Callous Heir

by Michelle Heard

  Taking a deep breath, Carla nods. She lifts her arms and wraps them around my neck, and then she hugs me tightly. I hold her against me and press a kiss to her neck, trying to offer her comfort the only way I know how.

  Chapter 11

  CARLA

  Waiting for news is torture. I keep alternating between fearing the worst and hoping my phone will ring any second to tell me Forest and Aria are okay.

  My cold is totally forgotten as I try to remember my last words to them, but I can’t. I can’t recall what they wore when they left.

  My eyes burn from staring at nothing, and my lips are dry from crying.

  Noah stirs, and I feel his breath skim over my hair, then he says, “Let me call Kao.”

  I shift off his lap, and my muscles ache from sitting still so long. I check my phone for the hundredth time, and seeing no missed calls or texts, my heart sinks even deeper into a pit of despair.

  I watch Noah dial Kao’s number, then he clears his throat and says, “Hey, any news?” There’s a moment’s silence, and his eyes dart to me. “Yeah, we’ll be there in a couple of minutes.”

  When he ends the call, he says, “Kao says everyone is heading to their place so we can be together while we wait for news. They haven’t heard anything yet.”

  I nod and go to my room to put on shoes and grab a sweater. When I walk back into the living room, Noah takes my hand. He links our fingers as we walk out of the suite.

  I feel relieved that we’re going to Fallon’s. Getting out of the suite makes me breathe a little easier.

  The moment I see Fallon, the tears come again. I rush to her, and we hug each other tightly for a long moment. Knowing I have to be strong for her, I pull back and ask, “How are you holding up?”

  She shakes her head, and with a quivering chin, she says, “I’m not. I’m going to lose my mind.”

  Jase comes in and walking right to us, he wraps his arms around both of us. “I just spoke with Uncle Mason. He says they’ve found a girl, but they need to dig through the rubble to get to her. Let’s hope it’s Aria.”

  “What about Forest?” Fallon gasps, her face crumbling with tears. “Oh God. Where’s Forest?”

  Just then her phone rings and she hurries to answer it. “Daddy?”

  She listens for a moment, and then she begins to sob heartbreakingly.

  No. No. No.

  My blurring eyes are locked on her, and when she ends the call, she buries her face against Jase. “They think they’ve found him, but he seems to be unconscious. They’re working on getting to them.”

  I feel a hand on my shoulder, and then Noah’s chest presses against my back. He wraps his arms around the front of me and rests his chin on my head. Bringing my hands up, I grip hold of his forearms as I try to draw strength from him.

  The air is tense and filled with worry. My stomach begins to burn from all the concern eating away at me.

  When Hunter and Jade arrive, it feels like a grim shroud of death is dropped over all of us. We gather together in the living room, and as Noah sits down, he again pulls me onto his lap. I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my cheek against his shoulder. My gaze keeps drifting from Hana to Fallon and Kao, to Jase and Mila, to Hunter and Jade.

  Fallon’s phone begins to ring, and it has us all jerking from the sudden sound.

  “Daddy?” Again she listens, and then her eyes drift closed, and a breath shudders from her. “Okay… okay… love you.”

  Before she can tell us what Uncle Falcon said, Hunter’s phone rings.

  “Aria!” Hunter darts up. “Are you okay?” He lifts a hand to his brow, and then he slumps back on the couch. “But you’re okay?” He shuts his eyes and sucks in a deep breath. “I’m sure he’ll be okay. I love you.”

  Jase’s phone beeps, and then mine. I hurry to check the message.

  Dad: Talking with Uncle Falcon. They’ve found Forest and Aria. Aria’s fine. Forest has been rushed to the hospital, but he seems stable. Will call in a couple of minutes.

  “They’ve found them,” Jase says, and a collective sigh escapes around the room. “Forest has been taken to the hospital. He’s stable, though. We’ll know more soon.”

  We’re all overwhelmed with relief, and I bury my face against Noah’s neck as the emotions wash over me.

  When we finally get the news that Forest has a broken arm and four broken ribs but that he’s okay, I’m exhausted to my core.

  It’s as if the worry burned through all my energy.

  “You should all stay the night,” Kao says. “Grab a guest room or a couch. I’ll put out some pillows and blankets.”

  Everyone leaves to find a spot to rest, then Noah says, “Want to crash here?”

  I nod. “I’m good with anywhere.” I get up and say, “I’m just going to get a glass of water. Do you want some?”

  Noah shakes his head as he kicks off his shoes before stretching out on the couch.

  When I come back from drinking water, I sit down on the other couch, and when I’ve taken off my sneakers, Noah murmurs, “Come over here.”

  I move to where Noah’s lying, and he tugs at my hand, so I’ll lie down. I crawl over him and positioning half my body over his, I rest my hand and cheek on his chest.

  “Thank you, Noah.”

  He places a hand against my cheek, and then I feel him press a kiss to my hair. “Try to get some sleep.”

  I nod, and listening to his heartbeat, it doesn’t take me long to drift off.

  NOAH

  It’s been a rough week for everyone, but Forest and Aria are finally back home. Forest has some healing to do, but at least they survived the disaster.

  Walking into the living room, I see Carla’s lying on one of the couches, watching Shrek with Forest and Aria. I drop down on the other open couch, and just as I get into the movie, Carla’s face suddenly hovers above mine. She almost gives me a damn heart attack because she snuck up on me.

  Then she impersonates Donkey, “I hate it when you’ve got somebody in your face, you trying to give them a hint, and they won’t leave. Then there’s that big awkward silence… you know…”

  I struggle not to laugh as I stare up at her. She’s so damn cute when she mimics an animation.

  “Can I lie with you?” She even pulls an adorable face.

  Teasing her, I grumble, “Nope.”

  Carla pouts down at me, and it fills me with the urge to kiss her. “Can I lie with you… Please.”

  “Fuck,” I mutter because I can’t kiss her right now. I continue teasing her, “You’re not going to stop, are you?”

  “Nope.”

  “Fine,” I huff.

  Carla comes to lie down half over me and rests her head on my chest. She lets out a happy sigh. “Not so bad, is it?”

  I shake my head. “You’re not the one being used for a pillow.”

  Then she snuggles into me. “My favorite pillow.”

  The now-familiar emotions ripple through me before I turn my gaze back to the TV.

  I rest my arm over Carla and begin to brush my fingers over her arm, taking in the feel of her soft skin. We’re not even halfway through the movie before she falls asleep with her fingers curled into my shirt.

  I’m overly conscious of her body pressing against mine, and it makes need ripple through my abdomen. It’s getting hard to take things slow with her. Then again, we’ve technically been dating a week. Not that we’ve done much dating with what happened to Forest and Aria.

  When Shrek is almost done, I close my eyes and pretend I’ve fallen asleep as well. I listen as Forest and Aria turn off the TV and lights before they head toward the hallway. I wait a couple minutes longer, then I open my eyes again.

  Now that we’re alone, I shift a bit down, so I’m more comfortable and wrapping both my arms around Carla, I let out a contented sigh and drift off to sleep.

  I feel the heat from her body as she lies half over me. My hand keeps trailing up and down her arm, her skin as soft as silk beneath my fi
ngers.

  Carla glances up at me, and seeing the desire in her eyes, my self-control is non-existent. Taking hold of her jaw, I crush my mouth to hers. Her moan reverberates into me as her hand moves from my chest, slipping under my sweatpants. Her fingers wrap around my cock, and she begins to stroke me, making my body go up in flames with need for her.

  “Noah,” she moans…

  I wake up with one hell of a start, my heart pounding in my chest. It takes me a moment to realize I’m lying on the couch with Carla, and it was only a dream. Instantly disappointment wells in my chest because it felt so real… so good.

  Carla stirs, pressing her body against mine, and her arm tightens around me.

  My cock hardens to the point where it’s bordering on painful. I have no doubt it would take only a matter of seconds for me to come if Carla were to wrap her fingers around my cock.

  She pushes her body closer and moves her leg over mine, and it makes her thigh push against my cock. A burst of pleasure shoots through me, making my body jerk.

  You want to take it slow with her.

  You want to take it slow with her.

  You want to…

  Carla moves her thigh higher until she covers my cock, and it ceases all brain activity for me. She glances up at me, and she must see the desire on my face because she pushes herself up. When she straddles me and her pussy presses down on my cock, I grab hold of her hips.

  Pleasure makes me stiff as fuck, and I can’t stop myself from thrusting up against her, needing more friction.

  Some brain activity returns, enough for me to mutter, “Even though we’re in a relationship…” She rubs herself against my cock, making it impossible for me to finish my sentence.

  “Yeah?” Carla places her hands on my jaw and leans closer. “What about it?”

  She pushes down on me, and I only manage to moan, “I wanted...” I tighten my grip on her hips, “to take it slow.”

  Carla stops moving, and her eyes lock on mine. “Do you want to wait?”

  “Not anymore. We…” Her mouth crashes against mine, and then I figure we’re done talking.

  Carla’s tongue slips into my mouth, and I move my hand to the back of her neck as I tilt my head. Our lips work each other into a frenzy, hunger in every nip, every tug, every suck.

  I can feel the heat from her pussy right through our clothes, and lowering one hand to her ass, I push myself up into a sitting position. Breaking the kiss, I say, “Wrap your legs around me.”

  Carla doesn’t hesitate, and when I stand up with her in my arms, she begins to rain kisses down my neck until she sucks on my pulse. My fingers dig into her ass as I walk us to her room. I shut the door before carrying her over to the bed. When I lay her down, our eyes lock. The heat in her gaze makes me lose my mind, and the need to consume her overwhelms me.

  I push my hand inside her sweatpants and panties, and cupping her pussy, I growl, “Do you want this?”

  Carla nods, and she instantly begins to rub her clit against my palm.

  I massage her, taking in the feel of her warm skin, and it’s intoxicating. I lean into her and bite her bottom lip before sucking on it. Then I ask, “Are you sure because once I start, I won’t be able to stop?”

  She reaches for my shirt, muttering, “I’ve waited years for this. If you ask me one more time if I want it, I’m tying you to the bed.”

  I pull my hand free from her pants and help her take off my shirt. While I drop the fabric to the floor, Carla yanks her own t-shirt over her head.

  I unclasp her bra and then grab hold of her hands. Pushing them down on the mattress above her head, I tie the fabric around her wrists. Bringing my gaze back to hers, I murmur, “Don’t try to free your hands and keep them there. I’m going to take my time exploring every inch of you.”

  Carla nods, her breaths already coming fast over her parted lips.

  I move my arm under her back and lift her from the bed. Her breasts rub against my skin, and it causes a rush of blood to surge through my heart. I shift her up the mattress before laying her back down, and then I slip my fingers into her waistband and pull her sweatpants and panties down her legs.

  When I have her naked, I kneel between her legs and sit back so I can admire her body. Her plump breasts and pebbled nipples beg me to suck them. Her curves make my hands itch, and the V between her legs makes my cock harden until it feels like I might explode.

  The emotions feel primal, and I’m consumed with the need to dominate and worship her.

  Chapter 12

  CARLA

  My eyes are locked on Noah as emotions flash over his face, and then a controlling look tightens his features. It makes my abdomen clench with anticipation.

  Holy shit, I’ve waited so long for this, and now that it’s happening, it’s surreal.

  Noah takes hold of my thighs and pushes my legs wide open. I don’t feel self-conscious as his eyes burn over my clit and entrance.

  I have no idea what to expect from him. I’ve had sex twice, with Claudio, my first boyfriend. Actually, he was my only boyfriend, and I was too young to fully understand what I was doing.

  Noah’s gaze trails up my body until they lock on mine. “Are you a virgin?” I shake my head, and it makes a frown form on his forehead. “When?”

  “Before I fell in love with you,” I whisper. “I was fourteen.”

  His frown darkens until he looks pissed off. “We’ll talk about that later.”

  I nod quickly.

  He crawls over me, keeping himself braced on his hands and knees, and then he lowers his head, and he presses a tender kiss to my lips. As my lips part to allow him inside my mouth, he pulls back.

  I begin to frown, but then he settles back between my legs. His thighs press against my ass, and it lifts my hips off the bed.

  Noah brings a hand to my cheek, and his touch is feather soft as he brushes his fingers down to my neck. His eyes follow his hand as he continues down to my breast. When his fingertips skim over my nipple, my back arches, wanting more.

  He keeps going over my ribs and abdomen, and his touch is frustratingly restrained when he reaches my clit.

  “Noah,” I groan, needing more. So much more.

  “Shh…” His eyes lock on mine again as he softly circles my opening.

  Finally, he pushes his middle finger inside me, but too quickly, he pulls back out. My body begins to tremble as he lifts his finger to his mouth, and when he sucks on it, heat pools in my core.

  Holy hotness.

  “I know you need to process things, but can you process my body after you’ve fucked me,” I complain.

  A too hot smirk tugs at his lips as he slowly shakes his head. “I need to be in control.”

  My body writhes with frustration. “But it’s torture.”

  Noah places his hands on the outside of my thighs, and as he rubs his palms up toward my hips, he murmurs, “That’s the idea.” He keeps moving up my body until he cups both my breasts, squeezing them lightly.

  I arch into his touch and groan, “To torture me?”

  He nods as he leans over me, and then his mouth closes over my nipple. I lift my hips, my clit hot and aching for friction, but Noah grabs hold of my sides and pushes me back down onto the mattress as his teeth tug my nipple.

  Noah is everything I’ve ever wanted. With his mouth on my breast, emotion begins to build in my chest, but I push it down, needing to focus on every single thing he does.

  His fingers curl into my hips, and for a moment, his touch is firm, but then it lessens again, drawing a frustrated groan from me.

  He lets go of my nipple and presses a kiss to my neck, and then he pulls back. His gaze moves over my skin, making me feel hot and needy. One of his hands moves in between my legs, and the pad of his finger again brushes softly over my clit. This time Noah keeps stroking me until the slight touch just about drives me insane.

  “You have too much patience,” I growl. Shooting him a glare, I threaten, “I’m a second away from ju
mping you.”

  Again his mouth curves into a sinful smirk.

  He knows exactly what he’s doing to me, and he’s enjoying it.

  I should’ve known Noah would be dominating in bed, seeing as he’s controlling in every other aspect of his life. The thought makes me submit, and my body relaxes into the mattress.

  The moment I do, Noah notices, and his smirk grows into a pleased smile. “I wondered how long you would try to fight me.”

  He moves down on the bed, and then his hands grip hold of my hips. The moment his teeth scrape over my clit, my mouth drops open, and my body convulses.

  “Noah,” I gasp as intense sensations flood my body and tighten my abdomen, drawing a whimper from me.

  He begins to devour me, and it only increases the tightening in my core until it feels as if I might snap at any moment. Unable to keep still, I bring my hands to his hair.

  The instant I touch Noah, he stops and shakes his head at me. “Hands back where they belong.”

  I let out a groan but do as he says, and it earns me a grin before his head ducks low, and he sucks hard at my clit.

  I lose control over my body as I begin to convulse, and then an intense orgasm spasms through me. It feels as if I’m being electrocuted by pleasure until all my nerves hum like live wires.

  NOAH

  Watching Carla come apart is the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen, and it fills me with a sense of possessiveness.

  I’ve never wanted to possess anything until this moment. Watching her lips part as her breaths explode from her, her body quivering, and her hips grinding down on my hand as she rides out her pleasure – makes me stare in amazement.

  Her reaction to me makes satisfaction warm my chest.

  Moving off the bed, I step out of my sweatpants. Carla’s eyes drift over my body until she gets to my cock. She stares while biting her lower lip.