“Good. I’m worried about this person spreading their threats around. Have El’s brother be on high alert.”
“Yeah, I’ll call him shortly.”
“Well that’s about all I have for now. I want you to contact me if you hear back from your tech man. Hopefully he can locate where the account was activated.”
“Will do, Mark. Thanks.”
I hung up the phone and jumped when I saw Ellerslie leaning against the doorframe watching me – Zef sitting at her feet.
“Is he following you around already?” I chuckled.
She just raised an eyebrow at me.
Shit.
“What exactly am I not going to be happy about?”
I ran my hand through my hair. “That was Mark. Piper is a dead end, and so is the photo print center. I’ve told him to look into Baxter. It’s the only other lead we have right now, El.”
She narrowed her eyes at me. “Fine.” She shrugged.
“What?” I was expecting a fight.
“Yeah, fine. I’m telling you it’s a waste of time and money, but hell, if that’s what you want to do, you go right ahead.” She waved a hand in front of herself.
“Okay?” I half asked. I felt like I was treading in unchartered waters here.
“Hey, Q?” El called out into the lounge.
“Yeah?” Quinn called back before she appeared in the hallway.
“What’s your thoughts on Baxter being the ‘stalker’?” She made quotation marks with her fingers.
Quinn shook her head. “Nah. No way. The guy’s a pussy. He wouldn’t have what it takes to do this.”
El gave me a ‘see?’ look.
“I don’t care,” I insisted. “It’s my money and I’ll waste it how I see fit.”
She shrugged at me again and strolled back into the lounge with my dog hot on her heels.
47. Quinn
We finished watching our movie, and Lawson called Reeve to fill him in on the latest drama. Unsurprisingly he kicked off and demanded to talk to both El and me. He eventually calmed down, but I heard him talking to Lawson after that and I was pretty sure I heard the word bodyguard being thrown around.
El is gonna be so pissed.
I’d made a joke that Zefer could be her new bodyguard. That earned Lawson a hopeful look from El, and earned me a ‘shut the hell up’ glare from my brother. I’d just laughed and gone back to messaging Colt. He was feeling shitty for taking so long to get to me, but I had assured him I was fine.
Besides, it’s not like he’s my boyfriend or anything anyway.
El and Lawson made a delicious Asian chicken noodle dish for dinner whilst I sat on my ass and watched T.V.
A girl could really get used to this.
We were all currently sitting around the lounge having a beer. “So what happens now?” I asked Lawson.
He took a long pull of his beer before answering. “For now, I think we just stick together. No going anywhere without Colt, Reeve or I. I’m actually feeling a bit average about Colt being included in this – I barely know the guy. Can he even handle himself?”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m sure he can handle himself just fine. He’ll be here to get me soon, so you can ask him yourself.”
“You’re not staying?” He looked pissed.
I shook my head. “Nope and I don’t want to hear a word about it. Colt’s place will be perfectly safe. No one has a clue where I am, and let’s be honest, I was just a messenger for the two of you anyway, nobody cares where I am.” I hated to bring it up, but it was true. My fear wasn’t for me – it was for them.
“She’s right.” El looked at Lawson. “She’s completely safe. She has Colt. And whoever is doing this is trying to get to us, Lawson. Me and you.” She gestured between the two of them. “Q will be fine.”
Lawson blew out a deep breath. “Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m just trying to protect you both.”
“You’re doing a good job, Law. We’re safe, and I haven’t heard you rip the shit out of anyone for a good few hours. You’re doing pretty well,” I teased.
El hopped up and moved to where Lawson was sitting. He instantly opened his arms for her and she nestled into the space between his legs.
They are just too cute.
She held his face in her hands and forced him to look at her. “I know you hate this, but you can’t keep us with you twenty-four-seven.”
“I can fuckin’ try,” he growled.
“Law,” El scolded. “Honestly. We’re okay. Breathe. I promise I won’t go anywhere without you for the entire weekend, and Quinn won’t go anywhere without one of you boys either.”
Lawson visibly relaxed. “So you’re staying the whole weekend, are you?” He grinned as he pulled her flush against his body and nuzzled into her neck.
And that is my cue to go.
“I’m going to get my shit organized,” I called out as I scampered from the room. I pulled out my phone and called Colt.
“Hey, babe, you okay?”
“Gah, they’re being all couple-like, I gotta get out of here.”
Colt laughed. “I’ll be there soon, I’m just leaving the club.”
“I’ll be waiting on the street,” I joked.
“Don’t tell your brother that, I’ll be in deep shit if you cause trouble.” He chuckled.
“Yeah, I think he might want to challenge you to a dual when you get here – make sure you’re worthy or some crap.”
Colt huffed out a breath and I heard the beep of him unlocking his car. “God, I hope you’re joking.”
I giggled. “Maybe I am, maybe I’m not... See you soon!” I hung up before he had a chance to find out.
I chucked everything back in my bag, checked myself in the mirror and headed back down to the lovebirds. I stopped in the doorway. “Is it safe to come in?” I called out. I heard some rustling around and rolled my eyes.
Thank god I’m getting out of here.
It really was only a matter of time before they were getting it on somewhere – knowing that El was planning on telling Lawson that she was on the same page as him was bound to have them going at it all night.
Lawson chuckled. “Yeah, Q, come in.”
Yip, I was right. They are totally getting it on the minute I’m out the door.
“Seriously you two? Even the poor dog won’t look at you.” They both looked over at Zefer, who was laying on the floor with his face curled into his side.
“Sorry, Zef.” Law chuckled. El just blushed and gave me a guilty look.
“Anyway, Colt’s going to be here soon, so if you need to fill him in then get ready. I’ve pretty much told him everything that’s going on, and told him to keep it to himself.”
“Nah, it’s all good, just make sure he knows I’ll kill him if anything happens to you on his watch.”
I snorted at him. “I’ll be sure to pass that on.”
““It’s impossible,” said pride. “It’s risky,” said experience. “It’s pointless,” said reason. “Give it a try,” whispered the heart.”
- Author unknown
48. Ellerslie
Colt had arrived, and as per my request, Lawson had resisted the urge to walk Quinn out to his car. I knew it would drive me nuts if Reeve was treating me with kid gloves, so I was trying to save Q the same pain. I knew he was just worried about her... and that his protective instincts were working overtime – but Quinn was a big girl, and she was completely safe with Colt.
I had gotten a little nervous ever since Quinn had disappeared. Lawson and I were on our own now and I knew it was just a matter of time before I had to tell him how I felt. I was excited, but terrified at the same time.
What if he’s changed his mind about me already?
“Do you want a drink, pretty girl?” Lawson called from the kitchen.
I smiled. I loved it when he called me that. “Yes please, I’ll just have whatever you’re having.”
He came back with two beers and handed me one. We drank in silence for
a few beats.
I peeked over at him and found him watching me. His intense stare sent shivers up my spine.
“You’re staring at me,” I stated.
He smirked. “So I am.”
I blushed. “What are you looking at?”
His expression turned serious. “You. Always you.”
Goosebumps broke out on my skin.
“Will you dance with me?” he asked out of the blue.
Oh hell yes.
Dancing with Lawson was hotter than hell.
“I would love to.” I held up one finger. “But I’m picking the first song.”
“Song for song?” He grinned.
I nodded in agreement.
He set up his computer to play through the sound system in the lounge. “It’s all yours, Ells.” He waved his hand at the screen.
I had an idea all of a sudden.
I’ll tell him my feelings through the songs I pick.
I smiled to myself at my idea and searched through the library for the perfect song.
I wonder if he’ll catch on...
Knowing Lawson like I was sure I did, I was certain he wouldn’t miss it. The thought made me even more nervous.
I smiled as I found the perfect song – butterflies danced in my stomach as I hit play and heard the starting notes of ‘Powerful’ by Major Lazer and Ellie Goulding.
Lawson appeared behind me and pulled me to my feet and into his arms. He tilted my face up to his and I melted at the look in his green eyes. They were sparkling and he was smiling in an adorable, boyish way.
He chuckled quietly as he moved against my body. “This is a good song, Ells.”
I couldn’t take my eyes off him, and his eyes hadn’t left mine for a moment. He suddenly spun me out and back in to his body, I met the wall of muscle with a light thud and snuggled into his broad chest.
He rested his head against mine and lightly sung into my ear. His low gravelly voice sent more shivers through my body.
Sweet baby Jesus. I swear this man is going to be the death of me.
The song came to an end and Lawson pulled away from me with a smirk. “Now it’s my turn.” He fiddled on the key pad for only a moment; he must have known exactly what he was looking for.
I smiled as I realized why it had only taken him a few seconds to find the song he wanted. Another Ellie Goulding song came through the speakers. I instantly recognized the words of ‘Something In The Way You Move.’
My breath caught in my throat.
I was in his arms again, but this time we had a faster tempo, and a little more grinding.
It was hot.
I looked up and caught his attention. His eyes were smoldering, and I was having a hard time remembering how to move.
The bastard smirked at me. He knew exactly the effect he was having.
Game on, Pierce.
I swayed my hips a little more than necessary as I strolled over to choose my next song.
‘Hands to myself’ by Selena Gomez.
This time I didn’t go back to him, I gave myself some space, threw my head back and let the music move me; I swayed and pulsed to the beat. Wrapping my arms around myself and sliding my hands all over my body.
“Fuck,” I heard him growl before I felt his firm body against mine.
I grinned triumphantly.
He slipped in sync with me effortlessly and replaced my hands with his own. He slid them down my hips, across my lower belly and back up to my breasts. I made a mental note to find out where the hell he’d learned to move like this.
This was a great idea.
I was so turned on. I knew this wasn’t the point of this game, not for me anyway, but I couldn’t help it. He was so damn hot.
“You’re a tease.” He chuckled in my ear.
“It’s not teasing if I intend to follow through, cowboy,” I replied.
His smile dropped slightly and he moved back to the laptop to make his next selection.
A song I wasn’t familiar with came on. “What is this called?” I asked curiously.
“It’s Rudimental, ‘Waiting all night.’”
It had a dance beat and my body instantly began to move to the rhythm.
“Listen,” Lawson commanded.
I stood dead still and listened the words.
Despite the fast beat, he pulled me to him and slowly swayed us.
He’s telling me how he feels too.
I couldn’t wait any longer. I pulled away and stopped his song mid-play. I chose my reply. I had the perfect song – it was the same one I’d had on replay for the past couple of nights. ‘I’m yours – Alessia Cara’.
Lawson’s breathing had become shallow and he was just standing there – a few feet away from me, listening to every word I was telling him with the song.
“So, baby, I'm yours,” I said aloud, in time with the words.
His eyes darkened as he prowled towards me. “You’re mine?” he growled the question.
I nodded shyly. “I’m yours, Lawson. I’m all in.”
He pulled me against his body and claimed my mouth in a hungry kiss that made my head swim. I couldn’t think of anything but his hot mouth on mine, his firm body against me. Shit, in that moment, I could barely even remember my own name.
He pulled away to look at me. “God, Ells,” he panted. His warm breath fanned across my face. “Do you have any idea how badly I’ve wanted to hear those words?”
“I’m scared,” I whispered. “I’m scared to feel like this.”
He cupped my face in his hands and looked deep into my eyes. “I’ll never let you down, Ellerslie. The thought of you hurt, it destroys me, pretty girl. I’m not going to break you... I sure as hell won’t let anyone else hurt you either. You can trust me.”
“I trust you,” I replied softly. And I did – I trusted this man with my life, and more importantly, I trusted him with my heart.
“I’ve got one more song for you, baby,” Lawson said with a cheeky grin on his face.
He reluctantly let go of me and tapped away on the laptop.
I burst out laughing as ‘Tonight I’m fucking you’ by Enrique Iglesias blasted through the room.
I moved to him and grinded myself against his crotch. He was already hard.
He picked me up and carried me across the room. I wrapped my legs tightly around his waist as he pressed me hard against the wall and claimed my mouth again.
He was like a wild animal – his mouth moved with a hunger and passion I had never felt before.
He was branding me, and I knew I was never coming out of this alive.
This was forever... Lawson Pierce was claiming me forever.
49. Lawson
“So, baby, I’m yours.”
The words ran through my head on fast forward.
Is she for real?
I stared at her beautiful face and had no doubt that she meant every word.
She’s mine.
I don’t think I’d ever wanted something as much as I wanted her. Not success in my business, not a nice house or car – just her. If I had her, I knew the rest didn’t matter.
My heart was beating so fast I thought it might jump out of my chest.
Ells look terrified, she told me how scared she was and I knew I needed to claim her completely. I’d show her with my touch, my kiss, what I couldn’t make her believe with words. I planned to worship every inch of her body with every inch of mine.
I’d lost myself the minute she laughed her beautiful laugh and rubbed herself against me – I had her pressed up against the wall in a flash. She was mine.
Mine.
I wanted to beat my chest and scream it for the world to hear.
Mine.
I walked her out of the lounge, down the hall and in the direction of the nearest bedroom.
Mine.
She was grinding herself against me shamelessly, her hands were in my hair and our mouths hadn’t parted.
Mine.
I kicked open the
bedroom door and slowly lowered her down my body. Our kiss broke apart, and I let my head hang down, resting my forehead against hers. We were both out of breath and desperate with need.
I needed her like I needed my next breath.
I ran my hands down her arms and she shuddered. Taking her hands in mine, I backed her up to the foot of the bed. Her blue eyes were filled with heat, and she was panting. I lifted her hands above her head and then slowly lifted her tight top up and off over her head.
God, she’s so beautiful.
Her eyes never left my face as she grabbed the hem of my t-shirt and lifted it from my body. I pulled her roughly against me and bent down to kiss a trail down her jaw, her neck and down to her breasts. She moaned in my ear and scratched her nails lightly down my back. I flicked the back of her lacy bra and it came loose in my hands. She let it drop down her arms and fall at her feet.
So perfect.
I took her earlobe in my mouth and gently pulled on it with my teeth, her whole body twisted and turned.
“Oh god, Lawson,” she moaned.
I gently kneaded her breasts and teased her nipples out to hard points. The scratching at my back became faster, more desperate. She dropped her hands to my pants and clawed at the waistband. I helped her get them down and then started on hers. She shimmied her hips in a sexy-as-hell way and I let out a groan as I took in her black lace g-string. Her ass was the kind of shit a wet dream was made of, perky and curvy.
I supported her back and gently lowered her onto the bed. I caged her in with my arms and she ran her soft hands along my tattoo. She reached up with her mouth and began licking, kissing and nibbling on the inked skin.
Looks like my girl has a thing for ink.
Her soft plump lips on my skin felt like heaven.
“Lawson,” she murmured.
“Ellerslie,” I breathed back.
Her eyes were begging me to touch her. I rubbed my erection against her core and she bucked her hips up to meet me. I pushed up to my knees and stared at her; she was spread out for me, so ready. I ran my fingers along the top of her g-string and pulled hard. She gasped as the fabric gave way and I tossed it to the side. I shoved my boxer briefs down my legs and my hard cock sprang free.
Love like Yours Series Box Set: Books 1 - 4 Page 22