Mountain Man's Secret Baby

by Lauren Wood

  I absolutely love when he says my name. Just watching his lips say my name leaves me all hot and bothered. My thoughts then drifted back to that night. I felt a strong urge to just grab him by the shirt and slam my lips upon his. Instead I pushed the feeling away and just smiled.

  “You’re welcome Ciel.” I said.

  In that moment I wanted nothing else because we just stared at each other, smiling. It wasn’t as romantic as some of the moments in Pride and Prejudice but to me it sure was my kind of perfect.

  I was the first one to snap back to reality as I told him “I hope you enjoy your stay.” As I walked away. I was mentally screaming at myself for how I was acting. It was our first conversation where we weren’t flirting nor were we arguing and I found it pleasant, only for me to chicken out in the end.

  Once I was in the employee lounge I leaned back onto the wall and slid down. Why was I acting like this? Like I’m disappointed in myself for not talking to him more. Regret?

  My thoughts were interrupted as the door slammed open and I was expecting Angela or Stephen to start scolding me. Instead, there stood Ciel. My wide eyes stared up at him. His eyes wandered the room until they landed on me. He wasted no time as he shut the door and walked up to me. He grabbed my hand and yanked me up.

  “What are you—” I was cut off by Ciel slamming his lips upon mine. Suddenly all the disappointment and regret faded away just by the touch of his lips. I didn’t even have to think about it as I kissed him back.

  His lips were soft and warm just as I remembered. The urge to kiss him more only grew stronger and I couldn’t help myself but to deepen the kiss. I heard him groan as he gently pushed me up against the wall. My arms were gripping the front of his shirt as he had one hand behind my head and one on my lower back. One of his legs were between my legs as he applied a bit of pressure on my womanhood making my hold on him grow tighter.

  He licked my bottom lip as to ask for entry but I denied him. He somehow found a way as he gently sucked on my lower lip. Our kiss only grew intense by the second. His hands started tracing the curves of my body and my hands roamed his hard muscled chest.

  His hand slowly slid into the waistband of my jeans and once he touched my most treasured place I became a mess of moans. His skilled hands touched me in the most erotic way that I felt like I was losing my mind.

  My mind was a mess of thoughts and my stomach was filled with butterflies. I thought that this feeling only existed in books.

  The kiss was amazing that I didn’t want it to end. I could taste the cinnamon and peppermint and it only made me want to kiss him more. I once again grabbed onto his shirt as I made sure there was no gap between us. I pulled him even closer if it was even possible.

  He kept rubbing me as I kept gasping his name heatedly into his ear when suddenly the door slammed open making me jump as far as I can from Ciel. Ciel was shocked at my reaction while I panted as I semi-panicked.

  “Was this a bad time?” Stephen asked from the door. The smile on Stephen’s face told me everything, he just wanted to see what we were doing. Good thing he stopped us there or else we would’ve been in a whole different situation.

  “No, not at all.” I lied as I briskly walked out of the employee room. Before I could go back to work and pretend nothing happened somebody pulled me by the wrist making me stop. It wasn’t hard to guess who stopped me. I turned around to see a heavily breathing Ciel.

  “Go out with me.” he stated.

  Angela had a perfect view of Ciel and I from the counter. She smirked as she noticed that both Ciel and I were out of breath.

  I’ve seen different sides of Ciel but this side of Ciel was brand new. He seemed desperate. But I can’t make fun of him for being desperate because my traitorous heart felt the same every time I looked at him.

  I longed and yearned for Ciel.

  I couldn’t deny him any longer.

  Ciel is the first person I’ve ever kissed and in the future he’ll be the first person in different kinds of manner. But you could say that it won’t be a bad thing.

  “Okay.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Ciel

  I couldn’t help but smile like an idiot as I sat in the bar where I usually hung out with Zen and others. My Habanero finally agreed to go out with me. It’s been a few days since then and all I’ve been able to do was to text her and stop by the coffee shop where we would steal a few glances and had small talks here and there. To say I was sexually frustrated was an understatement.

  I didn’t exactly knew where to take her. On our first date it took me a while to figure out where I would take her and even though I had a plan to take her places somehow we ended back at my apartment. It’s a habit.

  “You ready for tonight Ciel?” Zen suddenly asked. I turned towards them with a confused look. Everyone sighed at my reaction as Zen said “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already? Is she that good in bed?” Zen’s words made me growl and he smiled as he held up his hands in surrender.

  “Chill bro, I’m kidding. Get your head out of the clouds Ciel. It’s your turn to fight tonight.” he reminded me. My blood ran cold as I remembered that if I wasn’t earning money from my family business then I was earning money from illegal fighting.

  “Can’t I pass?” I asked.

  Zen groaned in frustration as he said “We gave you two passes already Ciel. You can’t skip this time. You’re our best fighter, we need you.” I sighed as I ran a hand through my hair. Before I could get myself worked up Fran ran through my head, and it was enough to calm me down.

  Even though Fran and I argued most of the time we’ve known each other, we both had an understanding when it came to our relationship. She means a lot to me and I could tell that I mean a lot to her. I could tell by the way she prepared the coffee with cinnamon and peppermint.

  I also did notice that the cup she gave me was covered in hearts unlike the cup she usually gave me which was pitch black with some meaningless quote on it. That was enough for me to keep me going.

  “Fine.” I gave them my answer. Zen and the others grinned as they started giving each other high-fives. I felt a tad bit of disappointment, if I was going to fight tonight meant I wasn’t going to see Fran tonight like I usually did. Seeing Fran was the highlight of my day and not being able to see or touch her tonight left my heart clench painfully.

  The time for the fight was about to start as my friends and I exited the bar from the backdoor and I swiftly took off my shirt and started wrapping bandages around my fists. My heart was pounding like an angry bird wanting an escape from its cage. Drops of sweat were rolling down my face as I readied myself for the fight.

  A large crowd surrounded the private alleyway. Cheers came from the audience that were awaiting the fight to begin. Zen was giving me some sort of pep talk as I made my way towards the corner where I’ll begin the fight. But I wasn’t listening to Zen, my heart was beating too loudly. It’s as if it’s telling me to go see Fran.

  I tried finding the right reason why I’m standing here and not with Fran.

  I needed the money?

  Zen depends on me like how I do with him?

  Or I simply enjoy the adrenaline coursing through my veins?

  I had all these reason yet none of them seemed enough. These weren’t enough to be a reason why I couldn’t see Fran because Fran was worth more. Yet here I was.

  Before I knew it the fight was starting. My opponent was as tall as me but he seemed to be on extra steroids. He looked huge but I knew that I could easily beat him. Size doesn’t intimidate me. I was the first one to land a punch, it hit him directly on nose making it instantly bleed. He managed to even land a few punches but nothing serious to take me down.

  I was punching him repeatedly until I heard a voice call out.

  “Ciel!”

  It sounded like Fran. I quickly ignored it as I continued on with the fight but then I heard her again. “Ciel!” I was stunned for a moment and it was enough for my opponent to lan
d a punch directly on my face. Fran’s smiling face entered my mind, completely distracting me.

  My opponent managed to even punch me towards the ground making my breath escape my lungs. Blood was seeping out of my mouth. I was suddenly seeing two opponents rather than one.

  Was I seriously this weak without her?

  My eyelids felt extremely heavy as my fists clenched. I could feel myself getting weaker by the second. I could hear Zen and others shout my name as they tried encouraging me to get back up and fight. My opponent loomed over my body as I lied on the ground, he was about to give the final blow before my body could give up.

  Before I could close my eyes and give up I suddenly saw a flash of familiar red. My eyes widen as I saw her, my Fran standing in front of me with her hands stretched out like she was protecting me.

  “Stop!” her voice was strong.

  Complaints filled the whole alleyway as they tried telling her to get out of the fighting stage. But Fran stood her ground and I could already picture her determined face. I should be worried that she’s here but for some reason my heart felt at ease with her so close by.

  “I won’t let you hurt him.” she said. If I didn’t feel pain through my chest then I would’ve chuckled at how stupid she sounded, but I love her for it.

  “Get out of here girl! This is no place for you. Let me finish him!” my opponent’s gruff voice growled. I tried pushing myself up but for some reason I had no strength left. “I will not let you touch him.” Fran growled back like the fierce vixen she was.

  What happened next sent me into a frenzy, my opponent harshly shoved Fran towards the ground. “Move it!” he growled. A yelp escaped Fran’s mouth and it was enough to send me over the edge. I felt like a beast who just broke its cage.

  In a blink of an eye, I was up and already attacking my opponent. “Nobody touches my Francesca.” I growled as I showed him no mercy. I couldn’t see anything else around me except the color red and my bloody opponent. Anger coursed through me like never before.

  You can break my soul, beat me, hurt me or even kill me… But for the love of god don’t touch her.

  My opponent was already knocked out and sprawled upon the ground but that didn’t stop me from punching him. I could hear Zen and others cheering for my victory. Once they noticed I wasn’t stopping even when they declared that I’ve won, Zen and others tried prying me off of my bloody unconscious opponent.

  “Ciel, dude! You’ve won. Cut it out.” I heard Zen as I felt his hands upon my shoulder but I easily shrugged his hold off. People started yelling for me to stop but none of those were going to stop me. He touched what’s mine.

  Before I could actually kill the guy I heard her angelic voice call out to me.

  “Ciel.”

  I was about to punch my opponent once more but I stopped right before it could meet his face. I turned around to see a horrified looking Fran standing timidly among my friends.

  “You can stop now Ciel.” she told me. I’ve never seen Fran with such a look. I was so used to her furrowing brows and scowling face, this was brand new to me. No matter what look she makes she’s still absolutely beautiful. I slowly got off my opponent as I walked over to Fran and without saying a word I pulled her into a well-needed embrace.

  I buried my face into her hair making sure to smell her lovely strawberry fragrance, it helps me calm down. I felt her small arms wrapped around my torso even if I’m covered in blood and sweat.

  “Let’s go home Ciel.” Fran suggested.

  As Fran and I walked out of the private alleyway I can hear Zen and the others whisper among themselves. “He’s so whipped.” At this point I didn’t care whether they thought I was whipped or not. I won the fight making Zen and the others happy and I’m with Fran that makes me extremely happy, I hope she feels the same way.

  I got my stuff from the bar as Fran and I started heading towards my apartment. The atmosphere was painted in silence, a comfortable silence. But I could tell that Fran had questions for me. Once we were safe behind the locked door of my apartment, a familiar frown appeared on Fran’s face making me smile. She’s definitely so much more than I imagined.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Francesca

  I was surprised when Ciel’s brother, Ezra stopped by Fancy cups. Apparently, he was looking for Ciel. Ezra then told me about Ciel’s hobbies and told me where it was. Although, Ezra warned me not to go where Ciel usually hung out because it was a dangerous place for a person like me.

  But I couldn’t help but feel worried for Ciel. Why does he enjoy such a hobby?

  When I think hard all I can honestly say is that I’m not surprised. It’s Ciel we are talking about here. Before he became the person I’m going out with, he was the irksome idiot who seemed like he was never up to any good.

  I lied to Angela and Stephen about going to the library. Instead I went to the bar where Ezra said that Ciel hung out at. It was a rusty old bar and it screamed danger. It definitely looks like Ciel would hang out at such a place. Luckily, the bartender told me where Ciel was and I was able to stop him.

  I was stupid to throw myself in the middle of the fight but to see Ciel so beat down made my heart painfully clench. Every cell in me screamed to do something and when Ciel’s opponent was about to close in on him I could hear myself internally scream. My scream was so loud that I swore it could shatter glass. Without thinking I threw myself between Ciel and his huge opponent.

  Glaring daggers at his opponent might not be the smartest move but I was called Habanero and that meant something. Ciel was able to beat his opponent and if I wasn’t there I don’t want to think what would’ve happened. Ciel was able to stop before he can actually kill his opponent.

  Ciel would go this far… for me.

  On the way to Ciel’s apartment I practiced on what I was going to say to Ciel. Scold him and tell him that his hobby is dangerous and stupid. I had a whole speech practiced in my head but once the door closed to his apartment, everything that I practiced was thrown out the window.

  I frowned as I faced him with hands upon my hips like a mother who’s about to scold her child. Ciel only smiled and that pissed me off.

  “What the hell were you thinking Ciel? You could’ve been killed.” I hissed. The smile still not leaving his face. “And this hobby of yours is seriously ridiculous! Like come on, why can’t you stick with other hobbies? Maybe you can collect buttons or go bowling.” I started rambling.

  Ciel’s smile suddenly disappeared and he walked closer to me. I tried taking a step back but he held me by the shoulders as started looking closely at my body parts. I blushed as I pushed him off me “What are you doing pervert?” I asked.

  He had a small frown on his face as he asked “Do you have any injuries?” he was talking about when his brute of an opponent shoved me to the ground. I frowned even more as I told him “You’re asking me if I have injuries? You’re the one with the swollen jaw and bleeding mouth.”

  Ciel ignored me as he squatted down and lifted up my floral dress to check my legs which made me smack his head. “Pervert! Stop it!” I hissed.

  “Don’t worry my Habanero, I’ve already seen everything. No need to hide.” he said with a smirk. I could feel my cheeks burning up. He suddenly touched a part of my knee which made me flinch in pain. “You have a scrapped knee.” he said as his frown deepened.

  He started walking towards the bathroom as he brought back a first-aid-kit. He placed the box on the counter and suddenly he lifted me up making me squeal as he placed me upon the counter. “I’ll clean your wound.” he stated.

  Before he could lay a single finger on the first-aid-kit I smacked his hand away and raised my voice at him “You stupid jerk! You’re the one who’s hurt. Let me treat your wounds then I’ll treat my own.” He was about to argue back but I quickly smacked my hand upon his mouth which touched his busted lip making him flinch.

  “Shut up and let me treat you.” I said as I started tending to his wounds without getting of
f from the counter. The counter helped me reached his face as I treated a few cuts especially his busted lip. As I was treating his hands he suddenly asked “How did you know about the fight?”

  “Ezra dropped by.” Was all I answered.

  “Didn’t Ezra tell you that it was dangerous?” he asked as he frowned. I then replied “Yes, but that didn’t stop me.” I heard him sigh in frustration as he said “You could’ve been in serious danger if I wasn’t there. I don’t want you to ever go back there again.”

  It seriously pissed me off that he could order me around like that.

  “Then I suggest you quit your stupid hobby so I won’t come to your rescue your ass. What would’ve happened if I haven’t arrived? You could’ve been hurt as well.” I yelled at him as I started hitting him in the shoulders where he had bruises.

  “Yeah but I’m used to it.” he said.

  “Well that doesn’t mean you can go and do that as you please. You’re dating me now Ciel. Of course, I’m going to be worried. When Ezra told me about your hobby and where you hung out. I couldn’t focus on work nor could I focus on reading because I was so worried.” I told him.

  His eyes glistened as he stared at me with disbelief. Did I have something on my face? I was suddenly pulled into another embrace of his. He smelt of sweat and dried blood but I didn’t mind at the moment because his embrace made me feel safe.

  I melted into his arms when suddenly I felt water dripping on my shoulder. I was about to pull back but Ciel’s hold on me was too strong. Was Ciel crying?

  “Francesca.” His voice sounded so husky which sent shivers down my spine. “I won’t let anyone hurt you. I’ll protect you for the rest of my life… I love you.”

  I tensed at his words. I felt my heart leap when Mr. Darcy confessed his love but this was on a whole different level. When Ciel told me that he loved me I felt so happy that I could die. I didn’t even noticed when my hands gripped tightly onto Ciel.