“How can I be okay, if you’re not there with me?
“Because that guilt you’ve been carrying…” She places her hand over my heart. “That guilt will go away. You did everything you could. You were my rock. My everything. I stayed alive because of you. And now, I’m at peace. I can be with my brother and know the pain I felt won’t be there. I love you so much. I’m letting you go, so you can be with Devan, because she’s your forever. I had the boy and now Devan will have the man.”
“Iris.” Tears roll down my cheek and I can’t look away. “I love you.”
“And I love you. I know I’ll be in your heart and one day we’ll see each other again. For now, you are going back to Devan. To Amber. To Greg. To everyone who loves you and you’re going to live. You’re going to tell Devan how you’re feeling and she’s going to heal you. Love her. Open yourself up to her. You can love both of us and it’s okay.”
“Iris…”
She puts her hand up and gives me another smile. “Bye, Brennan. Go back to where you belong.”
Chapter 14
Brennan
I’ve been home a week, and Devan’s by my side. My injuries are healing, and the family we saved that night is staying with her sister. The fire station will be teaming up with a foundation to build her and her family a new house.
After things were calm, Willa, the woman whose house caught on fire, thanked the crew for our bravery. During an interview, it was stated her husband was a fire chief in her hometown. He served at the fire station for ten years before passing away in a fire, after saving five people. He was a hero. The pain of being in their hometown was too much, so Willa and her children packed up and left. Out of respect for Willa and her family, and in memory of her husband, Chief Hank Hansen, the crew decided to give back—we were going to build them a house.
“Hey!” Devan comes into the bedroom, climbs on top of the bed, and leans over to kiss me. “How are you feeling?”
“Better.” I smile. “Have fun with Amber?”
“Yeah! I actually have something for you.”
Before I can say anything, Devan reaches down over the bed and hands me a box wrapped in a light blue paper.
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
I don’t wait. When I have the paper off the box, I open the lid, and lift the album. I look at Devan, then turn the album cover to see a picture of Devan. The entire album is pictures of her.
She did a boudoir shoot.
Fuck.
Damn.
Holy shit.
“Devan,” I whisper, and carefully look at each picture. “You’re gorgeous. You did this for me?” I look up and see her smiling. She nods and I go back to the pictures. “Fuck, baby. You look beautiful.”
“I have another surprise for you.”
“Another one?”
“Yes.”
I watch her get off the bed and go into the closet. Since the accident, Devan and I are closer than before. She means the world to me and I don’t give a shit if we’ve known each other for a short period of time. I love her. I fucking love her. All of her things are in my room and the room she was in is back to being a guest room.
Devan comes out and her hands are behind her back. She slowly walks over to me and says, “Close your eyes, babe.”
“Okay.” I can’t hold in the laughter so I do as she says. A soft silk wrap covers my eyes—fuck—she’s blindfolding me. “What are you doing?”
“You’ll see.”
There’s more commotion around me, and my dick’s still hard from looking through my present. Images of Devan: naked, or in lace, on top of a bed, or against the wall, flash in my head. Damn. My personal fantasy.
Her fingers untie the blindfold and I slowly open my eyes to see her, standing before me, in lace. In. Fucking. Sexy as sin. Lace.
“Fuck, baby.”
My eyes roam over her barely covered body. The lace hugs her tits in the most distracting way. Then she seductively spins, showing me her lace thong, and fuck, I need her.
God bless whoever invented lace.
Quickly, I’m off the bed, not giving a shit about what she wants me to do, and I grip the back of her neck, pressing my hardness against her stomach. My grip tightens and I pull her mouth to mine. This kiss isn’t anything like before. It’s desperate. Feral. Demanding. Wasting no time, I part her lips with my tongue, and glide it along hers, tilting her jaw to take what I need. What I want.
I open my eyes to see her reaction and her eyes are closed. She’s meeting my need for her lips. Reluctantly, I push her away. I need to make sure this is what she wants and it’s not something I’m dreaming about.
“Are you sure?”
She nods. “I’m so sure. I want this and I want this with you and only you, Brennan. I don’t care if we just met, but everything you’ve done for me will always be in my heart. I love you so much and I almost lost you. I don’t ever want to lose you, and I don’t ever want you to not know how I feel. Take me. Make me yours.”
I gently kiss her again and pull back. “I love you too, baby. You’re never going to know what it’s like without me, because I’m not going anywhere. You’re mine and I’m yours.”
Our eyes steady on one another and I take a step back. “This is going to be on my terms. Understand?”
“Yes.”
“Reach behind and slowly take off your bra. Then slowly take off your thong and hand it to me.”
Devan does as I say and drops the bra near my feet, then goes to remove her thong. The way she’s slowly doing this is driving me fucking crazy. But, damn, she looks good doing it. She hands me her thong, and I bring it to my nose, smelling her desire, savoring the scent.
There’s no more lace clinging to her body. Everything about her is beautiful. Perfect tits. Clean-shaven pussy. Long, tan legs. Everything about her is a masterpiece. And she’s mine. All fucking mine.
I reach out my hand to her and she immediately takes it. Our bodies touch, her chest on my bare chest. I’m still wearing my black boxer briefs and my cock’s begging to be released so he can have fun.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes. Please, Brennan. No more games. No more waiting. I want this.”
I turn her body and lift her in my arms, placing her on top of our bed, then kiss her lips, cheeks, down to her neck, and lower on her body. I kiss her flat stomach and run my tongue over her inner thigh. The quiver of her body trembles on my lips and it’s fucking sexy as hell. The warmth of her body clings to mine. Needing some more time to look at her body, I move away from her and lift her so she’s sitting up. My eyes drink in her smooth curves, and her eyes wander over my body as well. A little smile is on her face as she places her hand on my pec, traveling down to my abs, then back up to the other pec. My eyes close and I suck in a breath. Her touch is soft, gentle, and teasing. I let her touch me. Let her get used to my body. Chills are breaking out. This is the most erotic thing I’ve ever done and I’m doing it with her. Desire is on her face, from the way she’s breathing to the glossiness in her eyes. I stand up and press my hand on her shoulder, guiding her back down on the bed. My fingers trail down the valley between her tits, taking in the warmth of her skin. Her soft skin. My eyes are steadily on hers and I bring my fingers in between her thighs, feeling her wetness.
“Shit, baby. You’re so damn wet.”
Devan moans and I nearly come in my boxers. Shit. Dropping to my knees, I slowly press my finger on her clit, rubbing it in a torturous circular motion. With my other hand I palm her breast, playing with her nipple, seeing the way she arches her back and flutters her eyes closed in a pure, blissful way.
“Brennan…” Devan’s hand grips my wrist and travels down until her finger is touching her clit.
“Do you want me to eat your pussy and watch how you rub your clit, baby?”
“Yes,” she mumbles. “I want that.”
“I need you to tell me what you want,” I demand. “If you don’t tell me then
I won’t know.”
Her cheeks turn red and she looks away before turning back to me. “I don’t know what you want me to say. I want you to do whatever you want with me and be gentle. Whatever you do, I’d like it if you keep your eyes on me. Whenever you look at me, I feel safe. So safe. You’re my safe burn.”
“Anything for you, baby.” I pause and kiss her inner thigh. “Why am I a burn?”
“Because that’s how we met. If it wasn’t for the fire, then our paths wouldn’t have crossed. As much sadness as that night brought, it also gave me you, and for that I’m grateful.”
My tongue laps her wet pussy, tasting her sweetness and savoring each second. I spread her thighs apart more and push my tongue inside her.
“Brennan!” she screams and rubs her clit harder. “Yes, please keep going. Please, please, please.”
I lick her a few more times before getting up and taking off my briefs. I reach into my nightstand drawer for a condom and rip the wrapper. Devan watches the way I roll the condom over my hard cock. Her eyes go wide and the beast inside me loves how she’s adoring me.
“It’s going to hurt at first. I’ll go slow.”
“Okay.”
My body covers her and I guide myself in. “Fuck. Baby, you’re so tight.” I inch inside of her gently and slowly, but I don’t move my eyes from hers. She winces a little then recovers; pure desire is in her eyes. “Shit. I’m all the way in. Are you okay?”
“More than okay. Please, make love to me.”
“As you wish.”
Our bodies move together, and I take my time pushing in and pulling out of her. Devan’s moans are loud and sexy. She doesn’t stop looking at me and I don’t stop looking at her.
“Baby, I’m about to come. Shit.”
“Good. Because I am too. Brennan!”
We find our release and I lean over, kissing her with love and all of me. “I love you, Devan Infranti.”
“I love you, Brennan Hall.”
Epilogue
Brennan
Five years later
My hands capture the woman who has my heart. Pulling her in close, and kissing the side of her head, I whisper, “Did you have fun tonight?”
“Yes.” She smiles and rests her hand on her growing belly.
I place my hand on hers. “How’s my daughter doing?”
Devan laughs and it’s the best sound I love. “She’s doing great. Our tiny dancer was bouncing all over, especially while I was eating that spicy shrimp. I don’t think she’s a fan.”
I kiss the side of her head again. “I warned you. Our daughter’s going to be sassy. We’re going to have our hands full with her.”
I’m holding the best decision I’ve made. Devan Hall is my world. My life. She makes sense.
After everything that happened with Iris, before she passed away, I thought that was supposed to be my life—work and living alone. I was scared to move on. Looking at Iris broke me. The guilt of what happened festered inside me for so long. It was how I functioned until Devan swept me away with her sweet and caring heart.
I visited her grave after I was discharged from the hospital and talked to her. She was in peace and I closed a chapter in my life and moved on to the next. The next one with Devan.
We’ve been married for three years and every moment is a blessing. Every morning she wakes up in my arms and every night I hold her after making love and fall asleep next to the woman who owns me.
We traveled around the world, and I loved seeing the happiness and joy in her eyes whenever we were somewhere new. Before we were engaged, Devan decided it was time to see a therapist and she’s helped her over the years. The sessions weren’t as frequent now, only once a month, or as needed. Devan’s nightmares were gone. She was living and once she started living, it gave me the courage and breath I needed to live. When I thought about my life before Devan, I realized I wasn’t embracing anything…I was just there. Then I found Devan and she put herself in my life. She imprinted my heart. There’s a before and after Devan—our inside joke—BD and AD. That was how I saw my life. Before Devan I wasn’t sure if love was right for me. I wasn’t sure if I wanted a wife or children. After Devan, I wanted it all.
“Seven more weeks until we meet her. Have you thought about any more names?”
Devan shakes her head and holds my hand tighter. “I need to meet her first.”
“So for now we’ll call her Baby H?”
“Yep.” She yawns and snuggles closer into my chest. “I can’t wait until we’re in bed. Are you sure you don’t want to go home tonight?”
Before I answer, the elevator dings, and I pull her out and walk to our hotel room. This is most likely the last time we’ll be together before Baby H comes into our lives. Devan’s Braxton Hicks are becoming frequent. She’s scared to have sex because she doesn’t want me to induce her or have her water break while we make love. Even with all the research I’ve shown her, nothing I say will change her mind. All I want for Devan is to relax and have my full attention.
“Positive.”
The annual work gala for the firefighters, EMTs, and police officers was tonight. Devan brightened the room. She made friends with several of the wives and girlfriends. Every weekend, if I wasn’t working, there was some event we attended.
“Okay. As long as you’re sure.”
I open the door to our suite and place my hand on the small of her back. The lights turn on and Devan gasps.
Thank you, Amber.
There are votive candles around the room and red rose petals on the floor and bed. I press a button on my cell phone and our song, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perry comes on.
“May I have this dance?”
“Our song,” she whispers, and places her hand in mine.
I twirl her and pull her against my body. Our bodies sway to the music and memories of our wedding night come to me.
We danced to this song, as husband and wife, with our family and friends watching. Devan found her foster sister and she was her maid of honor, along with Amber. Our wedding was a fairy tale. No expense was too much. I gave Devan everything she wanted, because she gave me everything I wanted. A king always does anything to please his queen.
“Can you believe we’re married and expecting our first child?”
“Sometimes I think I’m dreaming,” I start to tell her, “then I remember, I am dreaming because you’re a dream come true, baby. Being married to you these past three years has been everything I wanted. Now, we’re getting ready for our next adventure, and that’s with Baby H. I’m going to keep you happy and pregnant. We’re going to keep trying until we have a boy.”
Devan throws her head back laughing. “Seriously?”
“Yes,” I deadpan. “I want a son.”
“Oh gosh, you’re too much. I hope I give you all girls.”
“That’s mean.” I squeeze her side and she breaks into a fit of laughter. “If you give me more girls, then you better be prepared to see me go ape shit whenever they have a date or talk about boys.”
“Oh, and if we do have a boy, what would you do if he has a girlfriend?”
“High-five him.”
“Double standard! Let’s focus on this baby first before we talk about more.”
“Fine.” I give in and twirl her again before pressing my lips to hers. “I love you, Devan Hall. So fucking much.”
“I love you too, Brennan Hall. And I’ll love you from now until infinity plus one, because you’re my world. Everything I am is because of you. Thank you for this beautiful life.”
“No, sweetheart. Thank you for this beautiful life.”
With one more kiss, I pull myself away and get on my knees and kiss her belly. “I love you, Baby H. Daddy’s excited to meet you.”
Baby H kicks and I close my eyes, pressing my forehead against her belly, savoring this moment.
I’m home.
About the Author
S. Moose is a New York Times and USA Today Bestsel
ling author of new adult romance. She writes emotional and romantic stories that will make you swoon, cry, yell, laugh, and love.
She is living her own happily ever after with a man who loves her with his whole heart. She is a proud mother to their beautiful son, and adorable puppy.
When she is not writing you can find her hanging out with her family, and friends, getting lost in romantic books, and indulging on Starbuck lattes.
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BURNING Mistakes
By Aimee Noalane
Editing by Cameron Editing Services
Prologue
No matter the tragedy; from the second they get the call, up until the moment they make it to the scene, all firefighters are praying for is that everyone has made it out safe and sound. More times than most, by the time they do roll onto the scene, the flames are already blazing through the walls and windows, destroying everything in its path.
From the eye of an outsider, they look like chickens, running around with their heads cut off; trying to figure out what they’re supposed to do next.
Hopping out of their trucks dressed in their gear, they unload, prep, and establish security perimeters as they try to assess the situation that’s rapidly deteriorating before our eyes. Deep down, they are just like us; scared and petrified. But within an instant, the structure of their unit settles in and they’re ready to face the burning beast.
Burn Me Anthology Page 48