Henry and I trudged out to the barn through the lightly frosted grass. We climbed up the rickety ladder and opened the upper doors to watch the sun do its thing. We snuggled up close together, with the blanket wrapped around both of us, enjoying the view of the sun beginning to peek through the trees. I felt him staring at me.
“What?” I said without looking at him.
“I’m admiring your beauty.”
I laughed. “Oh, Henry. Maybe you should be admiring the beauty of the sunrise. There may be a day when we won’t get to see it.”
He stroked my tangled locks. “And there may be a day when I don’t get to admire your lovely face.” Damn him and that rasp. He pulled me closer. “I’m thinking we should take off in the next day or so.”
I had to admit I was enjoying the home life dynamic. Even though it was cramped and we were sleeping on the floor, it felt so good. Also, I was glad to avoid Gunther.
“I want to make a run for supplies and gas today.” Then he added, “Plus, we need a bag.” He sounded like he was ashamed to ask.
Worry swept over me. “Henry… I don’t want to go find Gunther. I mean, what good would it do? You’re just going to kill him, and then what?”
“I’ll have the upper hand.”
“The upper hand of what? There’s nothing out there.” I motioned toward the old cornfield.
“What happened to saving the world? All that positive talk from you?”
I sighed. “I don’t know.”
“Killing Gunther means I’ll take out another one of Roger’s main men. We already got rid of Kellan. If we get rid of Gunther, then I’ll be able to show Roger that I’m not fucking around with this, and that I mean business. He has to be freaking out seeing that Kellan’s tracking device isn’t signaling to the satellite anymore, and mine and Sophie’s have been stagnant for ages.” My sweet Henry was speaking like he was a killing machine.
“How will he find out? It’s not like there is any way to communicate with him.”
“He’ll find out, at some point, and when he does, it will be a kick in the bollocks to his program.”
“Please excuse my stupidity, but I don’t understand how it will hurt Roger.”
Henry was becoming flustered. “Look, with Kellan gone and when I get rid of Gunther, I’ll only have one more person to go through to get to Roger.”
“But what about the other recruits? Will they all side with you?”
“Probably not. But it’s not anything I can’t handle. Trust me, I have it all worked out up here.” He pointed at his head.
I didn’t have anything else to say. My worry would have just taken over completely and we would have gotten into an argument. I didn’t want that so I just looked back out at the sunrise and took it all in.
“I’ve been thinking. I want to rise up like you encouraged me to do. Get people together. Rally up. Maybe we could form a new society.”
I whipped my head around at him. “Are you out of your fucking mind?!” I snapped. “You do understand that you would be killed if they found out your life status, right?”
“But if I can prove that we won’t harm them, and if I convince them that Nick and I will continue drinking willingly donated blood, versus making more like us, then maybe I stand a chance. Maybe I can live freely with what I am and not hide anymore. I’m sick of living in secrecy, and sick of worrying about what the reaction will be if someone finds out.”
“Finds out what?” Henry and I both jumped up with our Sigs drawn.
“Julianna! You cannot sneak up on people like that,” Henry scolded her. “And eavesdropping on other’s conversations is terribly rude!”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Henry.” She looked deflated.
I kneeled down to her level and asked her, “Does anyone know you are out here?”
“No,” she murmured.
“You shouldn’t wander outdoors alone.” Henry threw Julianna a quirked brow. Her eyes filled with tears because she knew he was angry with her.
“We need to get you back inside before someone freaks out.” I grabbed her hand, and Henry went down the ladder first.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Elaina.” Julianna’s hand rested in mine. “But what did Mr. Henry mean when he said ‘live without secrets’?”
I stopped abruptly, and Julianna almost fell over. “You need not repeat anything you heard! You have misunderstood what Mr. Henry was saying.” I was as angry as he was, but I tried not to scare her, although I think that I did.
Henry grabbed my arm. “I’ve got this.” I nodded and let go of her hand. Henry knelt down and looked in her eyes. “Julianna, listen, there are some things that are not to be heard by children. To be honest, Ms. Elaina and I were speaking of troubles in our relationship. It’s hard to understand, and it’s been hard on us. We hope to work out all of our problems before we are to marry.” Henry grinned tenderly at Julianna. “So I would greatly appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything. I don’t want anyone to worry about our relationship. Okay, little love?”
“Okay,” she replied shyly.
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
“Pinky swear?” Henry held out his pinky. Julianna examined it momentarily, then hooked her delicate pinky finger around his. Julianna smiled. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he stood up, carrying her toward the door.
Then she said, “I wish you were my daddy.” Henry was taken aback, as was I. I felt guilty for scolding her. “You’re nice like my daddy was.”
“Now that is very sweet.” Henry tapped her on the nose with his index finger. Julianna giggled. Henry set her down and took her little hand in his, then they walked back inside the house. It was the sweetest thing I had seen in a long time. Rosa met us at the door, looking completely frazzled.
“There you are!” she shouted. “I was worried sick!” Shay and Thomas, who were still sleeping, woke with a start.
“I’m sorry, Rosa.” Julianna hung her head in shame.
“You cannot go outside by yourself! It’s too dangerous! Thankfully, Mr. Henry and Ms. Elaina were there to bring you back.”
“Take it easy on her. She was just being curious,” Henry said, hoping that Rosa would stop yelling.
“Take it easy on her? Have you ever heard the phrase ‘curiosity killed the cat’? Do you have any idea what I did to save this child? Any idea?”
“That is enough, Rosa. You do not disrespect adults,” Addie sharply added as she walked out from her bedroom. “I’m sure Henry and his group have gone through a lot to stay alive and save others.” Check and mate, Rosa. Henry was seething. He was trying to control his temper.
He whispered, “Just so you know, not that it’s any of your concern, but I had to put a bullet in my best friend’s head. I had to kill members of our families, children and teens much like yourself. Did you forget what we did to rescue you?” Oh, shit.
“We held the fort down at the school. Did you notice the stairs, or did you forget that?” Rosa retorted.
“I did notice, and I do believe I commended you and your group’s bravery and brilliance of the situation. Did I not?! But if we didn’t get in there, you guys would have ended up starving to death!”
I grabbed Henry’s arm. “Come on. Let’s get you some food. Sorry, he tends to get grumpy when he’s hungry.” As I pushed Henry toward the kitchen, I heard Addie scolding Rosa. Words like “ungrateful”, “arrogant”, and “apology” were used several times between the two of them.
I directed Henry into a chair at the table. I started chopping up some fresh veggies and putting them in a large bowl. It was a minute or two before I could bring myself to say anything.
In a harsh whisper, I said, “Henry, you have to control yourself.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’m in need.” He did sound truly sorry for his outburst.
“You can’t keep using that as an excuse. She’s just a child, much like Julianna.” It felt odd saying that since I wasn’t that much older than Rosa, although
I did feel many years wiser. Life experience speaks for itself.
“I know. I’ll apologize.”
“Just eat something, and we’ll take care of your other issue later.” I dropped the bowl down in front of him. Addie brought Rosa into the kitchen. Rosa scowled as she stood against the counter with her arms crossed, while Henry quietly ate. I continued chopping until there was enough for everyone. Addie sat down next to Henry.
“I think I’m going to go hunting for supplies and gas today. We’ll be leaving in the next day or so.” Henry didn’t even look up as he talked.
“Now, if you are leaving on account of my daughter’s behavior, please reconsider.” I laughed. Addie raised her eyebrow at me.
“I’m sorry for laughing at you, Addie, but if I can’t change his mind, no one can.”
“I understand that, but I don’t want your group to be put at risk because of something she said.”
“I’m in the same room, Mom,” Rosa growled.
“Look. I don’t want any fighting. This is what I’m doing. I’m going to have a private meeting in the truck in a few minutes with my group, and our plans will be finalized.”
“I wish you would stay. My main concern is Claire and the baby. What if something happens and you don’t have a place for her to rest comfortably?”
“Addie, there are things I have to do. I’m sorry. I greatly appreciate all that you have done for us.” He took her hand. “You’re amazing, and will forever be in my heart.”
Shortly after we all ate, Henry gathered our group and we went out to the truck. Henry drew a bag each from Thomas and me…one for himself and one for Nick. We chatted for a while and discussed our plans. They drank their blood, and we headed back inside to relay our plans to Addie.
“Nick, Thomas, and I’ll be going out to hunt for gas and supplies. Can you give me a location close to here?” Henry was leaning on his elbows on the table.
After a full bag, he was feeling pretty high. I was worried Addie would suspect something. Nick was having trouble keeping his euphoria at bay, as well. Claire was stroking his cheek, trying to make it look like he was giddy over her.
“I would like to go.” I turned around, and Justin was standing at the doorway.
“You will not!” Rosa bit out at him.
“Why not? I held my own when we were leaving the school. And I could be an asset. I know my way around here.” I could see Henry liked the idea. It did make sense, but I was leery.
“I won’t let you go with them!”
“Are you being for real, Rosa? I didn’t realize you were my mom.” Oops. I had a feeling that it was going to get nasty. I wished we had electricity so I could pop a bag of popcorn for the show that was about to begin.
“Maybe we should get out of the line of fire,” I whispered to Addie.
“I think you may be right. Let them duke it out.” Addie had a smirk on her face.
I grabbed Henry’s arm. “Come on. Let’s go out in the living room and give them a little privacy.” Claire and Nick followed behind us. When we rounded the corner, Thomas and Shay were kissing on the couch.
“Well, maybe we should go outside then,” Henry said and Addie laughed. Thomas and Shay pulled apart.
He directed me straight through the front door and down the porch stairs. He held my arm and guided me back into the barn. I climbed the ladder, and he followed. I had a feeling what was going to happen.
As soon as he made it up the ladder, he grabbed me, pushed me down on the floor, and began kissing me with intense passion.
Breathless, I pushed him away. “Henry, we can’t. Not here.”
“Why not? Here is as good as any.”
“We shouldn’t. Everyone is up, and we could get company. I’m sure someone saw us come out here.” He grumbled at me and rolled onto his back.
He adjusted his arousal. I felt that stirring deep within my core when I saw him do so. He was propped up on his elbows, smirking at me. His eyes sparkled in the sunlight.
I sighed. “Henry…?”
“Yes, my love?”
“Why must you do this to me? You have this power over me.”
He grinned. “I know,” he rumbled. “Now get over here so I can fuck your brains out.”
“Well, look who thinks he put on his bossy pants this morning.” I crawled up, straddling him. I leaned down to kiss him. He groaned as he ran his icy cold hands up my shirt. I broke into a violent shiver.
“Sorry, love.” He looked upset with himself.
“It’s fine. I don’t mind it.” I softly smiled at him. “It’s exhilarating.” He returned my smile and ran his fingers down my sides. I shivered again, and pulled my shirt over my head. It was so cold outside, and with Henry having such a low body temperature, my nerves were sparking. I shook my head a little and my hair lay over my exposed breasts. Henry sharply inhaled.
“Love…you are so goddamn stunning. I could stare at you all motherfucking day.” I pulled his shirt off of him and ran my hands over his stellar body. His breath caught in his throat. “Your warm hands feel so good against my skin.” I ran my fingers around his waist, teasing him every time I got near the button of his jeans.
He finally reached down and unbuttoned them himself. A good portion of his arousal sprung free. My mouth watered while looking at my beautiful man. He smiled while he watched me gawk at him.
“See anything you like?” he murmured as he pulled me down on top of him.
“I see a lot of things that I like.”
“Maybe you should kiss all of the places that you like.” He had a devious smile on his face.
“It could take a while.”
“I have a little time to spare.” He put his hands behind his head and settled in.
I started at his ears and worked my way over his lips and down his neck, making sure to press my chest firmly against his. He groaned as I kissed his chest and ran my tongue over his abdomen.
Henry’s breath hitched when my chest brushed up against his arousal. I heard him moan my name in between the pants coming through his parted lips. I looked up at him, and his eyes were closed. He was waiting for me to take him in. He licked his lips, and I licked mine. I ran the backs of my nails over his wide shaft. He twitched and let out another moan. The anticipation was killing him.
Finally, I gave him what he wanted. I wrapped my mouth around him, and gave him the thrill of a lifetime as I raked my teeth up and down him. I saw his body further relax. A few minutes into it, he quickly sat up on his elbows.
“Holy Christ, Elaina… Stop.” His breath was ragged. “If you don’t stop…” I crawled up and kissed him. He grabbed me and flipped me over. “My turn.” His lips curled up into a grin.
He ran his cool lips all over my skin. His gentle kisses made my nerves stand on end. From my neck to my chest, he left me squirming with every kiss. He focused on my breasts for a little while, knowing he was driving me crazy. He ran his tongue over my abdomen, much like I did his. I reached down and unbuttoned my jeans, and he pulled them down, watching me maneuver my own hands across my body.
“God, love. You’re so fucking amazing.” He kissed my hips and thighs, tracing his tongue around my tiny swollen bud. I gasped as he assaulted my body. He groaned, knowing that I was close. He dipped his fingers in, teasing me. He would get me right to the edge, and then he would stop.
“Henry…”
“Tell me what you want.” I could barely speak. My breath kept hitching every time his tongue brushed against me. “Come on, love. Tell me.”
“You. All of you.” He flipped me over so I was on my hands and knees, and with precise movements, he placed one hand around on my front, sat back on his knees, bringing me with him. Then he grabbed my hips and pulled me down onto him.
“Oh, fuck, you feel so good.” His voice was gritty as he suckled on my ear lobe. He was in deep, and he slowly pulled and pushed my hips over him, making me climb closer and closer to the edge with every stroke. He wrapped his arm around my
waist and continued the assault on my front side while he rocked me up and down.
I was seconds from exploding and feared he wouldn’t let me release again. He knew exactly where I was. He firmly gripped my sides, holding me still. He began slamming himself into me. I lost it. I yelled out and I spilled myself onto him. He groaned in approval and continued to hold me firm, keeping myself wrapped around him entirely, moaning each time I pulsed. He pulled out and spun me around.
“Finish me.” I looked up as I kneeled before him. He was breathless as he pleaded for me to treat him. “Please.” He stood up and leaned back on the wall of the barn. I did as he asked and, seconds later, he let go. He grabbed my head, forcing me to stop moving. He held his breath and bit his lower lip. Then the sounds that came from him were gritty and deep. His whole body trembled as he rocked into my mouth a few more times, milking himself dry.
I sat back as Henry pushed his head against the wall, trying to catch his breath. I stood up and leaned against him, stroking his face. I brushed my lips across his. He opened his eyes and he gazed into mine.
“Love…that was absolutely, fucking brilliant.”
“Anything for my Henry.” I started kissing him again, and he smirked.
“We should probably get dressed before someone realizes we’re MIA.” Just as we were putting on our shoes, we heard Nick calling our names from outside the barn doors.
“Lainy! Henry!” Henry laughed a little. How was that for timing?
“Be right there!” I yelled down. Nick walked into the barn as I descended the ladder, Henry following right after me.
“What were you doing up there?” I blushed and looked away. “Oh, right.” He glared at Henry, who had a satisfied smirk on his face. “What’s with you two? God. Exhibitionists or something? Anyone of us could have gone up there and seen god knows what!” Henry laughed. “You seem to forget that’s my baby sister.” Nick was a little miffed.
“You seem to forget that we’re getting married, and I practically lived at her flat. It wasn’t me that took her innocence.” Henry glared at Nick.
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