by T. L Hodel
“I think you should be more worried about yourself right now.” He sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and glared at me. “You have five seconds to get your ass in my Jeep.”
This was different than our normal dance. Micha didn’t just look pissed, he was downright murderous. Looking over his shoulder, I glanced at the hood of his black jeep glinting in the firelight, and then back at the field, unsure which to go for.
The deep growl in Micha’s voice made the decision for me.
“Don’t make me chase you.” His dark eyes locked with mine, and I shivered. They were almost black. “I’ve done enough of that tonight.”
Yup, now is definitely not the time to push him.
Without a second thought, I scurried past Micha and hopped in the backseat of his Jeep. The passenger seat wasn’t even an option. If I had it my way, the Jeep wouldn’t be an option period. But that clearly wasn’t happening. So, instead, I slunk over the other side, flattening against the door when Micha climbed in. putting as much space between us as possible.
“Where are we going?” I whispered when Micha started the Jeep. It was more a question to myself, but he still answered.
“Home.”
I looked back at the receding glow of the fire as Micha steered down a tramped-down path in the field other cars had taken.
“Aren’t you going to put out the fire?”
His black eyes snapped to mine, glaring at me in the rearview mirror.
Shut the hell up, Riley!
“I’m sure your friend, will appreciate the warmth when he wakes up,” he growled, pulling out onto a main road.
In this case, I listened to my inner voice and shut the hell up. The way Micha said friend, sent a chill up my spine. Something told me if I mentioned Tico one more time, then might end up in the hospital bed next to Evan. Or the morgue. Tico was a small guy. I don’t think he could take a hit like Evan.
On my left, over the edge of the bluff, was the ocean. In most cases it would be a calming sight, but not today. Tension blanketed the air, and the longer we drove, the worse it got. Anxiety spiked as I nervously chewed on my lip. Whoever said silence was bliss, had clearly never been trapped in a car with an enraged Micha.
My heart stopped when we turned down a small road lined with big oak trees. I knew this road. Never been down it before, but there was no mistaking the sign that said Oakleigh Manor. Micha was taking me home alright, just not to mine.
The only thing that gave me comfort, was holding onto the small knife tucked in my pocket. Chase said better safe than sorry. At the time, I thought it was silly. I could take care of myself. What the hell did I need a weapon for? Now, I wanted to kiss Chase for giving it to me.
When Micha’s house came into view, I forgot about my weapon and sat there with my mouth hung open. I’d joked with my dad about marrying the queen, but I think royalty might actually live here. It was a literal palace. If it wasn’t for the garages on either side of the house, I’d think I just stepped through a portal to the Victorian era.
Ivy climbed up red brick faded with age, to stone balconies, that even in the moonlight, I could see were intricately carved. There were more windows than I could count, some stained glass, and a large three-tiered fountain in the front. Around the fountain was a fenced off courtyard, full of pretty flowers and other plants.
When Trina came to a party at Oakleigh Manor last year, I assumed she was exaggerating. Wouldn’t be the first time. She’d also tried to convince me that some guy at the party was like twelve inches long. I don’t even think that existed in porn. But maybe there was some truth to her outrageous stories?
Micha pulled into one of the garages, and I was too awe struck to argue when he ordered me to get out. I stepped out, scanning the clean cement floors, beige walls, and expensive vehicles. Weren’t garages supposed to be dirty with a bunch of tools laying around?
I could eat off this floor.
“You live here?” I said, as Micha grabbed my elbow and hauled me up some stairs to the right.
“My wing is on the west side of the house.”
“You have your own wing?” My brows furrowed. “But you’re only eighteen?”
He shrugged. “Mase got his when he was fourteen.”
Sure, because all teenagers had their own space, other than their bedroom. Sometimes that wasn’t even theirs. Shelby’s sister was always snooping around in hers and her parents walked in whenever they wanted. She complained about it all the time.
I must’ve looked like I’d just discovered the lost city of Atlantis when he pulled me through a door and into the house. Everywhere I looked there was luxury. Beautiful black marble flooring, furniture that looked both antique and brand new at the same time, and plush Persian rugs. I would’ve loved to take a closer look at some of paintings hung on the walls, but Micha was walking so fast that it took all my attention to not trip. One long stride of his was two of mine.
Tall bastard.
“What about your dad?” I asked him.
“What about him?”
Was that a cannon?
I glanced behind me and said, “Don’t you guys have family dinners and stuff?”
“When the occasion calls for it.”
I looked up, studying his blank face. Didn’t that bother him? Sure families were annoying, but they were always there. I could have the worst day in the world, and I knew that Mom would be at home waiting for me. We may not have had much, but we had each other. Micha had the world at his feet and no one to share it with. Must be incredibly lonely.
We walked into a grand entryway, and I say grand because when I looked up, I could barely make out the roof. Two staircases on either end of the room, curved up the wall, framing a large sundial sitting on a stone table. Above the dial was a skylight. Shadows of ravens danced across it, cast by a chandler hung in the middle of the room. Sitting on the top of the front door, was a black statue of a raven, with the word ‘nevermore’ engraved in the base.
More of the birds were etched into the railing on the staircases, in paintings on the wall, and a big one with its wings spread wide spanned across the floor. Either there was something to the Order of Ravens and Wolves rumors, or the Kessler’s were serious Edgar Allen Poe fans. I was so busy gawking that I didn’t realize Micha’s dad was there until he spoke.
“I see you found her.”
Micha’s grip tightened on my elbow, causing me to wince. “I did.”
I sneered at Mr. Kessler’s suit. Didn’t the guy own any other clothes? Pajamas perhaps?
Mr. Kessler’s dark eyes turned on me. “I believe we had the discussion about running.”
My eyes widened. Is that what Micha thought I was doing?
“Oh my God, this is all a huge misunderstanding. I wasn’t running–”
“Did you sneak out of the house?”
I may have snuck out, but that wasn’t the point.
“Technically, yes. But–”
“And did my son know where you were?”
“Well, no–”
“Sounds like running to me my dear. Either that, or you have something to hide.” Mr. Kessler walked up to me, his footsteps echoing in the vast space. “Do you have something to hide, Riley?”
My thoughts immediately went to The Piper and I quickly shook my head.
Micha’s dad hummed and eyed me for a second, before he turned his attention to his son. “I had her things delivered to your room.”
I breathed an internal sigh of relief. Sometimes I swore my dad was living, breathing, lie detector.
Wait . . .
“Um, what do you mean my things were delivered?”
Neither one of them paid attention to me.
“Did you tell Marco?”
His dad nodded. “Yes, he’s been informed. She won’t go anywhere without you knowing.”
“Hello?” Did I suddenly become invisible?
“Alright.” Micha said and tugged me down a hallway to the left.
&n
bsp; “Enjoy your stay at Oakleigh Manor, my dear.” his dad called out after us.
What? Oh, hell no.
“I’m not staying here!” I shrieked, fighting to pull my arm out of Micha’s grasp.
My back was slammed against the wall before I could blink. It took a second to catch my breath as a dull ache spread across my shoulder blades. By the time my vision cleared, Micha was pressed up against me with his hand around my neck.
“You’ll stay where the fuck I tell you to stay.”
“But technically, you didn’t tell me to stay home, either.”
Ah ha!
“Did I say you could leave?”
God damnit, I just couldn’t win with him.
“I don’t need your permission.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Mouse.” His eyes lit up as a malicious smirk curled his lips. “Everything you do is mine. Your thoughts, your feeling, even the air you breathe. I own it all. I can leave you to rot in a hole.” His arm snaked around my waist and down to my butt. “Or I can make you come so fucking hard you can’t see straight.” I squealed as Micha squeezed my ass and pulled me tightly up against him. “A lesson you’ll learn tonight.”
And then he kissed me.
My kiss this afternoon was soft and tentative. Not his one. Micha devoured me with his mouth. Feeding me every bit of his hunger, while claiming parts of me I didn’t know existed. I tried to fight it with mumbled arguments. But then he ran his tongue ran along the seam of my lips. It felt so good I groaned. That’s when Micha dove in, swirling his tongue along mine. Coaxing me to do the same, and damnit, I did. I couldn’t help it. Micha was one hundred percent addictive.
I don’t know how my hands got in his hair? Didn’t really care. My body was on fire and I needed more. I growled, yanked roughly on his soft locks and deepened the kiss. Greedily taking what he was offering. The growl he released in response went straight to my clit, sending a spark of pleasure shooting through my body, and making me gasp.
“Fuck,” he groaned, slamming me harder against the wall.
I had to stop this. Things were going too far. My body wasn’t listening to me though. So, I fought the only way I could, and vented my frustration by biting his lip until I tasted a coppery tinge. The whimper that escaped me when he pulled away made me hate myself a little more.
“God damnit,” Micha grumbled swiping the blood off his lip with the pad of his thumb.
“Fuck you!” I snarled, chest heaving. But I couldn’t let him know the truth. Couldn’t let him see how desperately I wanted to lift my head and taste him again.
“You want to play rough, baby?” His breath mingled with mine, warming my skin. “Alright. I’ll give you to the count of ten.”
I knew I wouldn’t like what came next. Still, I asked, “For what?”
His lips tipped up in a crooked smirk. “Your head start.”
I gulped. He was staring down at me, with a predatory glint in his chocolate eyes. I was about to become the main course in an all-you-can-eat buffet, and a big part of me wanted to give in.
I’m so fucked.
Micha bent down, brushed his cheek against mine, and whispered, “Run, little mouse.”
And I did. I dashed down the hall as fast as my legs could carry me. If I ran fast enough, then maybe I could out run the part that wanted him to catch me?
His deep voice boomed down the hall. “One.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Micha
I ran my tongue over my throbbing lip, and watched Riley’s firm ass bounce. My mouse was running full tilt down the hall, and I’d never been harder. The wild eyes of my prey, the chase, and the takedown.
It was a fucking aphrodisiac.
I loved this shit. She, did too. Her fear wasn’t the only thing tangible in the air. I sucked in a deep breath. Fear mingled with arousal. I was fucking salivating.
Best fucking foreplay ever.
I followed at a lazy pace. Why end the game early?
“Two.”
Riley’s panicked footsteps grew heavier, ringing through my ears, and making my dick jump. My lips curled in a sly smirk when she turned right instead of left. She was in my territory now.
Come into my parlor, said the spider to the fly.
“Three!”
I pulled out my phone and clicked on the security app. No one said anything about fighting fair. There she was heading down the hall in the west wing. Like a lamb to slaughter.
“Four!”
Things got more interesting when the door to my gaming room swung open, and Mase stepped out with a couple games tucked under his arm.
“Five!”
Mase stopped and looked around confused at the same time Riley rounded the corner, and bam! They collided. My mouse flew back, skidding across the floor on her ass. Other than being a little stunned, Mase was unfazed. He was built like a brick shithouse. I’d seen him knock a few fuckers out cold in one hit. It’d take a lot more than a five foot two chick running at full speed, to take him down.
“Six!”
Riley went from shock to panic in seconds. She sprang off the ground and desperately clung to Mase’s shirt. Interesting choice. Did she think my brother would help her? I guess it depended on his mood? Fucker liked to screw with me, so who knew? I could guarantee there was something stuffed in the couch in my game room. Last time it was a used condom – and not his. I burned the fucking couch that day.
I turned my leisurely strides into longer casual ones, and called out, “Seven!”
Mase swung his arm, pointing at a room. Bastard even had the ‘oh shit’ look on his face. My trusting little mouse didn’t hesitate, she rushed right into the lion’s den. I think she might’ve thanked him on her way through. Mase shut the door, and then slid one of the tables in hall under the handle, before continuing on his way like normal. I shook my head. Despite how much he annoyed me, I loved that little shit.
“Eight.”
There was no need to continue counting. Riley wasn’t going anywhere. But there was nothing like a little psychological warfare.
Mase nodded at me when I rounded the corner. “Hey, bro.”
“Hey.” I nodded back.
“Left something in your room for you,” he said as he passed by.
“Thanks.” I waved over my shoulder, while grinning at the table propped up on my bedroom door.
I took my time sauntering over to my room. The door handle was jiggling, and Riley called out for Mason.
“Mason, this isn’t funny. Let me out. I know you’re out there.”
Not Mason, baby.
I leaned against the wall and listened to her pound on the door again.
“Nine.”
A gasp and then everything went quiet.
When I pressed my ear to the door, I could hear her scuttling around and cursing. Looking for a place to hide, or a way out I assumed. She’d be hard pressed to find either. I didn’t see the need for a bunch of useless crap in my room, so it was fairly open. She also wouldn’t be getting any windows open without security access. Play time was over. Now the fun could begin.
Once everything had gone quiet, I slid the table out of the way and stepped into my room. My eyes immediately went wide. In the corner of the room was Riley’s bag, clothes open and obviously rummaged through. But it was my mouse who was wearing a white lace teddy that had my complete attention. I kicked the door shut and took my time taking her in.
Her supple skin wrapped in lace like the best fucking present I’d ever gotten. Over the curve of her breasts pressing against the teddy, her nipples hard and ready for me suck. I was drooling. The look on her face however, had my lips curling.
Riley’s lips were pursed in the worst fake pout I’d ever seen, and while she was giving me puppy dog eyes, there was nothing but wrath sparkling in those sapphire depths. My mouse was trying to play me with seduction. I guess playtime wasn’t over after all . . .
“Upping your pajama game I see.”
; “What, this old thing,” Riley sang.
I smirked and tossed my keys onto the black dresser to my right. “You sure you want to play this game?”
“I don’t know what you mean.” She batted her eyes innocently. “I was just getting ready for bed.”
“Yeah?” My gaze shifted to my four poster California king bed, and then back to Riley. “So get on the bed then.”
She was getting nervous now, swinging her shoulders with her hands behind her back. I loved the way she lit up with embarrassment, the pink tint flowing down her cheeks to fill her chest. My dick liked it, too. I was so hard, it bordered on painful.
“I could,” she trailed her hand over the swell over her breasts, and my eyes were stuck watching her chest heave, “but, you’re not ready for bed yet, and I hate to lay in that big bed all by myself.” She circled her finger over a pert nipple.
Fuck me.
I cleared my throat and said, “That would be a shame.”
She frowned and nodded, and I couldn’t stop imagining those pink lips wrapped around my cock. Fuck! She was better at this game than I thought.
Let’s see how far she wants to take this.
Riley sucked in a shuddered breath when I peeled off my shirt and tossed it onto the floor. The flush in her face deepened as she tried not to look at me. I knew I looked good. Chicks checked me out all the time, but when Riley did it, pride swelled in my chest. The shy glances, and way her curious eyes kept falling to my chest, only made me want her more.
“You don’t have to keep eye-fucking me Mouse,” I said, toeing my shoes off and unbuckling my belt. “You can touch too.”
Riley stomped her foot as her face twisted in anger. “I’m not eye-fucking–” She stopped herself, forced a smile on her face and innocently sang, “I mean, it’s late. We’re just going to sleep.”
My gaze swept over her, trailing down from her face to her toes, and back up. It was Christmas morning, and she was the present I wanted to tear into. Looking innocent, while smelling like sin, all wrapped up in lace. There was no way she was making it through the night without getting fucked.
“Oh no, baby, sleeping’s not on the schedule for tonight. Unless you’re afraid you might like it?”