows. He pulls it from my body and tosses it aside, Taking my right hand, he moves it behind me and gives it a squeeze. He brings my other hand behind me and gives me a look that I can only describe as sexy.

  “Hold still, Adi,” Kevin commands me. My stomach clenches again as I stare into his eyes. His mouth descends on my right nipple and his fingers fondle and pinch my right one. Like a tether, my womb clenches in response to his ministrations. He pulls back and stares into my face, watching my response as he flicks my nipple. My skin is hot and tingly. I don’t know my much more of this sweet torture I can take. He places his hand in the center of my chest and pushes me lightly.

  “Lay back, Adi. Put your hands above your head.” I do as he instructs me. “Good girl.” Those simple words set fire to my belly. Kevin’s hands grip my waist, his fingers tangling in the waist of my panties. He rips them down my legs and flings them across the room. He pushes my legs apart.

  “Pull your legs up and bend your knees. Show me your beautiful pussy. I want to see if you’re wet for me.” His words have a fresh wave of wetness soaking my folds. Bending my knees, I set my feet on the bed and open myself to Kevin’s waiting eyes. He rubs his thumb over clit and smiles proudly.

  “I like that you’re already wet for me.” He slides his hands under my bent knees and pulls me to the edge of the bed. My ass is so close to the edge it’s practically hanging off. My eyes meet his as he puts his mouth to my clit. He sucks me firmly as a wave of heat flies through me. Oh god, I fight to keep from moving but I don’t know if I can keep still for him. He flicks my clit with his tongue and descends further to my pussy lips, As he slides his tongue into me, he pinches my clit. I buck against him, the pressure from his pinch and his tongue entering me is too much for me to keep still. Kevin freezes and his eyes fly to mine.

  “I told you not to move unless I tell you to.” His words are stern, but he seems pleased that I disobeyed him. He slaps my ass with his palm, I flinch a little hoping he doesn’t notice. The slap took me by surprise. “Flip over,” he demands, “get on your elbows and knees. Present your pretty ass for me.”

  I scramble to do as he says, wetness flooding me. As I settle into position with my elbows and knees on the bed, the sound of his zipper sliding open raises goosebumps along my back. His clothes rustle and hit the carpeted floor with a soft swoosh. Anticipation is killing me. I curve my back, presenting my ass for Kevin. I feel so sexy, sultry and yes, powerful, in this pose. Kevin’s hand meets the curve of my ass, the crack of it echoing through the room. The sting fades as he rubs it soothingly. Oh god, that is so hot. But, oh man, what does he have planned for me?

  Kevin grips the flesh of my hips in his strong fingers. His cock teases my pussy and, before I even can prepare myself, he thrusts into my vagina.

  “Holy shit, Adi, your pussy feels incredible.” His voice is harsh as he stills inside me. He’s not as wide as Nolan’s but his length is definitely longer. I’m not as stretched as I was with Nolan, but Kevin’s length feels more invasive as he resumes thrusting into me. I bite my lip, trying not to moan in pleasure.

  “Is this how you like to be fucked, Adi?” he whispers in my ear.

  “Yes,” I respond automatically. It’s
almost a moan and I’m thankful for the chance to express myself. Kevin’s hand slides from my hip to my belly. As his fingers move toward my clit, a shiver rocks me in anticipation.

  “Adi,” Kevin says in a warning tone. But I can tell he’s pleased with me.

  I try my hardest not to scream as his fingers begin to dance over my clit, but a moan escapes me as he continues to thrust into me. He rewards me with another slap, this one harder than his previous ones. The skin of my ass is warm, the sting is surprisingly nice. His fingers continue to rub me, burning through me. I need more, I need him to move faster. My hips buck against him, hoping he’ll give me what I need. Another slap to the ass will be worth it.

  Instead of punishing me, Kevin slows his thrusts, stilling inside of me. My pussy quivers at the loss of his powerful thrusts. His fingers leave my clit and he slides his cock out of me. Damn, I was so fucking close to the edge.

  “Is there something you want to say, Adi?” Kevin asks me. There’s a warning in his voice.

  “I’m sorry, Kevin.” He rewards me by slamming his cock back into my pussy. He does it again and again. And again. He’s deliberately keeping me on the edge of release. I can’t take it anymore.

  “Please fuck me faster. I won’t move again, I swear. I’m so close,” I beg him, forgetting to keep quiet.

  “Oh, Adi… first moving without permission and now talking? I’ll bring you pleasure, but first, I think I need to teach you how to play with me.” His voice is almost menacing as he reprimands me. “Yes, a little bit of pain.”

  Kevin pulls his cock from me. I bite my lip, holding the moan inside of me with every fiber of my being. He runs his fingers along my folds. His fingers disappear and I feel his dick at my entrance again. I brace myself, relax for his cock to thrust inside of me but instead, his fingers press against my other hole. A gasp escapes me. Even when I masturbated before I met the guys, I never imagined anything like this. His thumb swirls over my virgin hole.