Redemption

by T. K. Leigh

  My words are all she needs as she shatters around me, screaming my name. It gives me all the satisfaction I need. But I don’t stop. I keep tasting and sucking, drawing out her orgasm for as long as I can. When her spasms wane, I meet her eyes, grinning coyly.

  “I’ll always remember that. Damn, Brooklyn…”

  “Get up here.” She clutches my cheeks, dragging me up to her, crushing her lips against mine. Her tongue plunges into my mouth with no hesitation, tasting her and me in one impassioned kiss.

  Lost in the moment, I’m taken by surprise when she hooks a leg around my waist and flips over, forcing me beneath her. She leans back, unclipping her hair, allowing it to fall past her shoulders. She erases the distance between us, her dark locks shading my face as she grinds against me, hardening my arousal even more.

  “Brooklyn…,” I groan, closing my eyes. She’s so warm. So sweet. So perfect.

  “Do you like that?”

  “God, yes.” I grip her hips, somewhat surprised by her take-charge attitude. Not that I need to be the one in control, but I had her pegged as being more submissive. Just another reminder that the Brooklyn I first kissed all those years ago is no longer a shy little girl, but a woman who knows what she wants. After all these years, she still wants me.

  “Drew…” She continues circling against me, leaning even closer. She nips at my lower lip, pulling it. The erotic sensation of her teeth tugging on my skin only makes me burn for her more, a fire in my veins only she can extinguish.

  “Yes?”

  “We’ve known each other a long time.” She presses a hand against my chest, her eyes fluttering into the back of her head. It reminds me of our last morning together, how she was seconds away from getting off by grinding against me like this…until we were interrupted. Before this moment, it was the most arousing thing I’d ever experienced. I have a feeling that was child’s play compared to what I’m about to be treated to.

  “Almost our entire lives.” My voice is husky, throaty, the combination of Brooklyn on top of me and her taste on my tongue driving me insane with lust.

  “I trust you.”

  I meet her eyes. “And I trust you.”

  She brings her mouth to mine, the warmth of her lips forcing a shiver to roll down my spine. “I want all of you.” She allows those words to linger in the air, then pulls back, giving me a knowing look. “Nothing between us.”

  Growling, I force my mouth to hers, kissing her. “There will never be anything between us again.” I wrap an arm around her waist, using my strength to flip her onto her back once again. The pout on her face is adorable, but I erase it with another kiss. “You can be in control next time.”

  “A little confident of yourself, aren’t you?” She smirks playfully. “What if I’m completely unsatisfied and don’t want another time?”

  I grab her thigh, squeezing, causing her to yelp.

  “You will.” I thrust between her legs, teasing her, then bring my mouth back to hers. “After I make love to you, every other guy will be nothing but a distant memory. Because right now, after just a taste of you, every other woman is nothing but a distant memory for me.”

  Supporting myself on one elbow, I kiss her as I push my briefs down my legs. Once they fall to the floor, I kneel between her thighs, then pause, overwhelmed by the magnitude of this moment. For most people, it would just be sex, but this isn’t. This is the moment I can fulfill the promise I made to this woman seventeen years ago.

  “Please, Drew,” she begs, the flirtatious expression leaving her face, replaced with sincerity as the importance of this washes over her, as well. “Be my last.”

  “Be my forever,” I reply, inching inside her. The instant her warmth envelopes me, all the tension leaves me, leaves her, leaves us as we find our rhythm. Nothing’s ever felt so right, so perfect, so amazing. I was meant to be with this woman, and she was meant to be with me. Nothing will ever convince me otherwise.

  “Kiss me,” she begs.

  Without saying a word, I bring my lips to hers as we celebrate in this moment, in making it to this place neither one of us ever thought we’d get to.

  “Say you love me.”

  “I love you, Brooklyn. Always have. Always will.”

  My words are the only reassurance she needs. She moves against me with greater urgency, the muscles in her body tightening around me. I lean back and move my hand from her hips, along her waist. My thumb finds her center and I gently rub.

  “I… I can’t,” she says through her heavy pants.

  “Yes, you can. I feel it.” I push into her with more intensity, driving deeper, fuller. Her muscles grow taut, her eyes closing as she seems to hold her breath.

  She moans, matching my rhythm, bringing her hands to her chest.

  “Fuck.” I want to go slow with her, but I lose all restraint when I see the pleasure covering her face as she plays with her nipples, squeezing and pushing her breasts together. “Don’t stop doing that. Don’t. Ever. Stop. God.” My motions increase to a relentless tempo, sweat beading on my forehead. I’m seconds away from unraveling, but I need to feel her shake around me, need to know I satisfy her more than any other man.

  “Drew…” Her breaths come in pants, her hands falling to her sides as she fists the bedsheets. I bring my mouth to her, clamping my teeth around a nipple. The instant I do, she shatters, her cries filling the space. I exhale a breath as I let go, my motions still ferocious, greedy, insatiable, giving her everything I have left.

  She runs her fingers through my hair, down my back, pulsing against me, matching my tempo. Tightening her legs around me, she takes control, slowing us down, the moment turning from a frenzied explosion of need to something deeper and more intense. She grabs my face and brings my mouth to hers, kissing me. I’ve never felt as fulfilled in my life as I do right now.

  “Lavender and lilacs,” I remark, my chest still heaving, staring down at this incredible woman as we slow to a stop.

  She furrows her brow, an adorable look of confusion crossing her face. “What?”

  “You smell like lavender and lilacs. It’s one of the first things I remember about you. I didn’t know what the scent was then, but as I grew older, it became one of my favorite smells. And it’s still one of my favorite smells. But…”

  “But?”

  I smile, lowering my lips to hers. “But I fucking love the smell of your pussy. And don’t even get me started on how incredible you taste.” Greedy, I kiss her once more, my need for her ravenous.

  “Be a good boy and I’ll let you have another taste tomorrow.” She smirks.

  “Tomorrow?” I shoot up. Before she can say anything, I scoop her into my arms and carry her toward the bathroom. “I’m not waiting until tomorrow.”

  Her carefree laughter surrounds me. “You’re an animal. I don’t know if I can keep up with you.”

  “We’ll just have to practice. A lot.” I wink.

  Her lips find the place where my earlobe meets my neck, nipping, making me harden again. “I like the sound of practicing. A lot.”

  Chapter 28

  Brooklyn

  Sunlight fights to shine through the shutters as I lay in Drew’s bed, in Drew’s arms, snuggling against Drew’s body. I want to pinch myself and make sure last night wasn’t just a dream. It still doesn’t seem like it could be real. Less than twenty-four hours ago, I was engaged to Wes, hours away from walking down the aisle and marrying him.

  Now, I no longer wear his ring and am wrapped in the arms of another man…the man I’ve always loved. I still have to figure out how to deal with what my father did, but I don’t want to think about that right now, not when I’m surrounded by the love I’ve been searching for my entire life.

  “What are you thinking about?” Drew’s scratchy voice breaks through the quiet solitude.

  “How did you know I was awake?”

  He brushes my hair in front of my shoulder, exposing my nape. His lips meet my skin, his kiss jumpstarting my libido, a
shiver running down my back.

  “I know everything about you, Brooklyn.”

  His hands roam my frame and I close my eyes, his touch making me feel more alive than being with Wes ever did.

  “When you’re upset.”

  His mouth lands on that place in the crook of my neck that awakens my body with a yearning I didn’t think possible. The tiniest moan leaves my throat as lust, strong and powerful, consumes me. Arching into him, he leans my head against him, his other hand exploring my body. My breath quickens when those talented fingers find my breast, teasing and tugging, making me squirm.

  “When you’re lying, even to yourself.”

  A small pain emanates from my neck and I stiffen at the feel of his teeth clamping down on the sensitive flesh. But that momentary discomfort is replaced with immense pleasure, rapture, greed.

  “Drew…,” I beg, moments away from falling apart, despite the number of orgasms he gave me throughout the night before we succumbed to sleep, too exhausted to continue.

  “Yes?”

  His lips brush against my shoulder blades, his motions gentle and benevolent once more. I move against him, his erection hardening against my back. I didn’t think this kind of reaction were possible, thought this unrelenting craving to be with someone was simply something I read about in Molly’s romance novels. But it is real. This spark. This connection. This unyielding hunger. I could start fires with how hot I burn for this man.

  “I need you.”

  “And I need you, Brooklyn.” He pushes me onto my back and looms over me, his eyes sincere. “Like a fish needs water. Like a flower needs the rain.” He lowers his mouth to mine, his scruffy chin scratching my skin in the most delicious of ways. “Like a bird needs wings to fly. Because when I’m with you, that’s how I feel. Like I’m flying. And I never want to stop soaring.”

  “Oh, Drew…” I grab the back of his neck, forcing his lips to mine. I thought I knew every side of Andrew Brinks. I never expected him to be so suggestive yet sweet in the bedroom.

  I breathe into the kiss, into him, into us. It doesn’t matter how many times he made love to me over the course of last night and into the early morning hours. My body still yearns for him, to feel his heat, to drown in his love.

  Just as I’m about to force him onto his back, the door flings open, startling both of us. I shriek, scrambling to cover myself, Drew shooting up to do the same. Alyssa and Charlotte stop in their tracks, their eyes settling on me.

  “Dad?” Alyssa says, her tone cautious. “What’s going on?”

  I’d like to think she’s too young to realize what she walked in on, but she’s a smart girl. While she probably doesn’t understand the technicalities just yet, she must know something.

  “Auntie Brook!” Charlotte says, oblivious to our predicament. “Did you and Daddy have a sleepover?”

  I look at Drew, who appears much more calm and collected than I, much to my surprise. I’ve never felt so exposed, naked in their father’s bed, the only thing covering me is his duvet. I’m sure I look a sight, too — hair rumpled, skin flushed, eyes panicked.

  “Yes, we did.” He catches my gaze, winking.

  “Why?” Charlotte presses.

  “Yeah. Why?” Alyssa repeats, placing her hands on her hips. “Shouldn’t she be getting ready for the wedding? You told us to make sure we got up on time so we could go get our hair done. Aunt Gigi and Auntie Molly are supposed to come pick us up after breakfast.”

  “Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore.” Drew wraps an arm around me, bringing me against him. Confusion clouds the girls’ expressions. I can only imagine what they’re thinking. “There isn’t going to be a wedding today.”

  “There isn’t?”

  “No, Alyssa,” I say, finally speaking up. “There isn’t.”

  “Why not?” Charlotte interjects.

  I lick my lips, unsure how to best handle this line of questioning. One thing I picked up from Drew’s parenting style is he always tells them the truth, regardless of how much it hurts them…or him. I suppose that’s what I need to do here, too.

  “Do you remember when I first told you I was getting married and you asked if I was marrying your daddy?” Drew whips his eyes to mine, surprised. I smile, reassuring him, before looking back at Charlotte. “How I told you I wasn’t, and you asked if I loved your daddy?”

  She nods. “You said you did, but in a different way.”

  “And that’s true. I do love your daddy differently than the way I love Wes. I admire and respect Wes, and he’s treated me very well.” I bring my eyes to Drew’s, unable to stop from beaming, my heart expanding in my chest at what I see in his gaze. “But I’ve been in love with your father since I was a teenager. Probably before. I was just too scared to admit it. I’m not anymore.”

  “Does that mean you’re going to marry him and be our new mother?” Alyssa asks.

  I shake my head, meeting her confused stare. “No, sweetie. I’ll never replace your mother.”

  “But you are going to get married, right?” Charlotte’s brows are furrowed in concern. “I was really looking forward to wearing my pretty dress today,” she pouts, crossing her arms over her chest.

  Drew bursts out laughing, the deep rumble hitting me in places I didn’t even know existed. I shift my eyes to his, the smile on his face evidence of how at peace he is with me in his embrace, despite the awkward situation.

  “Tell you what, kiddo. If you help me not mess things up with Brooklyn, I have a feeling you’ll be able to wear that dress sometime soon. Can you do that?”

  She nods excitedly, a toothy grin crawling across her mouth. “I can do that.”

  “Good.” He shifts his eyes to Alyssa, his expression becoming serious. “Are you okay with this, Lyss?”

  She tilts her head, studying us. “Are you happy?” Her question surprises me. I find it rather mature and perceptive for an eight-year-old.

  Drew nods. “Happier than I’ve been in a long time.”

  “Then I’m happy for you.” She holds his gaze for several long moments, then looks at Charlotte. “Come on, Char. It’s Saturday. We get TV time in the morning.”

  “I’ll be right down,” Drew calls out as they retreat from the bedroom.

  Once the door closes behind them, I blow out a long breath, falling back onto the mattress. I throw my arm over my head. “That may be the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened.”

  When the mattress shifts, I open my eyes to see Drew staring down at me. He rests his weight on an elbow as he smooths my hair behind my ear. “It could have been a lot worse. They could have barged in a few seconds later.”

  I smirk. “And why would that have been worse?”

  His breath warms my lips as he closes the distance between our mouths. “Because I was seconds away from flipping you onto your hands and knees and fucking the memory of every other guy from you.”

  My body tingles, my libido sparking back to life. “I thought you did that last night.” My core clenches as his mouth travels down my neck, his jaw scratching and bruising. A desire to experience that on other parts of my body consumes me.

  “Not from behind I didn’t. Now…” His breath on my skin lights me on fire as he slithers down my frame. I squirm and writhe in anticipation, but his mouth remains just a breath away, unhinging me even more. I pant, desperate for even the slightest brush of his lips or nip of his teeth. “If you’ll be so kind…” When he reaches my waist, he glances up at me. “I’m dying to know what you feel like from behind.”

  “Jesus Christ,” I exhale, propping into a sitting position. “Who knew the boy next door had such a dirty mouth?”

  “Only for you.” Finally, he crushes that mouth to mine, his tongue plunging into me, then pulls back. “Now, get on your hands and knees. This is going to be quick, but I promise you’ll get off.”

  My heart pounds in my chest, the way those erotic words fall from his mouth causing moisture to pool between my legs. Wi
thout saying another word, I do as he asks, shifting onto my hands and knees, resting on my forearms.

  “My god,” he whispers as he traces a light finger down my back. A shiver follows the line he’s drawn, my stomach clenching with anticipation. “You are absolutely stunning.” He grows closer to the spot I need to feel him, my eyes fluttering in the back of my head when he touches me, spreading my wetness all around. “And all mine.”

  I rest my head on the pillow, succumbing to the sensations. “All yours.”

  “And this…” He inserts a finger, massaging my insides. “This is all mine.”

  I moan, moving with the tempo he sets, surrendering to his touch.

  “Say it,” his voice comes out strained, almost like a growl.

  “It’s yours. I’m yours.” I increase my motions, burning for a release. “My heart. My soul. My body. It’s yours. Forever.”

  “Forever,” he repeats as he removes his finger. I pant, about to glance over my shoulder, when he brings his arousal up to me, pushing inside in one quick thrust. We release a simultaneous sigh, evidence our connection runs deeper than just the joining of our two bodies.

  When he doesn’t move, I look back at him, my fiery gaze locking with his. “Fuck me.”

  His eyes become heated as he grabs my hair, wrapping it around his fist and forcing my head forward. He moves slowly at first, but within a few seconds, he sets a punishing pace. Last night, every time we made love, it was just that. It was sweet, passionate, all-consuming, but this lust-filled convergence of our bodies is different. I had the tender, endearing side of Andrew Brinks. Right now, I want the greedy, protective man I know him to be.

  “I just…” His breathing becomes labored. The harder his breathing, the more forceful his thrusts. I’ve never felt so fulfilled, so satisfied, so alive. “I can’t get enough of you.”

  Lost in the moment, I shift my weight to one of my forearms, my other hand traveling down my body, finding that sweet spot between my legs.

  “Brooklyn,” he groans as I toy with myself, the combination of his thickness and my fingers circling me propelling me higher than ever before. “Keep going, baby. God, I love how you feel when you clench around me. Do you like it when I fuck you like this?”