“This wouldn’t be your attempt to distract me now would it?” he asked against my lips.
I simply smiled and kissed him again until our breathing was labored. “Better get you home before we get arrested for indecent exposure,” he growled as he pulled away.
“This is hardly indecent,” I scoffed.
“It’s about to be,” he answered, his fierce eyes making my toes curl.
“Oh,” I breathed.
“We’re not done talkin’,” he warned as he closed my passenger door and came around the front of the truck.
I was afraid of that.
We drove to his place in comfortable silence as I looked out the window mulling over the past few days and what a whirlwind they had been. When we walked into his place I was momentarily stunned as I eyed the boxes of my things piled in the corner. Taking a look around the room, I noticed that my favorite throw blanket was now on his couch. My books were sitting on the media cabinet. I noted more boxes when I entered the master bedroom.
“Um, this doesn’t look like you grabbed just a few of my things,” I noted, my voice sounding a bit panicky.
He came to stand behind me placing his hands on my shoulders, “No, it’s basically all of your things,” he admitted, undeterred by my impending freak out. “I wanted you to be comfortable here, babe. Now all your things are here. I left the unpacking to you so that you can put your things where you want them. I just cleared some space in my dresser and the closet,” he said as he shrugged, as though he were talking about something as casual as what we were going to have for dinner.
“But…we’re not moving in together,” I protested.
He grinned. “You just haven’t agreed yet.”
“But,” I protested again completely at a loss.
He moved to stand in front of me stooping down slightly so that we were eye to eye. “You still have your apartment darlin’, for as long as you want it. All of these things can easily be moved back there in a few hours if need be,” he assured me. “Hell, if it makes you feel better don’t unpack,” he said nonchalantly, though I could tell the idea bothered him. “I don’t want you to feel trapped, but I do want you here with me and I want that badly,” he admitted.
I bit my lip looking beyond him at the boxes. Part of me wanted that badly, too. There wasn’t anywhere else I’d rather be than sleeping beside Cole every night. But it was so fast and there was so much already muddling my head. I just didn’t have it in me at the moment to process it all. I couldn’t even tell him I loved him, though I did with everything I had.
Instead of sharing all of this I simply nodded, ready to accept the compromise. He took me in his arms gently and kissed the top of my head. “What do you feel like doing?” he asked quietly.
I sighed. “Honestly, I’m exhausted. If I’m going to work tonight I’d better rest today,” I told him. Between my hospital stay and sleeping in so many unfamiliar places the last few nights, I hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep in close to a week.
He was quiet for a moment and I could tell he was biting his tongue about my plan to go to work. Instead he nodded. “Okay, to bed with you then,” he said gently.
“Would you lay with me for just a little bit?” I asked while meeting his tender gaze.
“Sure,” he agreed with a small smile.
I gingerly removed my clothes, slipped into a long nightshirt that was soft on my skin, and I crawled under the covers. It was just after noon, but I had no doubt I could sleep the day away. Cole crawled in beside me after removing his T-shirt and jeans. I immediately rolled on my good side toward his reassuring warmth. He smelled so good, and despite my exhaustion and throbbing side I felt the familiar tingle between my legs as his hand stroked my hip. I felt his firm body beneath my fingers, and I allowed my hand to wander from his chest down to his washboard abs, then to his thigh, teasing him slightly. I heard his quick intake of breath and I smiled to myself as my cheek lay pressed against his chest. There was no mistaking the swell that immediately filled his boxer briefs. I felt wetness between my legs at the sight and I reached out to stroke him.
“I thought you were tired,” his deep voice rasped.
“Not that tired.”
“Fuck. Thank God,” he hissed through clenched teeth as I began to stroke him. He wrapped his hand around the back of my head, pulling my lips to his. His tongue met mine and the kiss went wild, all traces of subtlety gone. It had been several days since we’d been together and the forced abstinence was clear in his kiss. He growled into my mouth as my grip got firmer around him. He pulled my hand away, moving over me, his mouth covering my nipple over my nightshirt.
I arched off the bed sighing in pleasure as he sucked me further into his mouth. He moved down my body sliding my panties down my legs and tossing them to the floor. Then his mouth was on me, and he licked and sucked until I was crying out his name.
“Cole,” I called, my voice ragged. “I need you inside me,” I begged desperately.
He lifted his head and his intense gaze met mine. Something passed between us in that moment. His gaze was filled with a promise, not only of the moments to come but of something far more. I couldn’t say how I knew that, I just did, and the knowledge of it nearly moved me to tears.
“Now, please,” I called again.
He moved up over me, careful not to touch or rub against my bad side and slowly guided himself inside of me.
“You feel so good, baby,” he groaned.
“Harder,” I demanded raggedly as he glided in and out.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” he replied, his own voice hoarse.
“You won’t,” I assured him, wrapping my legs around him, pulling him into me.
Any trace of self-control he’d been holding onto was quickly abandoned as he slammed into me, eliciting a noise from my throat that I didn’t even recognize. It was only moments before I felt a wave of ecstasy that rose up and crashed back down, sending such forceful shocks through my body that a single sob escaped.
“Fuck,” I heard him gasp before he followed close behind me, collapsing onto my good side, his breath warm on my neck. “Okay?” he asked, his voice ragged.
“Yeah,” I breathed, still trying to come back fully to my senses.
He rolled off of me and pulled me toward him, tucking me into his side. Being tucked close to Cole where I felt so safe and protected, I was able to forget my troubles momentarily and just breathe him in. How I ever thought I could do without this was beyond me. He stroked my hair as we lay not speaking and I felt myself begin to drift off.
When I woke up it was dark outside and I bolted upright in a panic. I’d completely over slept. It was nearly six o’ clock--I should have been out the door already.
“Shit,” I hissed pulling on my jeans and whirling around the room looking for my shirt.
Cole came to lean in the doorway, his arms crossed over his broad chest.
“I’m late,” I exclaimed unnecessarily. “Why didn’t you wake me up?” I demanded, finding my work shirt in a heap near my suitcase.
“Because you needed to sleep. I called your boss, he agreed that you need at least another night off to recuperate,” he explained calmly.
“What? You called Pete?” I demanded while still topless, holding my shirt in my hand. “Why did you do that? I told you that I need to work!” I said feeling somewhat desperate. My bills were piling up. I didn’t have the luxury of an extra night to recuperate.
“And I told you to take more time,” he replied, his eyes doing a body sweep. “You need to change your bandage,” he added calmly.
“Fuck my bandage. I’m going to work,” I huffed, trying to hide my wince as I pulled my shirt a bit too roughly over my body.
“For Christ’s sake you’re going to reopen your fucking wounds. Would you please relax?” he growled.
“You relax!” I exclaimed. “I have rent to pay, a car payment! My utilities will get turned off. And I haven’t even allowed myself to think about t
he hospital bills,” I cried as I tried to whirl past him to the bathroom.
“Is that what this is about?” he asked, his tone gentle with sudden understanding, his grip firm on my arm not allowing me to pass.
I blew out a frustrated breath and met his gaze. “Of course it is. You think there’s some sort of magic solution to paying bills aside from working?” I demanded and immediately narrowed my eyes when I saw his expression. “Oh no. No way.” I shook my head adamantly. “I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time, Cole. I don’t need any charity,” I added coolly.
“Jesus you’re a pain in the ass,” he sighed while looking up at the ceiling as though for divine providence. “It’s not charity, babe. I love you. You’re mine to take care of and that’s what I’m going to do whether you fight me kicking and screaming the whole way or not.”
“You’re not paying my bills,” I demanded.
“Too late.” He seemed to be enjoying this.
“What do you mean too late?” I cried shrilly. “You can’t just take over like that!” I ranted. “It’s my decision when I work and how I pay my bills. Emphasis on I,” I bit out, shaking my arm out of his grip. I couldn’t say for certain why the fact that he wanted to take care of me financially panicked me to such a degree. Maybe it was that I was afraid of relying on him. Maybe it was the testament of what this type of gesture meant. Either way, I was panicking.
“Babe, relax,” he said again.
“I can’t relax,” I gulped. “I can’t get used to this.”
“Used to what?” he asked gently.
“Used to someone else taking care of me. The only person who ever did was my dad and then he was just… gone,” I gulped again, trying hard to swallow the lump in my throat. “It’s hard enough to know I love you,” I said before I could get the words back. “And now you want me to unpack and I just can’t think about…”
“What did you say?” he interrupted quietly.
“About unpacking?” I asked, feigning innocence and looking away from him as he pulled me close.
He put his finger under my chin forcing my gaze to his. “Before that.”
“Oh, you mean the loving you part?” I whispered.
“Yes that.” He grinned, his eyes shining.
“Well, yeah,” I admitted lamely. “Of course I do,” I added quietly. As scary as it was, it felt good to say it out loud, like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.
“Were you thinkin’ of sharin’ that anytime soon?” he asked with a raised brow.
“I just did,” I defended.
“A slip of the tongue doesn’t count.” He chuckled, moving us backward toward the bed.
“What are you doing? I have to get ready for work,” I protested as his lips found my neck and made my knees quake. I was quickly losing my will power.
“Already told you, you’re off the schedule for tonight. Now, you just told me you love me and I’m going to take you to bed to show my appreciation,” he told me, his voice low and full of promise against my skin.
“You are so bossy,” I grumbled, though the fight had clearly gone out of me.
“Yeah, but you love it,” he smiled as his body landed on top of mine.
He was right of course, but there was no way I was admitting it.
Chapter Twelve
The next few weeks passed with very little drama. I wasn’t thrown from any moving vehicles or kidnapped. My bruises and skin had healed, and I was relieved to look like myself again.
Cole and I found a comfortable rhythm with our living situation. I had to admit that his place had begun to feel more like home, despite the fact that I hadn’t unpacked any of my boxes. I knew it was largely due to my stubbornness, but I also wanted a chance for us to settle into something that felt like normalcy before I took that plunge. The only minor flare-ups that erupted involved my work schedule. Cole really didn’t like when I worked the late shift, but I was adamant. He’d already paid one month’s worth of my bills and that wasn’t happening again. So one of the guys took me to work and picked me up when Cole wasn’t available. Other than that, I loved being under the same roof as Cole. I loved coming home to him and having him come home to me. It felt natural, and I was happier than I’d ever been in my life. I was trying not to let that scare the crap out of me.
I heard the garage door and the rumble of Cole’s Harley as I put the groceries away that I just bought. It was Friday evening and Wes had been nice enough to take me to the store so I could cook dinner for Cole and me. I hated relying on someone to take me places, but the guys had all been so generous and patient about it.
“Hi, babe,” he greeted, kissing my neck as I put away a six pack in the fridge.
“Hi. I thought I’d cook dinner.” I smiled up at him.
“Sounds good I’m starved,” he said while grabbing a beer. I watched his eyes sweep the room, eyeing my unpacked boxes without comment as he did every evening. I knew it bothered him that I hadn’t unpacked but he hadn’t brought it up. “Who took you to the store?” he asked, his eyes returning to me.
“Wes,” I answered as I put a pot of water on to boil.
He nodded without comment, his gaze returning to my boxes.
“He’s having some people over later – want to head over there after dinner?” I asked hopefully. I was in the mood to let loose after feeling a bit like a caged animal all week.
“Alright,” he agreed.
He sat with me while I whipped up some pasta, garlic bread, and salad. Nothing fancy, but he seemed to appreciate every meal I made.
“Pop took another meet with the Sinners,” he shared after we dug in.
“Oh?” I asked curiously. There hadn’t been any news on Jake or Victor but that wasn’t for lack of effort. I knew Cole and the boys were spending a majority of their time hunting. It worried me, especially when Cole was gone late into the night. But Cole was not the type of man you could voice concern over. He had his pride and I respected that.
“The only good to come out of this shit is that it brought the clubs back together. We have the same agenda and priority, to bring those mother fuckers down. You have our protection and theirs as well. Not that I’d let any of those boys take direct responsibility for you,” he shared. “Years back it was far more beneficial for both clubs to work together so once this storm has passed, I see good things,” he added taking a swig of beer.
“Did they vote in the new prez?” I asked. Cole had gotten word that the Sinners would be voting any day now.
“Yep, it’s Henry,” he said as he grinned.
I grinned back, they couldn’t have picked better. “Finally someone deserving of the title,” I sighed, feeling a relief that surprised me. “My dad would love that,” I added quietly.
Cole reached over and took my hand in a brief squeeze.
“I wish you could have met him. He would have loved you,” I said, meeting his gaze.
“Me too, babe,” he agreed while giving me another squeeze before returning to his meal. That was his way of giving me a second with my thoughts and I loved him for it.
Later that night Connie, Ettie, Kat, and I were hanging out in Wes’s backyard drinking beers. I felt utterly content to be with my girlfriends and to watch my man from across the fire pit. He stood talking with Sal, his gaze sweeping over to me every few minutes. My stomach pitched every time our gaze met. I wondered if he’d always have such a powerful effect on me, though I felt pretty confident that he would. When he looked at me with that blue-eyed, intense stare, I felt like we were the only two people in the world.
“You have it bad,” Connie said as she giggled and I tore my eyes from Cole and blushed.
“Yeah, I do,” I admitted shamelessly.
“You’re no better,” I teased, throwing my bottle cap at her. She and Wes were constantly affectionate—it was almost nauseating.
“I know, I know,” she said as she laughed.
“I wish Sal was more affectionate in public,” Kat grumbled. It h
ad been one of the points of contention between them.
“Have you seen the way he looks at you?” I asked her with a reassuring smile. “He may not be overly affectionate around us, but no one would doubt the way he feels,” I assured her.
“True,” Connie backed me up with a smile.
We grinned at each other just as gunshots rang through the night air. It was as though time stopped when I saw Cole, Wes, Mack, and Sal rush to us as screams and chaos broke out around us. Cole’s hard body hit me like a truck as he threw me to the ground and covered me with his body. I was collected enough to see that the other guys were doing the same. Even in my panicked state I registered how lucky we were to have such loyal, protective men. It was seconds after the blasts stopped that Cole heaved me up and pulled me to the house almost roughly, shielding me with his body the entire time. He looked me over, his eyes sweeping my body to make sure I was okay before his eyes turned with fury toward the street.
“Mack’s hit,” Sal informed us harshly looking nearly as pissed off as Cole did. All the men were seething at the blatant attack on the club and its women.
“Mother fucker. How bad?” Cole demanded.
“Shoulder, not life threatening. Got hit shielding Ettie. Better him than her. Hank’s coming to take him to the ER once we give the all clear,” he said, his eyes glimmering with anger.
“Good,” Cole said, pulling his phone out and in a few short words delivering the news to his father.
He hung up and turned to me. “You okay?” he asked, his tone harsh. This was not a time for soft assurances.
I managed to nod.
“Stay here,” he ordered.
“What? You’re leaving?” I asked incredulously.
“Wes, Tag, Xander, you’re with me,” he ordered instead of answering me. “Sal, Axel stay with the women,” he barked, his anger palpable.
My body was shaking from the shock of being shot at. The fact that Cole was leaving to head directly into the source of danger did nothing for my nerves.
Cole (The Ride Series) Page 14