We go into the kitchen to eat the salad and spaghetti I picked up from Manzo’s earlier. The centerpiece on my kitchen table is one she made with Piper during her floral design phase. There is no part of my life, Paige hasn’t touched. After a quick meal where neither of us really could eat, we move to the living room.
As the recognition of what I am trying to convey becomes evident in her face, I lean over to pick up one of the photo albums. We are sitting side by side on my couch, knees touching, as she is leaning into me to look at the pictures. Having gone through all of these earlier, I easily thumb through and find what I am looking for.
“Babe, looking back, I can say with complete certainty I was made for you. Regardless of what comes after tonight, I know, without a shadow of a doubt, I was meant to protect you, to cherish you, to hold you, to show you just how beautiful you are.”
Turning to face her, I cup her chin and make her look at me. “Paige Noreen Lockley, I was meant to love you.”
Letting my words sink in, I open the album to the first picture. Her mouth drops open at the first picture. She is learning to ride her bike without training wheels. My hand is at her back as she is finding her balance and making that first ride without any aid.
“From as far back as I can remember, Paige, I’ve always had a pull inside me to protect you, to help you, and to watch you blossom.” Tears fill her eyes and spill out running down her cheeks as I continue. “My dad’s funeral. I was lost, Paige. My entire world changed that day. Baby, the only solace I found during that was when you sat between Piper and me at the service. It was hard to breathe. I’ve never felt such a tightness in my chest. I couldn’t breathe. Until you…”
“I squeezed your hand,” Paige whispers.
Needing her closer, I lift her legs and lay them over my own, forcing her back to the arm of the couch. She is watching me still. I wipe the tears from her eyes. We were just kids, babies practically, but we were connected and have been always. Can she see it? Does she understand I see it now, I believe in us?
“Until you, I couldn’t breathe. Until you reached over and held my hand, giving me your strength, your understanding, and your silent security that you were there, no one could console me. I didn’t sleep from the day of the fire until the night of the service. I couldn’t close my eyes without seeing the building burning. That night, though, I closed my eyes and saw our hands joined together.” As she reaches over and once again laces our hands together and squeezes, I close my eyes and breathe in this moment. “You were my reminder that I wasn’t alone.”
“Kale,” she lets out a hoarse whisper as I open my eyes.
I place the first album down and pick up another, not saying anything just yet. Opening the album, I smile.
“Your first day of high school. I had graduated, but wanted to make sure you and Piper were okay. I walked you to your first class, my arm draped over your shoulders. At the time, I told myself I was protecting you from all the immature jerks that would only want one thing from you. Reality was, I needed to see for myself you were okay.”
Turning the page, I wink at her. “Every formal dance for all four years of high school, I came home from college. I was there, of course, in my mind to look out for you and my sister. It’s funny though, the pics we have are of me with you, not Piper. In fact, I was more worried with you than my own damn sister.”
“Kale,” she once again whispers as I change out the albums.
“College. Oh Paige, you and Piper went and made things difficult by going a little ways away. I was in training and couldn’t come as often as I wanted. Mom kept me informed, but that information, I’m finding, was limited as you and Piper obviously have secrets from that time. Now that I’m learning about your relationship with the shithead.”
“Piper told you?” Her voice so soft spoken I struggle to hear her.
“Not everything, Paige, but enough to know he didn’t take care of you.”
She sighs, “I wish you didn’t know.”
“Babe that is not a reflection of you. He was never a man. A real man takes care of his woman in all ways, for always.”
“And that man is you?” She mocks me.
Opening the album to the page I wanted, I turn it for her to see. “Look at us, Paige. The night of your sorority formal that, if you remember, I wouldn’t allow you to take anyone but me. I don’t remember anything about that night, but how beautiful you were in that navy blue dress. I never let you leave my side; in fact, I don’t even know what my own sister did that night or who her date was…my only focus was you. Back then, I wasn’t aware of it because yes, you were always around. There has always been more shared between us than just you being Piper’s friend.” I watch as her face shows her understanding before I continue
“Every big event we’ve both had, we’ve been together. Thinking ahead, there is nothing in the future that I wouldn’t want you by my side all the way for. Look through these albums, every last one of them. Outside of my prom dates and yours, do you see me with any other women? Have you ever known me to be with anyone long term? Sure, I’ve fucked up a few times and my choices in women haven’t been the best, even for my one night stands,” I stop when she raises her eyebrow and nods her head to herself, making me smirk and I lean into her. “But, have I ever had anyone at my side that wasn’t you?”
“Well, no.” She whispers as she is running her fingers over the pages of the photographs.
“That’s because there is only one person that belongs at my side, and that person is you. We all have a broken road that leads to our final destination. Your path has been filled with insecurity and doubts. Mine has been a rocky road of realization. Our paths cross in many places, but our future is the journey I want us to take together.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Could I really have more with him? Does he mean everything he has just said to me? Am I strong enough to let go? My mind swirls with a thousand thoughts. The more I think, the more I need to let go.
Leaning over, I brush my lips to his. If I only have this one night, this one moment, then I want nothing left between us. He cups my face in his strong hands. His lips come down on mine in a slow torture. He is holding back, I can feel it. I pull on his bottom lip with my teeth as he is pulling away from me. He rests his forehead against mine.
“Do you trust me?” Kale asks, his words coming out in a scratchy tone laced with desire.
I only nod.
“Do you trust me?” He repeats, opening his eyes to meet my wide eyed gaze.
“Yes,” I whisper.
“Paige, I want nothing more than to take you to my room and treasure every inch of your body in ways I didn’t at the animal clinic. I need to know you trust me completely with your body. I need you to give me every part of you and hold nothing back.”
“What are you saying, Kale?” I ask as my anxiety rises.
“I know you haven’t had much experience, Paige. In my bedroom, I need certain things. I crave control. I will bring more pleasure to your body than you’ve ever thought possible, but I need to know you trust me.”
“Kale, I’ve never trusted anyone more than I trust you.” I know it’s the truth, but saying the words not knowing what exactly he has is store makes a slight shiver run down my spine; one that is both in fear and desire of the unknown.
Before I can move, he scoops me up and carries me down the hall to his bedroom. Gently, he lays me back on his bed. His body covering mine, he kisses me again. There is no slow tease or build up, this kiss is full of desire, yearning, and unbridled lust. I pull at his shirt, needing every part of him.
He stops and pulls off me before I can get anywhere with his shirt.
“No, Paige. I know this is all new to you, but I need you to trust me to control our pace. Can you do that? Can you let me do this my way?”
Missing his body over mine, I suck in on my bottom lip as I nod once again, my agreement. Hell, I will give him anything to give me one more night with him. If this is all
I get in my lifetime, I will give him free rein to do with me as he pleases.
Pulling up my hands, he places them over my head as he laces our fingers together. Feeling part of his weight rest in my palms is a pleasurable pain, as he once again kisses me. His body over mine, I raise up, pressing my shirt covered breasts into his chest. There are far too many clothes between us as our tongues continue to dance, seeking out every part of our mouths. He unlaces his fingers from my right hand as he drops his head to kiss at my neck. Turning my head to my left, giving him better access, I feel excitement and nervousness as he suddenly straps my right wrist with something.
“Kale?” I question, as I look over at my now bound wrist.
“Power exchange, Paige,” He says as he is lifting my shirt up and over my free hand and head, leaving it laying on my tied arm. “You release your control to me and I promise you more pleasure than you ever thought possible.”
“Are you? Does this mean?” I stammer. “I’ve read about this sort of thing.”
“Baby steps, Paige,” He says as he feathers kisses over my face. “We will play. We will test your limits and go beyond your boundaries.” He straps my left arm in the soft wrap attached to his headboard. “The fear of the unknown can be one of the greatest aphrodisiacs ever used. Trust me, Paige, just trust me. If something gets to be too much, your word is FIRE. You say ‘fire,’ Paige, and I stop immediately. Okay?”
Holy shit, he has ties set up to his bed. Am I really going to do this with him? I nod my head in agreement trying to push down any trepidation and allow myself to be in the moment. He kisses my neck again and I am instantly lost to the sensation. Honestly, Kale could ask me to rob a bank with him right now and I would do it.
He kisses me once again, this time it’s not soft; no, it’s raw, it’s powerful, and it’s all consuming. When he pulls away, his head drops down to my bra covered breast where he bites just enough for me to feel it through the silken material. Yes, please, yes, I want more. I pull against the binds seeking release for more contact. A small laugh comes from Kale as he’s trailing kisses down my stomach.
At the waist band of my pants, he unbuttons them, all while staring at me. His eyes are blazing with lust; could it even be love I see in their hazel depths? As he slides them down, pausing at my still covered ankle, he removes my medical boot and my ballet flat on the other foot and then my pants.
I watch in sheer adoration as he pulls his shirt off. The body of this fireman is pure toned muscle. I lick my lips as his stomach muscles flex and I can see the hit of the ‘V’ going down into his pants. Oh sweet mother of all things in Heaven, this man is amazing and, for tonight, he’s all mine.
“Like what you see, Paige?” He mocks. He flexes a little, making his pecs dance back and forth and at any other time I would laugh, but now, now it just sets me ablaze.
I can only nod as his mouth comes down on my panties biting through at my girlie parts. The sensation coursing through me makes me want to scream out – Captain America!- just like my panties. Kale is the super soldier of all things pussy right now. His stubble scratches against my sensitive skin, it’s an odd but not uncomfortable feeling. Oh my, he knows what he’s doing. I feel a tug and, swoosh, my panties are gone and Kale’s mouth is down on me as his tongue parts my lips and he sucks on my clit, sending me soaring into oblivion. My body trembles in aftershocks as Kale lays over me feathering my neck in kisses.
He breathes against my neck as I feel his jean clad erection pressing against me. I roll my hips up seeking friction and so much more. Damn it, just fuck me already! I want to scream, but I keep it in remembering he has asked me to trust him.
“Only the beginning, babe,” He whispers against my ear.
Reaching under me, he removes my bra. The air hits my already taut nipples making them ache for contact. Kale descends with his mouth on one while his hand cups and kneads the other. I’m writhing under him as he sucks hard on my nipple. His mouth coming off with a pop as he smiles up at me.
“Be still, Paige. Lay back and let me enjoy you.”
I wiggle under him again.
His tone changes, “be still,” he commands. Something in me listens instinctively. “There ya go, babe. Let it go, let me handle it. Be still or I’ll redden your ass. Trust me.”
Something in his body tightening over me, something in his sharp tone, and something in his confidence falls into place as my body molds into his bed and as much as I’m yearning for his next touch, his next breath; I want nothing more than to give him everything in his time and under his instruction.
He kisses me tenderly as I no longer tug against my restraints but relax into them. Pulling away just enough to remove his clothing, I wait in anticipation for his next move. He runs his calloused hands over my ivory skin, delicately touching me and awakening my every sense to the point where I’m trembling.
“I know you haven’t had it good, Paige. I promise you, right here, right now, to cherish your body, to listen to your unspoken cues, to be your safety net as I lead you into submitting to me. I want to be the everlasting memory of your lifetime. I want to be the one who fills you beyond full, where no one will ever compare. I want to consume you, Paige, as you have my heart.”
Slowly, he lays over me and wraps my legs around his hips. He glides the head of his cock over my folds, teasing me. Ever so slowly, he enters me little by little.
“Take me, Paige. Take all that I have. Don’t put this fire out.” He whispers as my body stretches to accommodate his size.
He kisses me as he slides out of me slowly. I moan as he enters once again. My inner muscles grip at his length, trying to hold him as he continues a slow in and out pace. A sheen of sweat glistens over his skin as I can feel him tense over me. Resting his forehead against mine, he’s watching me intently. He’s holding back to make sure to give me this gently. With every careful thrust, I’m falling more in love with Kale. Remembering to keep still, I fight the urge to thrust upward. As if sensing my thought, Kale smiles down at me and then picks up the pace. He drops his head to suck on my nipple. When his teeth graze the sensitive tip, I can’t hold back as my hips rise up to draw him back inside of me. He reaches between us to circle my clit with his thumb and that’s all it takes to send me soaring yet again.
My body shakes as I come down. Kale remains still as my pussy clenches around him. Tears pool in my eyes as my mind races to catch up with my body. Emotions run through me as I lay still connected with the man of my every fantasy. Joined as one, he has taken me beyond my own imagination. This is what making love is, a raw connection between two individuals joining together in a passion so real nothing else will ever compare.
Slowly, Kale begins to move again. We are both sweating as he pulls back to rest on his knees with his back straight up rather than laying over me and he lays my ankles on his shoulders. He’s thrusting much deeper now. As he pistons in and out, his balls slap against my ass. It’s something I never would have thought of to do with any other man, but with him I’ll do anything.
“One more, babe, give me one more.”
“I don’t think I can,” I reply honestly, feeling completely overwhelmed but not wanting to miss any opportunity with Kale.
Reaching between us, he spreads my pussy lips apart as he continues to thrust in and out of me. The cooler air hits me as he is still working me over. He grazes his thumb over my sensitive clit causing me to rise up and take him even deeper. That added angle is all it takes and I am trembling as my body continues to milk him. Kale stills and I feel his warm seed fill me.
Pulling out slowly, Kale comes down and tenderly kisses me as he removes the restraints from my wrists. Once I’m free, he sits down on the bed, pulling me over to his lap. He rubs both my wrists and kisses each one before he scoops me up and carries me to his bathroom.
After showering together and a quick change of the sheets, we settle back in his bed. I’m in his boxers and an old t-shirt and he is gloriously naked. Kale settles me in beside
him before kissing me on my forehead.
“This is the best night of my life, Paige. Sweet dreams.”
Unable to stay awake having been fully ravaged by this man, I drift into the most blissful slumber of my life. This can’t be real. Things like this don’t happen for me. Those are my last thoughts as I sleep in the arms of my lover.
I wake up tangled in Kale. Part of me still can’t believe last night was real. My body is deliciously sore and I am in Kale’s clothes, so I know my mind is not playing tricks on me. For once, the future is looking bright.
Looking at the clock, I sigh. As much as I would love nothing more than to spend my day in bed with this man, I have to work today. Since I didn’t bring work clothes with me last night, I’m glad I woke up early on my own.
Reaching up, I run my fingertip across his jaw line, the rough feel of his slight stubble bringing a blush to my body, remembering how it felt against my thighs only hours ago, and I smile into his shoulder as I keep my path across his chin and running my hand lightly over his cheek. Strong features for an even stronger man. He wakes up and looks at me.
“Good morning, beautiful.” Even being groggy, his golden hazel eyes cut right through me, making my heartbeat jump to a seemingly dangerous rate.
“Good morning, handsome. We have to get up. I need to go home to get ready for work.”
He holds me tighter before sighing loudly. He relaxes his grip and I immediately grab the sheet to me in comfort and sit up to look at him, sensing a change in his mood almost immediately. His brow is creased and he no longer looks like his happy self as he was only seconds ago.
“So this is it?” he breathes out, running his hand over his face and through his short hair.
“Huh?” I question, not understanding what he’s getting at.
“I asked for one night. You gave me that. Now I somehow have to find a way to let you go.”
Kale (The Fire Inside #1) Page 12