“I need to go to bed. From the sounds of it we have a busy day tomorrow. Thank you. For everything,” she said and leaned to kiss his cheek. His hair was in the way, she lifted a finger and brushed it aside, leaned in and gently brushed his cheek.
He sucked in a breath and she froze.
What? What?
Pulling back, her eyes met his. Her mouth went dry as something squirmed deep within her. She hovered there, a moment too long, not knowing what to do. Callan reached for her, his hand catching the nape of her neck he pulled her down. His mouth met hers and she parted for him, ever so slightly. His tongue skimmed her bottom lip causing her breath to catch in her throat and her eyes closed. Despite her willing her body not to respond, her pulse quickened, her skin flushed. The smell of him, his warmth, the feel of him pulling her closer stirring feelings she hadn't had for years. Then, he relaxed, trailed a finger down her cheek and murmured, “Goodnight Charlotte.”
Before he had chance to speak again, and not able to reply, she left the room.
Once the bedroom door had clicked shut behind her she finally let out the shaky breath she'd been holding. Her hands trembled. That odd, squirming sensation still low in gut.
The luxurious bed cradled her as she sank into the quilts and throws.
He tried to find me. What does that mean? It must mean something. My babies are royalty! They have a whole family waiting to meet them.
Chapter 8
She was warm and comfortable, so why was she awake? Flicking on the bedside lamp, she grabbed her phone from the bedside table.
Too early.
Cuddling back into the warm duvet she closed her eyes.
Nope, this isn't working.
With a huff, she left the warmth of the bed and reached for the dressing gown she'd left on the floor. Shrugging it on she padded to the door, opened it silently and she crept to the top of the stairs.
“Is everything okay?” His husky voice came from behind her.
She whirled round to face him and lost her balance. His arm shot out and caught her around the waist, before she toppled down the staircase, pulling her close.
“Steady,” he murmured into her ear. The squirming sensation returned. “What's wrong? Why are you up so early?” Pulling back, he scanned her face, looking for a clue as to what could be wrong.
Breathe.
“Umm, no idea. I just woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I was going to make a drink. Why are you up?” she asked quietly as she stepped away from the stairs.
“I heard your door open, I thought something was wrong. I'll bring you some tea,” he said stepping around her and starting down the stairs.
She watched him, his hair swaying gently with each step. Once he was out of sight she went back to her room and quickly used the bathroom before climbing back into the still warm bed.
Callan knocked gently before entering. He held two large mugs of tea in one hand and closed the door before crossing the room in swift, strong strides.
“Thanks.” Holding her mug between both hands she crossed her legs, making room for him to sit. The bed barely moved as he settled into the space she'd made for him.
She stared into the steaming mug, as her hands warmed.
“What are you thinking?” he asked over the lip of his mug.
She gave a quiet laugh and said, “Just how different things could have been. Having you here has been so, well it's nice.” She didn't know how to put it into words.
He leaned over and took her mug. Setting it on the bedside table with his own he moved closer.
“That's why I tried to find you.” His eyes burned as he closed the space between them.
She shifted position, kneeling in front of him. “I missed you,” she whispered, pushing her hands into his silky hair. As she combed it back with her fingers she took in his beautiful face.
I love you.
His eyes darkened, narrowing slightly. His jaw clenched as he watched her, waiting. She leaned in and his warm, soft lips gently met hers. As the kiss deepened the squirming sensation within her moved lower, becoming an ache. She moaned. shifting slightly, to sit astride him, hands still in his hair. The movement hitched her nightshirt up around her waist, her lower half exposed. He groaned into her mouth as she grazed her teeth over his lip. Holding her steady, one hand cupping the side of her face, the other pressed into the small of her back, he pulled back.
Cocking her head, she bit her lip, questioning.
The ache was growing, she needed him and he was too far away. She closed the distance, but he stopped her. His breath was warm on her face, his scent flooded her. “You're sure?” he asked in a strained voice.
Pushing her fingers deeper into his hair, tilting his head back slightly, she kissed him again. His other hand came down, thumbs pressing into her hips. Grinding into him, she pushed him back.
He removed his vest then reached for her, gently unbuttoning her nightshirt. As she shrugged it off, he took her in, her flushed skin, chest rising and falling rapidly as she caught her breath.
His control broke. He gripped her around the waist and turned to position himself over her, a hand in her hair. His eyes flashed as she wet her lips. His free hand brushed over her breast, he gently squeezed, brushed the nipple with his rough thumb then moved on. She gasped as he kissed her neck, kisses becoming small bites he moved down her body. Teeth grazing her breast, she writhed beneath him, her skin burning under his touch. Moving back up, he nudged a knee between her thighs. Groaning, she arched as he finally focused where she needed him. Running a finger under the band of her underwear, he paused and lowered his head.
No, don't stop now. Please.
Hooking his fingers beneath the band of her underwear, she lifted her hips as he pulled them down expertly and discarded them. He returned to where the band had been and ran his finger along the red, puckered line they'd hidden. Tenderly, he kissed along the scar as a hand travelled down, gripping the back of her thigh.
The need, the ache was too much, “Callan, please,” she gasped.
His hand moved back round. Up. He watched her as he trailed a finger close enough to find her hot and damp. She bucked against him, the urgency clear as he slid in a finger, then another, deeper and deeper, sweeping the space. She closed around him, her head swimming. Drowning, she was drowning. Sucking in a breath she felt every muscle in her body pull tight before release flooded her. He didn't stop moving within her, pushing her to the limit again. She cried out as another wave of tingling heat rushed through her body. Slowly, he retracted his fingers. Rocking back, he admired her, removing his shorts. He ducked his head and grazed a nipple with his teeth.
She hooked a foot around his waist and inched closer.
Now. Please. Please!
The ache crept lower, he was so close. She bucked her hips again, pleading with him to meet her.
With one swift movement, he was there. Burying her face in his shoulder, fingers digging into his toned back, she took the force of him.
She moved with him, feeling the pressure building again. His head lowered, she felt his hot, ragged breath on her neck.
I love you. I've always loved you.
Everywhere he touched tingled, small fires springing up, heat spreading, rushing through every inch of her body as he moved within her. She couldn't think, couldn't breathe. He was everywhere. Everything. All she could see and hear and smell was him. He tensed and she gripped him, wrapping her legs around his waist as he shuddered. She shattered around him, her body going taught and limp at once, wave after wave overwhelming her.
Callan kept his rhythm. His hand moved to her thigh and gripped her hard as he reached his own limit. She maintained her hold on him, panting into his neck. He was still for a few moments as she melted beneath him.
He rolled onto his side, propping himself on an elbow, and closed his eyes briefly. His eyelashes, long and blond, brushed his flushed cheeks.
She turned on her side and watched him quietly. “What?” he
mumbled, kissing her shoulder.
“Nothing, nothing at all. I'm just thinking how pretty you are.”
He chuckled and kissed her deeply.
And that I love you.
He pulled her close and she nuzzled into the hollow of his shoulder, closed her eyes, and breathed him in. Warm, safe. He tugged the duvet up around them and pulled her even closer, his free hand brushing up and down her back.
This. I've need this.
“I've missed you too,” he murmured as he kissed the top of her head.
She broke, silent, tears pooling on his shoulder as he held her until she fell asleep.
Her head was foggy as she tried to adjust to the light streaming through the window. The bed was warm and soft but, despite the weight of the duvet, it felt empty. Where was he? She pushed up on her elbows and scanned the room. Empty. A pang of loneliness tugged at her. She didn't understand it, having woken up alone every morning for years, but she'd felt so safe falling asleep in his arms. She lay back on the pile of pillows behind her and sighed.
Well this is a nice mess! Are we together? Was last night just another mistake? Are we just friends who happen to have had children together? Are we something else?
Are you going to stop crying on him?
Her phone rang, ripping her from her thoughts. She looked at the screen.
Shit, it's Tuesday.
Tuesday. Ferne always came around on Tuesdays, at eleven am, and she'd slept late again.
“Hiya Fe! You okay?”
“Don't hi Fe me! I've heard sod all from you in days and I come around expecting you safe and sound and you've disappeared! Where the fuck are you?” she fumed.
“We've come to Arran for a little holiday with Callan.” She cringed waiting for the barrage of expletives but they didn't come. Ferne began laughing.
“Seven years and he's got you holed up again? Wow. Tell me you're safe. Tell me you're getting some, it's been long enough.”
“Ferne!” she hissed, “One, that's none of your business and two” she sighed, while often annoyed by her, she could never be mad with her, “we're fine. Thanks. I'm sorry, I really didn't think to text and let you know.”
“Have you yet? You have haven't you! Oh, you filthy whore!”
“That isn't fair. You know there's only ever been…” There was a knock on the door. “I have to go. I'll be in touch in the next couple of days. Love you.” She could hear Ferne cackling with laughter as she ended the call.
Callan walked into the room holding a tray. “There's only ever been, what?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“You were listening?”
“I heard. I have very good hearing,” he shrugged as he looked up through his hair and flicked it out of the way.
He knows everything else. No point hiding anything now!
“There's only been you,” she shrugged. “You didn't have to bring me breakfast,” she added, changing the subject.
He leaned on the bedpost and gave her a quizzical look. Whatever he was thinking went unsaid as he walked around the bed to where she sat, still naked beneath the fluffy duvet.
“Tea, croissants, cheese, cured meats and fruit,” he listed for her as she checked the duvet to ensure she was covered. He leaned over to set the tray down, kissing her gently.
“Thank you. Wow,” she took a sip of the tea, it wasn't a familiar blend. With hints of lemon and mint, there was another flavour she couldn't place. “It's obviously late. You should have woken me. Where are Zander and Enya?”
“Alayna's taken them into town for lunch and for a walk along the beach.” He noted her expression and quickly added, “They're perfectly safe. She's under strict instructions to, err, pop them straight back here if there are any concerns.”
They're fine, she's their aunt. Relax.
When she physically relaxed, he went on, “So, we have a couple of hours. Eat, I'll run you a bath,” he smiled. “You needed the sleep. We're in for a late one tonight, Aoife will be visiting and she never arrives before six.”
He went into the bathroom and she heard water running. Clearing her breakfast, she moved the tray but stayed in bed sipping her tea until he returned, holding up a towel.
“Would you like to bathe alone? Or shall I sit and we can talk while you do?”
“I need five minutes,” she said, inclining her head toward the bathroom door.
He nodded and lifted the tray, “I'll take these down.”
When she was sure he had gone, she got out of bed. The unfamiliar ache between her legs brought back vivid memories of earlier that morning. Pushing them away she rushed into the bathroom.
She dealt with her needs and cleaned her teeth before stepping into the bath.
As bubbles massaged and tickled their way over her skin she thought of everything that had happened over the last few weeks.
None of this makes sense. It shouldn't be possible. How is any of this possible? I can't believe I did any of it. Am I really that desperate?
No, not desperate. He's their Dad. They deserve the chance to get to know him He deserves a chance to be a parent to them. Stop over analysing it and see how it goes. You can always go home.
She lay back, resting her head on the edge of the bath, and closed her eyes.
“Mmm,” this was usually a rare treat for her. Ferne would book a spa afternoon for her birthday and she'd spend most of the time in the whirlpool. To be able to step out of bed and into this was heaven.
She opened her eyes to see Callan leaning on the wall, watching her intently.
What's that look for?
“This is amazing,” she said, grinning and closing her eyes again.
When she had opened her eyes again he was still watching her. “What?” she asked, suddenly conscious of his gaze.
Crossing the room in two strides his eyes flashed hungrily. “You know what,” he growled as he slipped a hand under the water.
Chapter 9
Curled on the sofa reading a book she'd found, she heard the familiar tinkling laughter of Zander and Enya through the open window. Callan opened the door as she made her way to greet them. “This won't go down well,” she heard him mutter to Alayna.
“What won't go… oh my god! What happened? Zander are you okay? You're soaked! Enya?” She was on her knees in front of them, looking from one to the other for an explanation.
“They're both fine, honestly Charlotte. There was just a little misunderstanding on the beach and… well I'll let Enya tell you.” Smirking, Alayna walked into the kitchen, taking her jacket off. Callan shrugged and followed her.
“Well?” Charlotte asked, turning back to her children.
“Sorry mama,” Zander muttered.
Enya shot him a glance and hung her head. “He splashed water at me, Mummy. I didn't mean to! It just happened. I was upset and then the water just came.”
“Water just came from where? I don't know what you mean baby.” She shook her head, not knowing what to make of the tale.
“She means she summoned and dumped water on his head,” Callan called from the kitchen. “Looks like we have a control problem.” Walking towards them he winked at Zander and laughed again.
Charlotte didn't respond. She stared at the three of them for a few moments. “I… you both need a bath. Shoes off. Go. I'll be up in a minute.”
They ran up the stairs. Charlotte didn't speak until she heard their bedroom door close.
“Control problem?” she hissed.
Callan didn't try to hide his amusement as he looked her up and down. “It could have been worse…”
“Oh yeah, she could have drowned him. That's reassuring. She didn't drown her brother in temper, she merely soaked him to the skin,” her tone was thick with sarcasm.
Callan was openly laughing at her now. His eyes shone as she scowled at him.
“I'm going to get Zander cleaned up, have a word with Enya and we'll be down shortly. What time is your friend arriving?”
Callan cleared his thro
at, “Six. We'll be eating in the garden since it's pleasant. I've just lit the fire.”
“Right,” she snapped and stomped up the stairs.
Control problem! It's more than a bloody problem! Why are they so relaxed about it? Why was I? Well not okay but I didn't pass out or anything. Oh, god this really is happening! She really can summon water! She can't go to school doing that every time someone annoys her! How am I going to explain it to anyone without them trying to lock me up?
None of this made any sense but it was really happening. Of all the people in all the world it had to be her.
What will Ferne say? How will I even begin to explain this?
She took a deep breath and opened their bedroom door.
They were sitting on their beds giggling at some private joke as she entered the room. Zander continued to smirk at his sister as Charlotte went straight into the bathroom. She could hear Enya whispering. “Whatever you're whispering about you can share with me!” she called through. A meek looking Zander appeared at the doorway. “You first, you're drenched.”
Clean, dry and dressed in joggers and hoodies for an autumn evening in the garden, they sat on Enya's bed cuddled into Charlotte on either side. “Sorry I was angry but you know how I feel about you falling out. Callan's trying to find a way to help you control…umm, control.”
“Aunty Alayna said it's magic,” Zander offered.
He never speaks so clearly.
She gave a surprised laugh, “Yeah, magic. It's magic.”
“Can we go down now mummy? I'm sorry I got angry.”
She kissed Enya on the top of the head, “I know. Off you go, I'll be down in a minute.”
Aunty Alayna? Who had told him?
Callan appeared at the door. “Everything okay?” he asked, concerned.
“Fine, I think. Zander just surprised me. I'm okay.” She smiled, then added, “Why is Zander calling her Aunty Alayna?”
“I don't know. I asked her not to tell them who she is to them, I'm sure she hasn't.” He looked worried. “I'll find out. I didn't want there to be any tension and I was very explicit…”
Riftkeepers: Prime Page 6