Every Action (The Gifted Realm Book 3)

by Jillian Neal

  Logan whipped out his phone and Googled sweet breads, before announcing that they would not be ordering that as an appetizer. Everyone laughed and immediately agreed. They settled on a seafood platter and foie gras, something none of them had ever eaten. The waiter retuned with their appetizers and everyone dug in. They’d never eaten lunch, and the macaroons they’d consumed were long gone.

  Logan almost gagged on the foie gras but managed to cover it well as Adeline beamed at him adoringly. They consumed the shrimp, lobster, oysters, and clams and Emily tried the escargot, at Rainer’s urging. He’d eaten it several times with his father and was elated that she enjoyed it as well.

  Rainer tried to eat slowly. He remembered Will and Brooke’s warning that the courses in French meals would be delayed to allow them to be fully enjoyed. He occasionally studied the people seated around him. He thought momentarily that he noticed someone’s Gifted energies. He glanced around nervously, but it was only a slight vibration and it ebbed quickly.

  After taking in the relative cover the corner booth, with a full-length black tablecloth, provided them, Emily gave Rainer a sly, mischievous grin. She slid her hand up Rainer’s leg slightly farther north than she would've done in a restaurant at home. All thoughts of other people in the restaurant quickly left his mind as he shot her a wanton glance and raised his eyebrow at her. She winked at him and then took the straw in her water glass, slid her tongue around it and began to suck as she kept her darkened eyes locked on his.

  His mind whirled. He tuned back to the conversation in time to hear Logan comment, “The best thing about Paris is no one knows us. We can basically do anything we want and not end up in the papers or in Dad’s office.” A slight giggle was Adeline’s only comment. Rainer found himself unable to respond as Emily’s hand slipped further towards his burgeoning erection. Emily laughed and shook her head.

  “Well, I don't think we'll be doing anything too crazy.” Rainer drew another slow sip of the wine and tried to distract himself from the location of Emily’s hand. Logan nodded.

  “I know that, but I mean won't it be nice to go in a store without the Realm Times reporting that you bought a different brand of cereal and does that mean Rainer Lawson is no longer a fan of Fruit Loops. And what will this mean for the Non-Gifted Kellog’s food company? Could this spell disaster?” Logan pretended to hold a microphone in front of his mouth as he commanded his best reporter impersonation. Everyone laughed and agreed with his assessment.

  A bowl of corn soup landed in front of Rainer. As he glanced up to thank the waiter, Emily snatched her hand back and offered her appreciation of the salad placed in front of her. They all dove into the second course and were quiet for several long minutes.

  As she drew another sip of wine, Emily returned the hand she wasn't using for her fork back to Rainer’s leg. She started at his thigh and gained ground quickly. She shifted slightly and crossed her legs differently so he could see more of her leg under the skirt she'd chosen. Challenge lit in the emerald blaze in her eyes.

  Unable to do or say anything, with Logan and Adeline sitting right across from them, his brain made a valiant effort to focus on what they were talking about. Other parts of his body willed her hand to slide higher.

  Rainer was still trying to focus as he took another bite of his soup and bit down hard on the spoon. He tried not to whimper as she discreetly brushed him for a drawn out minute and then slid her hand back down his leg.

  He shot her a pleading gaze. She smirked and gave him a sexy grin before swirling the straw in her glass again with her tongue. He shut his eyes briefly and forced himself to continue eating.

  Emily’s napkin slid off of her lap. Rainer reached to get it for her, but she leaned down first and granted him a glimpse all the way down the very low cut blouse she'd chosen as it pulled away from her chest. She was thoroughly enjoying driving him mad. Rainer cleared his throat and whispered.

  “Em, I'm not gonna make it through the next course if you don't stop.” The dangerous look in her eye told him she had no intention of stopping and that he was done for.

  Emily’s sea bass, her favorite fish, was placed in front of her, as was Adeline’s chicken. Logan and Rainer had ordered steaks, and Rainer’s mouth watered not only from Emily’s flirting but also from the delectable plate of meat and potatoes along with a dish of delicate mushrooms that he’d been served.

  Logan’s brow furrowed as he tried to figure out what Rainer and Emily were talking about. He gave up quickly and cut a large bite of his own steak. He turned to make certain that Adeline was enjoying her chicken.

  Emily took advantage of Logan’s distraction and traced Rainer again. With a wanton, needy gaze, she moved in and grasped him before returning quickly to her meal.

  She certainly wasn’t going to stop; so, Rainer decided if he couldn't stop her he might as well join her. He cocked his jaw to the side and let his eyes smolder over her as he drew a slow sip of wine. After cutting another piece of meat, he slid his right hand to her leg and let his fingers trail under the hemline of the skirt. He watched her cheeks color as he plied her legs. Not to be outdone, she shook her head at him minutely and a triumphant look stole her eyes as she discreetly uncrossed her legs and let his hand fall between her thighs. It startled him as he was trying not to look at her lest she win their unspoken lust filled battle.

  With a quick decision to up the ante, Emily pointed out something on the darkened horizon across the tower from where they were seated. Logan and Adeline turned to look. She grasped him again and whispered how badly she needed to be filled and how hard she wanted to be taken. Her hot breath sizzled on his neck as he swallowed harshly and let the image she’d painted set in his mind. She stopping talking just before Logan and Adeline turned back around.

  “Em, there’s nothing over there. What the hell?” Logan sounded highly irritated. Still reeling from the things she just asked him to do to her and still feeling her hot breath on his neck, Rainer started to demand the check immediately.

  He considered dragging her back to the hotel and throwing her in their bed, but Rainer amended his plans when he reminded himself that he was fully capable of halting an elevator and making certain it didn’t open until he was finished. The savage thoughts took over his brain. After trying desperately to listen to what Logan wanted to do the next day while the girls shopped, Rainer clenched his jaw. Emily continued to swirl her straw with her tongue seductively and shoot Rainer decidedly naughty gazes.

  Mercifully the waiter appeared with their desserts. He placed a delicate chocolate and hazelnut ice cream saucer in front of Emily and a strawberry cake in front of Rainer.

  While laughing victoriously, Emily scooped up a spoon full of ice cream and locked her eyes on Rainer as she began to lick the spoon seductively. She told him how utterly delicious it was and then asking if he'd like to take a bite.

  Rainer glared at her as he plunged his fork into the cake. He was aching. She'd had him turned on for so long he could hardly bear it. He wasn't certain he'd even be able to walk back to their hotel. As he thought about the hotel, he squeezed her thigh again and pushed the skirt higher. Her eyes flashed as she hesitantly pushed his hand back towards her knee.

  “Rainer!” Logan huffed loudly.

  “What?” Rainer shot back.

  “I just asked you like seven times if you wanted to go to the Louvre tomorrow. There’s supposed to be a Gifted section. Will said it was really cool. It’s like you can’t even hear me.”

  “Sorry, uh yeah sure, whatever you want.” Rainer was still not entirely certain to what he’d agreed. His mind was too full of Emily.

  As if she'd cast a spell on the waiter, he appeared with the checks and a bowl containing bright red, candied, cherries complete with their stems. She laughed outright as the waiter set them down and handed Logan and Rainer the checks.

  As he pulled his wallet out of his pocket, Logan glared hatefully at his sister. Adeline excused herself to the restroom and asked Emil
y if she'd like to accompany her.

  “Oh yeah. I'll be right there. You go on,” Emily directed though she never broke Rainer’s stare.

  “Here, I’ll walk you.” Logan huffed angrily. Adeline slid her purse off the back of her chair and moved back towards the entrance. Emily shot Rainer a lust filled, decidedly wanton, grin before drawling the inevitable question that she'd been longing to ask ever since the waiter set down the bowl.

  “Well go ahead with it then.” Rainer chuckled. He was certain he was not going to be able to walk. She raised her eyebrows and lifted the dish.

  “Would you care for a cherry, Mr. Lawson? They’re delicious.” Her voice was low and excited. With the victory most definitely in her sights, she popped the cherry in her mouth, laved it with her tongue, and then slid out of her chair beside him. She made certain he caught glimpses of all of his favorite curves before she joined Adeline in the restroom.

  All I Want, All I Need

  ~Logan Haydenshire~

  Thoroughly impressed with himself for making it all the way back to their suite without reaming his sister out, Logan gave a quick, disdainful wave good night as Rainer dragged Emily into their room. Not that either Rainer or Emily noticed or returned the gesture. He brushed the small of Adeline’s back and guided her through their door.

  She was almost in tears, and Logan reconsidered marching across the hall and screeching at Emily to apologize. He shuddered at the thought of what he might see if he did.

  Logan closed their door resolutely and moved into the room. He decided to leave Emily to Rainer, as he was the only person who could ever get through to her anyway. Logan focused on Adeline.

  He seated himself on the small settee in their suite and caught Adeline’s hand. He guided her to the seat beside him.

  “You ok?” He soothed. While feigning bravery and twisting the already tightly drawn cap on her emotions shut tighter, Adeline gave Logan a forced smile and nodded. It was the first time she’d lied to him about how she was feeling in quite a while. He held her eyes with his own and tried not to let it get to him. He’d thought they were through her lying to cover her emotions. He reminded himself that she only did it because she never thought her feelings were important.

  “Adeline, come on. It’s me, and I know you’re not all right.” He broached the extremely tenuous line between getting her to talk to him by pricking the surface and easing the pain or accidently detonating the blasting cap of a woman’s emotions.

  She shrugged and moved closer to him. She laid her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his long arms around her.

  “I should go apologize.” She sounded terrified and sorrowful. Logan pulled his head away from hers to study her speculatively.

  “Ad, what on earth do you have to apologize for?” He tried to modulate his voice but found it extremely difficult.

  “Emily can always tell when I’m upset. She knows me so well. I don’t want her to worry.” She stood, but Logan stopped her.

  “Good, it’s about time my sister got her head out of Rainer’s ass long enough to use her abilities to do something besides give him a hard-on.” He spat venomously.

  “Logan!” Adeline gasped. Her eyes goggled at his fury. It made him feel terrible.

  “I’m sorry,” he offered, and Adeline attempted to stand again. “Baby…” Logan decided to try a different tactic. “If my little sister still has any clothes on at all, then there is something very wrong with Rainer, ok.” He spelled out the truth of the matter and willed her to talk to him and forget about Emily.

  “I’m really not mad at her.” Adeline pled fervently.

  “Well you should be.” Logan loosened his tie and tossed it aside.

  “She didn’t do anything wrong, Logan. I mean not really.” While unbuttoning the collar of his shirt, Logan shook his head and gave her an incredulous glance.

  “Ad, she was rude, and she completely ignored us all through dinner. More importantly, she completely ignored you, and, quite frankly, I don’t want to see the shows she puts on for Rainer.” He spat with a disgusted shudder.

  With a slight smile, Adeline nodded her agreement.

  “I know, but, I mean, it’s Paris, and she’s so excited. It’s no big deal, really.” Logan knew she desperately wanted him to forgive Emily. She didn’t want him to have a rift with his sister at all and certainly not on her account. He pulled her to him and wrapped her up in his arms again.

  “If anyone, including my little sister, is rude to you, sweetheart, then it tends to piss me off.” He watched a tender smile form on her beautiful face.

  “I know, and you’ll never know how much that means to me, but I don’t want you to be mad at Emily.”

  Logan nodded and forced himself to drop it, for the moment anyway. He kept Adeline tucked in the safety of his protective embrace.

  “So, do you want to get in the bed that’s the size of the barn?” Adeline teased in a hesitant whisper. Logan kissed the side of her head.

  “Sure, baby, maybe by the time we leave we’ll be used to the time difference.” With a sweet smile, Adeline nodded. Suddenly a deep, crimson blush worked up her neck and settled in her cheeks. The sight made Logan’s heart race.

  “Can we maybe not go to sleep?” She stared at the ground. Her voice caught in her embarrassment. Logan was overwhelmed with the sheer amount that she meant to him. A deep, penetrating love washed over him as he watched her ask for him. It was more than he could ever have hoped for. Quickly deciding to pretend he hadn’t noticed her embarrassment, Logan stood and reached for her hand. He pulled her beside him.

  “Do you feel ok, baby?” He hushed as he surrounded her body with his own and let them meld together. He’d only been with her twice since the surgery, and, though she’d repeatedly assured him she was fine, she’d hurt after the first time. He’d insisted that she be examined again before they slept together the next time.

  The Medio had suggested another few days off during her examination.

  “Yes, Logan, I’m fine. I wish you wouldn’t worry about me so much.” With a slight smile, Logan rubbed her back soothingly.

  “Sorry, baby, but that’s my job.”

  “Please, Logan, I’m starting to wonder if you even want to.” She admitted with tears pricking her onyx eyes.

  “Adeline! Baby, how could you ever, ever think that?” His voice was raw from his astonishment. She shrugged and drew a deep breath. Logan kissed her. He concentrated as he tried to read her rhythms. He raised her head, cupped her jaw in his hand, and brushed her lips with his own. Suddenly, he had it. He caught her energy. He leaned in and added to the fervency and the pressure as he studied what he was feeling from her.

  Hesitant hope, desire, worry, apprehension, need, and inadequacy swam deep inside of her in a volatile cocktail.

  “Adeline,” Logan pulled away. He held her face in both of his hands and stared deeply into the obsidian pools of her eyes. “I love you more than life itself, and being with you is the most important thing in the world to me. How could you ever believe for a moment that I don’t want you like that? I ache for you, baby. I ache to hold you against me and to feel you around me. The sweet sounds you make drive me wild. I want that all of the time, baby, every second of every day.” He vowed reverently.

  “Really?” Her disbelief wounded him. Logan had spent the past several weeks assuring her that he loved her whether they could have sex or not and that he wasn’t in need. He’d vowed that he could and would wait for her forever, if she needed him to. Part of his reassurances had been lies. He was desperate to feel her again and to make her feel him.

  “Really.” He vowed just before devouring her mouth again, but the fear was still there. It was something else. He moved slowly and pulled the pins holding her silky, jet-black hair in the twist she’d fixed it in. He watched it spill down her shoulders. She trembled in his arms as he eased the zipper of her dress down her back slowly.

  “Will you just hold me, please?” She clung to him. As
he tried to wade through the frantic energy and moods that were spinning through her, Logan halted his progress.

  “Can I finish undressing you first, baby? Then I’ll take you to bed and hold you for as long as you want, and we can do anything you want to do, but I just want to hold you naked in my arms.”

  Her eyes flashed heatedly as she turned around for him as he continued to free her from the dress. Unable to stop himself he stared at her beautiful body as he revealed it. He took in everything from her shoulder blades, to the curvature of her spine, down to her backside that made him ache to knead it and lift it as he entered her.

  He watched her walk to the bed and pull off the masses of pillows. She pushed back the silk duvet until she located sheets and blankets. After crawling in, she stared back at him. Need and hunger churned in her dark eyes; though, hesitant expectation played on their rims.

  Logan threw off everything he was wearing in a second flat. He moved to her with his heart hammering in his chest. Her breath caught deliciously when the mattress lowered under his weight. He laid back on several of the pillows and encased her in his arms as she laid her head tenderly on his chest.

  “So, you do want to?” She refused to meet his gaze.

  “More than anything else in the world.” Logan vowed again. “But first I want you to tell me what’s got you so upset.”

  “I don’t know.” She buried her face deeper in his chest hiding from the world and from the lies she continued to tell him. Logan’s heart swelled as he held her tightly. To stand between her and the world was all he’d ever wanted, but he didn’t want her to hide from him.

  “Ad, baby, come on.” He urged. “What’s all this about?” He brushed a kiss in her hair and massaged his hands over her body.

  “I just don’t think I could ever do that,” flowed from her mouth in a forced confession.

  Before Logan could ask what she couldn’t do, she continued. “And you saw Rainer. He loved it. I mean she really knows what to do to… you know...get him going or whatever and I….” Tears that streamed down her face cut off her plea.