Hide: Part One (The Black Letters Series Book 1)

by Brooke Page

  “I know you can take care of yourself. It doesn’t mean I still can’t be protective.”

  Grateful for his affection, I smiled.

  ***

  Of course, Becca would have fireworks at her wedding. When I looked around to find her, she was gone, and I clicked my tongue, knowing her and Tyler had used fireworks as an escape.

  “They sure went all out, didn’t they?” Mitch came to my side, his mega-watt smile in full form. His eyes were a touch hazy, buzzed from the alcohol.

  “Wouldn’t be a Stine/Conklin wedding without fireworks.”

  Over two-thirds of the guests were gone by now, allowing for more space on the patio. Leaning into his side and resting my head on his shoulder happened naturally while my body awakened to his scent. He was wearing his sexy cologne, the woodsy smell taking over my senses. Mitch slid me in front of his body, arms wrapping around me from behind while the fireworks flew over the Grand River. My hands clung to his, helping him hold me. I sighed contently, feeling safe in his arms. This felt so right, and the visions of letters and white knuckled hands squeezing my neck evaporated. He was taking my pain away, and I was ready to stop fighting it.

  “Come home with me,” I purred through the crackling of the fireworks.

  “Mmm...” he contemplated in sarcasm. “I actually reserved a room.” My elbow found his stomach, causing him to grunt and chuckle at the same time. “I imagine the bed is big enough for the two of us, even though you didn’t save me a dance.”

  My grin was wide as I tilted my head to look up at him. “Oh, I saved the best dance for you.” His eyes widened fractionally, filling with lust as I licked my lips. My bare skin was begging to be touched by his calloused hands.

  “Shall we go create our own finale?” he suggested, his hand moving lower on my hip. All eyes were on the fireworks, and like Becca and Tyler, now would be the perfect opportunity to make a getaway without anyone realizing we were leaving together. I moved from his embrace, taking his hand to walk through the reception hall and to the hotel entrance. Mitch eagerly followed, barely able to keep his hands off me while we passed by many of our co-workers.

  It was all over once we reached the elevator. Passion hit us in a rush as the doors closed. Mitch lunged for me, pinning me to the mirrored side of the elevator. His mouth crashed into mine, fiercely demanding me to open up for his tongue to explore. My hands were just as crazed, reaching underneath his suit coat, searching for the muscles I’d longed to feel and taste.

  “I’ve been thinking about kissing you ever since we were on Kobiashi’s lot,” he gasped between kisses. I moaned in agreement.

  Thankfully, no one was in the hallway while we were all over each other, finding his room. He pushed me so my back was against the door, pressing his body flush with mine, kissing me madly. Everything inside of us was ready to ravage each other. Mitch fumbled in his pockets, biting my lip as he grabbed the key and finally opened the door. My fingers were working on his buttons as I walked backward through the threshold. Mitch tossed the key on the floor, then slammed the door shut with his foot.

  We were alone now.

  No judging eyes or emotions. I was going to devour him tonight and not worry about what games my mind would play on me in the morning.

  Mitch let out a deep breath as he took me in from head to toe. His stare made me feel alive. Watching him undo the remainder of his buttons while I kicked my heels to the side fed my need for him. I was finally able to see what was beneath those shirts, and the reality was way better than my fantasies. I couldn’t hide the hitch in my breath as his suit jacket and dress shirt fell to the floor. Smooth, taut, tanned skin covered his chest and abdomen with ripples of muscle you’d only see in magazines. His nipple held a bar piercing, and I wanted to run it between my tongue and teeth. He also had a large bandage on his shoulder, and I was curious what was beneath it.

  “Why is your dress still on?” Mitch asked, taking a step toward me.

  Interest in the bandage evaporated. My hands were trembling with anticipation now, grabbing at my dress. I shimmied out of it, leaving me in my lacy thong. I’d almost opted not to wear anything but had decided against it.

  Mitch hissed as his eyes roamed my almost-naked body. “You’re so much hotter than I imagined.”

  I jumped him, letting out a groan of relief as my bare chest met his. My hands grabbed his face, pulling him down for our mouths to explore each others again. Mitch’s palms found my ass, grabbing each cheek while rolling his hips into mine. I gasped into his mouth from the feel of his erection, and my hands reached for the button on his suit pants, frantically yanking them down along with his boxers. Taking my mouth from his, my eyes shamelessly watched as he sprung free. I grinned upward, showing him I approved.

  He smugly winked as he stepped out of his shoes and pulled off his socks. His cockiness normally irritated me, but now only made my grin wider. My hands met his chest, shoving him so he’d fall backwards onto the massive king size bed. He laughed under his breath, moving backward so he was completely on the bed.

  “You have no idea how many times I’ve thought of this very moment,” he rasped.

  My lip twitched in satisfaction. The thought of him daydreaming about fucking me turned me on as much as when I’d fantasized about doing the same to him.

  My thumbs hooked into my panties, sliding them off and tossing them to the side as Mitch watched with hungry eyes. My body felt sexier than ever under his gaze. Slowly, I crawled over his body, straddling him while sitting upright on my knees.

  “Is this what you dreamed about?” I asked seductively, reaching for my breasts and cupping their heavy weight. A soft groan escaped my lips from my own touch, and I couldn’t fathom the damage his large hands were going to do.

  Mitch bit his lip as he watched with fascination, his hands gently finding my thighs, working their way up to my hips. “Yes, except those tits are normally in my mouth,” he growled, suddenly sitting upright.

  I inhaled sharply, my hands finding his shoulders while he nipped his way to each nipple, twirling his tongue in tantalizing circles, then sucking each one harshly between his teeth. My groan was loud and needy, wanting to slam my hips down onto him. Instead, I teased, rubbing the tip against my clit, causing more moans to escape my mouth. Mitch grunted into my breasts, biting the soft skin harder the more I ground my hips. With this speed and need, I was going to come fast and hard. My nails dug into his shoulders as he tugged on my nipple, pushing me completely over the edge and into euphoria.

  Mitch’s mouth left my skin, his eyes wildly watching me ride out my high. “Oh, Jamie, you’re a fucking dream come true.” His hands grasped my waist, forcing me down on his lap.

  “Oh!” I shouted unexpectedly. My head tipped back as my insides spasmed around him, getting used to the large foreign object that had just entered my most sacred place.

  “Oh my God,” he gasped, thrusting his hips upward, then steadied himself deep inside of me. “Don’t move yet,” he begged through panted breaths. “Let me feel you.”

  The lack of movement was torture and a blessing all at the same time. Even though I was soaked, I needed to get used to his size before I could move. My head dipped forward, causing our foreheads to meet. Our warm breath mingled, making a connection that caused my entire body to tremble. The sensations blooming inside me were beyond description. I was consumed by him.

  He slowly lay back on the bed, his hands moving from my waist to my hips, gently coaxing me to move. I started out slow, grinding my hips so as to get used to him. My first orgasm had ridden out in a calm wave, but another was building. My eyes were open instead of screwed shut this time, allowing me to admire his beautiful physique. My hands greedily found his pecs, running down along his abdomen as the roll of my hips intensified.

  Mitch’s breaths were getting shorter with each jump, his eyes never leaving my breasts. They were bouncing now, and his hands couldn’t contain themselves as they reached up, firmly grasping each one
as his thumbs caressed each nipple. Every time he’d pinch and tug them, I’d moan, my hips moving faster.

  “Yes…” I encouraged softly, almost reaching another release.

  “Like that?” he asked, knowing he was causing me to unravel. “You’ve got sexy little nipples that love to be played with.”

  I groaned again. I loved dirty talk, and the way his deep voice was hitching when I’d squeeze him from my insides made me frantic. One more squeeze and I was done for, coming loudly and rapidly.

  “That a girl,” he growled, pressing my hips down as he pumped upward into the contractions of my orgasm. His cock twitched inside of me, making more tremors carry throughout my body, goose bumps forming on every inch of my skin.

  Sated green eyes met mine as I came down from the dance we’d just shared. His hands urged me to lay on his chest. Even though his body was rock hard, he was the best pillow ever, and I didn’t want to move from our position. He was still thick inside of me, one arm protectively wrapped around me as the other grazed up and down my spine. Our hearts were slowing, beating together to the same rhythm.

  He kissed the top of my head, then nuzzled me affectionately. “This is really what I dream about,” he whispered as we drifted to sleep.

  ***

  The gentle rise and fall of Mitch’s chest was a lullaby throughout the night. His massive biceps latched around me helped to make me feel protected. Snuggling into his masculine chest made me feel like I was a part of him, that I would forever be safe.

  His hands began moving more fluidly, gripping me tighter as he snuggled me back. A deep breath escaped his nostrils as though he were inhaling my scent, then exhaled loudly. My head lifted, hoping to greet those hypnotizing green eyes, but I was saddened to find them still closed. The slight smile of contentment on his lips made my heart thump against his.

  After a few moments, his eyelids began to flutter open. “What are you looking at?” he teased, moving his arms so they were behind his head.

  I secretly pouted because his hands weren’t on me anymore.

  “Just the sleaze ball I slept with last night.”

  He laughed under his breath. “Let’s not forget that sleaze ball gave you two orgasms.” His hand found my hair, moving the few stray strands behind my ear. “I like when you smile.” My chin tilted downward trying to hide my grin. “I like when you blush even more.”

  I nipped his pec. “I’m so not blushing.”

  His other hand found my face, forcing me to meet his smirk. “Yes, you are,” his voice was soft, yet teasing.

  I sat up, grabbing both his wrists while I straddled him. “Don’t make me have my way with you again.”

  He twitched beneath me, causing my brow to raise. “Jamie Rae, I will forever let you have your way with me.”

  A devious smile escaped me as I began grinding my hips down onto his lap. He groaned in excitement, tipping his head back as his hands caressed my thighs. “But I need to use the restroom first.”

  “Such a tease,” he grumbled, smacking my ass as I hopped off him. I couldn’t contain my giggle as I found the bathroom.

  Last night had felt amazing. I was so happy in his arms. Even though we both had some alcohol in us, it was real, and I could see myself getting lost in him on a regular basis. After cleaning myself up and tending to morning bathroom needs, I seductively walked back into the room.

  Mitch was lying on his stomach hugging a pillow while playing with his phone. The blanket was covering his perfect behind, and I couldn’t help but pull the blanket back so I could get a good look. My eyes widened at the rounded muscles. I’d always been a sucker for a man with a nice ass. Unable to resist, I squeezed his butt with my palms as I straddled his thighs.

  He flexed his muscles, not moving his eyes from his phone. “It’s nice, isn’t it?”

  I laughed at his smug comment, then smacked his very nice ass hard, getting an ouch out of him. I moved my body upwards so I was sitting on his lower back, my hands massaging his defined shoulders and back muscles.

  His head dipped as he set his phone to the side. “That feels amazing,” he sighed as his muscles went from tense to mush after a few moments. My body was starting to heat up from the little grunts he’d let out every time my hands found a knot.

  Mitch turned his head away from the pillow so I could see half of his face. “It’s called dyscalculia.” My hands stilled for a moment but then continued. “I mean, I have it, dyscalculia. It’s a numbers thing.”

  His embarrassment was clear by the way he stumbled over his words. “It’s like dyslexia, but with numbers. I always mix them up, mainly reading them backwards. I always played it off like it was nothing, copying the smart kids whenever I could. A teacher finally pointed it out during my freshman year. They always passed me along. I was a little shit, so my bad behavior stood out more than my crappy math skills. I did great in any other subject as long as numbers weren’t involved.”

  He sighed, as though a huge weight had been lifted off his chest. “It got harder when my dad wanted me to get into the family business. Working for an architect’s firm isn’t the best place for someone with dyscalculia.”

  My hands stilled on his back. “Your parents know you have it, right?”

  Mitch rolled, causing me to move off him. He sat up, leaning against the headboard while I hugged a pillow to my chest. “They know, but it doesn’t mean they understand it. Mom does, but RJ thought it was a joke and something I’d outgrow, so he put me on-site and hired an ‘assistant’ to help me. I’m not a fool—I know Tony’s really who they go to when they have questions.”

  My eyes found my lap. Mitch knew what everyone said behind his back. Guilt filled me for thinking he was an idiot for so long. “You are good at what you do, Mitch. You build these structures and know all about tools and codes. I’d be totally lost.” Mitch gave me an unsure grin as he hugged his chest.

  “What happened to your arm?”

  He looked down at it as he stroked the bandage I noticed last night with his thumb. “Nail gun. Must not be that good with tools.” We both chuckled.

  Mitch grabbed his mysterious black notebook from the nightstand beside us and set it in front of me. “This is my cheat book. I typically have it on me at all times.”

  Taking a moment, I looked at it, itching to open and read its contents. He nodded as though he was reading my mind. Tucking my hair behind my head, I flipped open the book to find numbers written out with specific details of where the numbers belonged.

  “Now I know why you wanted this notebook so bad.”

  “That app will help,” he said softly. “Thank you for finding it. I know I wasn’t very grateful when you first showed me.”

  “I should have done it in private.”

  Mitch shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. I doubt anyone noticed.”

  “So your brothers don’t know?” I was surprised. If his parents knew, why did they keep it a secret? But then again, none of my younger siblings had any idea about my poor decisions.

  “Nope. It’s odd to have one son who is a genius with numbers, and one who has no fucking clue.” He was trying to hide his sadness with humor.

  My hand reached for his cheek, stroking his stubble. “Your family found your strengths. Besides, could you see Tyler or Nathan on-site?” Mitch laughed. His brother was brilliant with numbers, but had probably never held a hammer in his life.

  Once our laughter subsided, Mitch covered my hand with his then pulled it to his lips, giving it chaste kisses.

  “Thank you for telling me,” I sighed, enjoying the feel of his lips on my skin.

  “I’ve never talked to anyone about it.”

  My heart beat rapidly for him, secretly loving the fact that he could confide in me. I wanted to hold him now, give him a part of me in return. Moving the pillow to the side, I swiftly straddled his lap, my arms wrapping around his shoulders as I kissed him. His lips moved calmly against mine, not rushing like we had the night before.

/>   His hands moved past my stomach and up my rib cage, fondling each breast gently while his mouth tasted mine. When his thumbs brushed my nipple, I groaned softly into his mouth, my hands attempting to grab his hair. One hand worked my breast while the other made a trail to my collarbone at the base of my neck.

  He pulled back, watching me as his hand grazed higher. My breath became shallow, but not from the way his calloused hands were bringing me to life. The deep breath I released when his hand moved to cup the back of my neck didn’t go unnoticed.

  “You don’t like your neck to be touched, do you?” His eyes were kind as the words left his mouth.

  My eyes closed instinctively. Mist would form on them soon as flashbacks of Rod strangling me for his pleasure would consume my brain.

  “Can I kiss it?” he asked gently, moving his lips to my shoulder, slowly opening his mouth to taste my heated skin. “You’ve got such a beautiful neck, long and elegant. I’ve always wanted to kiss it.”

  I gulped, my hands moving in circles on the back of his neck like I would do on the front of mine for comfort. Gradual kisses formed on the base of my neck, mildly working their way upwards to my jaw. I held my breath, shivers moving throughout my entire body with each pluck of his lips. Mitch kissed his way to my mouth, tilting his head so it was against mine.

  “Your heart’s racing.” A shaky breath escaped me, unsure what to think of how smooth his lips felt against my invisible scars. “You can tell me anything,” he murmured, moving his hands to cradle my head. “Something is tearing at you from the inside, I can tell. Let me take away your pain, Jamie.”

  Tears fell from my closed eyes, rolling down my cheeks and onto his chest. His bulky arms wrapped around me, cocooning me while I tried to catch my breath. He could read me like a book, and I wasn’t sure if he could stay safe with me in his arms.

  “Your wounds have to bleed before they can heal,” he whispered, holding my trembling body.

  With shaky words through sniffles I said, “How do you know I haven’t already bled out my demons?”