Ravin

by Brenda Trim

  “I’ll get right on it. You need anything?” Patricia asked as she grabbed a file off his desk.

  “I haven’t eaten anything today. Maybe a sandwich when you get a chance,” Bart said as he took a seat behind the desk.

  “You got it. I’ll bring some food in a bit,” Patricia promised as she walked to the door and opened it.

  “Hey, is Bart in there?” asked a female.

  Bart looked up, and Patricia held the door slightly ajar so that he could see who was standing in the hallway. It was Kelly.

  “It’s fine, Patricia. I need to speak with Miss Thompson,” he called out, and Kelly entered the office.

  “Would you care for anything to eat or drink?” asked Patricia.

  “No thank you,” she replied as she eyed Bart hungrily.

  Patricia closed the door behind her, and Kelly walked toward the desk, her hips swaying like a pendulum intent on hypnotizing. She came over and sat in Bart’s lap then planted her lips on his.

  “It’s been way too long, Governor,” she murmured against his mouth. Her hand went to his tie, loosening the knot.

  “Agreed,” he muttered. Kelly quickly removed his tie and went to work on the buttons of his shirt. “Where did you go earlier?” he asked, breaking the kiss.

  “Had to take a phone call. Why? Did you miss me, lover?” she purred and lifted his undershirt.

  “Maybe,” he moaned as she bent to lick his nipple.

  Kelly looked up at him, desire clear in her eyes. “I’m going to give you a blow job, Governor,” she informed as she slid to her knees and positioned her body between his legs.

  “Patricia will be back soon,” he muttered as she undid his belt then unzipped his slacks.

  “Then you better cum fast,” Kelly ordered then tugged his pants and underwear.

  When her mouth encircled his cock, Bart groaned and fisted her hair. How could he possibly say no to that, he thought as his body sought a quick release.

  Chapter 17

  “Just give Cassie some time. I’m sure she’ll come around,” Liv encouraged.

  Ryan shook his head. He didn’t agree. Cassie wanted nothing to do with him, and he didn’t blame her. He treated her terribly, and that was inexcusable. Hell, he wouldn’t forgive her if the situation was reversed.

  “I doubt it,” he replied with a heavy sigh.

  “Don’t give up, bro. If she’s worth it, you might have to swallow your pride and take whatever punishment she dishes out,” Lawson advised and clapped him on the shoulder.

  “Oh, I’m prepared to eat crow, but that’s hard to do if she refuses to speak to me,” he countered. He would do whatever it took to win his female back. He wasn’t whole without her. He missed her more than he ever imagined possible.

  “You know what? Let’s talk about something more positive,” Liv interjected then smiled wide.

  “What’s that goofy-looking grin all about?” Ryan asked with a raised brow.

  “Well, we thought you could come home with us today. How does that sound?” she asked, bouncing in place where she sat on his bed.

  “For a visit?” he asked curiously.

  “No, silly. For good. Aren’t you ready to get out of this place?” Liv inquired as she looked around his holding cell.

  Of course, he wanted to get out of there. There were no windows, and the walls were closing in on him. He’d like nothing better than to go back to Safe Haven and see his sisters and the pack. But it had only been a week since they rescued him from the lab, and two of those days he was in a coma. It seemed too soon, not to mention, risky.

  “I-I-I don’t know. What if the Ravin creeps back inside my head? I’d never forgive myself if I harmed anyone,” Ryan confessed as he stood and paced the floor of the small space. He had enough blood on his hands and didn’t want anymore.

  “Jeremiah felt the same way when he was in here. These walls have a strange way of making you feel protected. I get it, but you can’t stay here forever. We can monitor you from Safe Haven, and I know in my heart you will come to me if you start to feel off,” Liv divulged.

  Ryan stopped pacing and stared at the female. “How can you be so sure?”

  Liv exhaled as she stood then walked over to Ryan. She grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Because, Ryan. The fact that you’re more concerned with staying here to avoid hurting anyone instead of trying to escape at every turn tells me you’re free of the Ravin. Think about before, when it controlled you. You stopped at nothing to get out of here.”

  Ryan considered what Liv said. She made a good point. He was thinking of others, and fleeing was the last thought in his head. More than anything, he wanted to be with his family. Their love and support were what he needed right now. Still, he was hesitant to take that next step.

  “Bro, you’ve got to be itching to let your wolf out for a run. I miss you being there beside me. There is about six inches of freshly fallen snow on the ground for us to prowl through. You’ve got to come home,” Lawson persuaded with a waggle of his brow.

  “Ah, you know how to play me,” Ryan replied with a smirk.

  “Touché,” blurted a female and Ryan’s head jerked toward the sound.

  Cassie stood in the doorway.

  Ryan’s knees went weak at the sight of the beautiful female. Her long brown hair fell in loose waves, and her cheeks were flushed from the cold. She was dressed in jeans, boots, and a Sherpa jacket, and Ryan couldn’t take his eyes off her.

  “Damn, you’re sexy,” slipped past his lips before he could stop the words.

  “Flattery will get you nowhere,” she spat and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “I’m sorry. I’ve played this conversation in my mind a thousand times and not once did I start with that. But then you walk in, looking like you do, and all reason flies out the door,” Ryan explained, hoping he didn’t blow his one chance to talk with Cassie.

  “Um, hunny, let’s give them a few minutes,” interrupted Liv but Ryan’s gaze stayed fixed on Cassie.

  “Yeah, it’s suddenly freezing in here,” Lawson replied and reached for Liv’s hand. “Remember,” he mumbled as he passed Ryan, “eat crow.” Liv handed Ryan a key on their way out of the room, smiling as she walked past Cassie.

  Ryan motioned toward the chair in his cell. “Can we talk?”

  “Sure, but I’ll stand here if you don’t mind.”

  “That’s fair. How was your trip to Savannah?” Ryan stammered, trying to decide where to begin with his apology.

  “I never went. I’ve been home, trying to decide whether or not I should come here,” Cassie answered coldly.

  “I’m glad you came. How have you been?” he asked and immediately regretted the question. Cassie’s expression went from stoic to raging fury in the next blink.

  “Me? Oh, I’ve been fantastic. Let me recap, in case you’ve forgotten. I was worried sick about you after you left me that note, which I still have, by the way. Then, we searched high and low for you. You stalked the cabin where we were staying then had dared to accuse me of fucking those two guys. But did I give up? No! Apparently, I’m a glutton for punishment, so I came back for more. You were here, in this exact cell. Remember that? You talked me into coming in there with you, which I did because I’m an idiot. You seduced me, Ryan! Just so you could escape. Asshole!” Cassie screamed, and her face reddened further. This time, it had nothing to do with the cold temperatures. She was a raging inferno about to explode.

  “Baby, I’m so sorry. Please let me explain.”

  “You don’t get to call me baby anymore. You lost that privilege when you left me tied to a bed,” she scolded.

  “You’re right. I apologize. Look, would you just let me tell my side of the story. If you want to leave after I’m done, and never see me again, I’ll understand,” Ryan said in a rush, hoping to convince her to at least hear him out.

  Cassie glanced at her watch. “You’ve got three minutes.”

  “Okay, not much time but I’ll take it. I want
to go back to when I left you that note. Everything I said was true. I did think I was too far gone, and I knew I wasn’t in total control. The Ravin wasn’t interested in anything but violence and killing. He would’ve ripped you in two and laughed about it, and I couldn’t take that chance. I’d die if anything happened to you,” he confessed, and he saw her expression soften at hearing his words.

  “Yeah, but you could’ve told me that. You used me, Ryan,” she replied and even from a distance, he heard the hurt in her voice.

  “I know, and you’re right. When I was here before, all I wanted…me, Ryan…all I could think about was taking you in my arms and making love to you. I missed you terribly. Yes, I wanted out of here, but making love to you wasn’t an act. But when the Ravin tasted a trace of your blood, the creature lost it. If I hadn’t run from you, it would’ve killed you. That’s when I knew I had to get as far away from you as possible. As shitty as I acted, please believe me when I say I was protecting you,” Ryan pleaded as he spilled his guts to Cassie.

  She uncrossed her arms but didn’t move closer. “Tick tock,” Cassie informed him, but he sensed her anger diminishing.

  “Cass, the main thing you need to know is the time we spent together was the happiest of my life. No joke. I always saw myself growing old alone, and I was okay with that. I didn’t want or need the complication of a relationship. But after meeting you…” he trailed off as their gazes locked.

  “What?” she murmured.

  “After meeting you, I wasn’t sitting alone. You were beside me. And I was more than okay with that,” Ryan confessed, pouring his heart out to her. If he was going down in flames, it would be the biggest fire anyone had ever seen.

  Cassie made her way inside his cell then stood in front of Ryan. He reached out and stroked her cheek. A tear escaped the corner of her eye, and he wiped it away with the back of his hand.

  “I know I hurt you, and I’m so very sorry. I wish I could turn back the clock and change things, but I can’t. Just know that if you give me another chance, I will spend the rest of my days making it up to you,” he vowed.

  Cassie stood there for what seemed like forever. She didn’t say a word. Ryan felt like he was on trial, awaiting his sentence. His heart thundered in his chest as he searched her eyes, looking for a clue as to what she was thinking. He wasn’t eloquent with his words, so he hoped his heartfelt promise allowed her to see the truth behind what he said.

  Finally, he blurted, “Say something, please. Killing me, you are,” he joked, hoping to break the tension.

  Cassie snickered. “Don’t play the Yoda card. You’re still in big trouble,” she said but her mouth twisted into a smirk.

  “I know. I’ll take my beating like a man. Just name your price,” Ryan offered with a wink.

  “My price will come later. Right now, I just want one thing,” Cassie informed as she narrowed her eyes. Ryan wasn’t sure where she was going with this, but he didn’t care. He was grateful she didn’t walk out of his life for good.

  “And what might that be?” he asked and tilted his head.

  “For you to kiss me,” Cassie admitted.

  Without hesitation, Ryan wrapped his arms around her waist and tugged her toward him. He lowered his head and claimed her mouth. Soft lips brushed against his and desire erupted, hard and fast, making him force her lips apart and plunder her depths. He swallowed her moan as his hands cupped her face.

  Her sweet taste was familiar, yet new. It was like kissing her for the first time, and he relished the feel of her mouth against his. He slid his tongue across hers, and Ryan groaned when she sucked on his lower lip.

  They stood there for several long minutes, kissing and nipping each other’s lips. He didn’t want the moment to end. It felt so right to have her in his arms again. If it were up to Ryan, he’d never let go.

  Finally, she broke the kiss and leaned back, looking up at him. “Wanna get out of here?” she asked with a sexy little grin.

  “Only if we leave together,” Ryan replied.

  “Let’s go somewhere…” Cassie began then looked around his holding cell, “more romantic,” she finished as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

  “I know the perfect spot,” he relayed as he grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed each of her knuckles then placed a light peck on her cheek. “You want romance? I’m going to romance the fuck out of you.”

  “Ooo, you’ve got my attention now,” she admitted.

  Ryan walked to the small dresser and grabbed his cell phone. He typed a quick text to Lawson, asking for a favor then told his brother they’d lock the lab on their way out.

  Stepping into the night air, Ryan took a deep breath. It felt good to be himself again. No Ravin inside, calling the shots. He was free at last. Strange how he thought freedom meant going from place to place without a care in the world. The truth was, freedom was having the ability to make that choice. He almost gave up that ability. Now, he understood that would have been the greatest mistake of his life.

  “Hey, you okay?” Cassie asked, bringing Ryan out of his thoughts.

  “I am now, Cass,” he replied and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “And it feels fantastic.”

  Chapter 18

  Cassie glanced to Ryan and shook her head in disbelief. She was still reeling from what transpired over the past thirty minutes. She pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. It seemed too good to be true, and part of her was waiting for the ball to drop on her happiness.

  For too long, Cassie wanted Ryan to open up and talk about his feelings for her. Their relationship thus far was centered around sex, and not much more. She’d let down her guard and fallen for the sexy shifter but questioned if he felt the same way about her. Granted, he didn’t get down on one knee and profess undying love, but he did indicate they were in it for the long haul. That was good enough for now, she thought and couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across her face.

  Her decision to go see him was the right one. The entire drive to the lab she cursed herself for skipping her vacation plans when she vowed not to allow her love for him to cloud her judgment.

  Ryan briefly glimpsed her way then turned his focus back to the road. “What’s so funny?” he asked with a smile.

  “Nothing. Just wondering where you’re taking me,” Cassie lied.

  The truth was, she could stare at his gorgeous face forever, and she didn’t much care where they went so long as he stayed by her side. Ryan had a strong jawline and rugged features. His skin was tanned from the outdoors, but the man didn’t look a day over thirty. She was still amazed by the aging process for shifters. Their genetic makeup was superior to humans in every way.

  “You’ll see soon enough,” he replied and turned onto a familiar road.

  “Are we going to Safe Haven?” Cassie asked with a sigh. Not that she minded going to the hotel, but that wasn’t what she pictured when she suggested someplace romantic.

  “Not exactly,” Ryan answered as he turned down the dirt road leading to the hotel.

  Her dinosaur of a car hit every bump and dip on the path, and Cassie bounced in her seat as the vehicle did its best to survive the terrain. She imagined if her car could talk it would remind her that she promised they wouldn’t make the trip to Safe Haven ever again.

  Never say never, Cassie mentally chastised.

  Ryan pulled around to the rear of the hotel and parked beside one of the four-wheelers. “Follow me, darlin’,” he quipped and hopped out of the car then onto the ATV.

  “Are you crazy?” Cassie blurted as she exited the passenger side and slammed the door. “It’s too fucking cold to be outdoors,” she said and planted her feet in place. There was no way she was going for a ride when the temperatures were barely above freezing.

  “Trust me,” he urged and held out his hand.

  Cassie glanced to the hotel where she could see a stream of smoke curling its way from the chimney. She looked back at Ryan, contemplating whether
she should hop on the back with him or run inside Safe Haven and curl up beside the fireplace. Both held appeal but she couldn’t deny her curiosity over Ryan’s surprise.

  A gusty wind blew across her face, and Cassie shuddered then rushed to the ATV. “There better be a hot cup of cocoa in this deal somewhere,” she announced as she wrapped her arms around Ryan’s waist.

  Ryan’s chuckle was drowned out by the roar of the four-wheeler. In the next blink, they were speeding through the forest. Cassie buried her head in Ryan’s back, trying to hide from the cold air whipping around them. It was a brutally cold night, and her body shivered as she huddled against Ryan’s body heat.

  Minutes later, the ATV pulled up to the barn located on the property. The building was where Ryan and Lawson fabricated their iron creations. Again, this wasn’t her idea of romantic.

  Ryan killed the motor and jumped off the four-wheeler. Cassie gave him a you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me glare then huffed, “Seriously, Ryan? This is ludicrous. It’s too fucking cold. Can we go back to the hotel now? I think my eyebrows are frozen.”

  Another chuckle from Ryan. She wanted to smack his handsome face. “C’mon, where’s your sense of adventure?” he asked with a smirk.

  “It’s on a beach, in the Caribbean,” she sassed.

  He held out his hand. “Have a little faith in me.”

  Cassie sighed and reached for his hand. Ryan twined their fingers and led her to the large door of the barn. He opened the wooden gate, and warm air caressed Cassie’s face. She rushed inside, seeking the source and spotted two large heaters. The bright orange coils called to Cassie, and she made a beeline to one of the heaters then stretched her hands to the point they almost touched the fiery spirals.

  She wondered why Ryan wanted to bring her here. The barn was nothing special. Four walls that housed several pieces of machinery for their business. Maybe he was in the middle of a project when he left and wanted to show it to her. Regardless, her body was thawing so she was a happy girl.