The Last Kiss

by Murphy, M. R.

  Raeve needed to feel that high, as it brought her body the much needed relief from its hormonal curse. “More,” she cried, as Aidan rolled her over, bringing her leg up and over his shoulder, driving in harder, deeper. She was thankful he knew about her little problem, and loved helping her find the relief she needed. Her hands clawed at him, dragging her nails from the sinful mound of his tight ass to the thick muscles of his shoulders. Pulling his body down on hers, Raeve arched into the delicious feel of his thrusts. She couldn’t last long when he resumed his strumming of her clit, and she didn’t want to fight it anymore. Her voice littered the air once again with screams as his touch sent her over the edge.

  “That’s right, baby, let it go,” he urged, pumping wildly as her body pitched from the final high of their climax.

  “I…needed…that.” Smiling through her panting breaths, Raeve sank into the mattress, languid and sated. “I…love…you,” she murmured while staring into the depths of his twin ocean blue eyes.

  Aidan rolled on top of her, staring down at her like he knew there would never be another who could take her place in his heart. The warmth in his eyes melted every fear away. “I love you, too,” he whispered. Fighting to breathe as beads of sweat trickled down his chin; his smile entranced her. The moment couldn’t have been more perfect as Raeve wrapped her arms around his neck, blissfully sated and loving every second of it.

  Relishing the weight of his body covering hers, Raeve wrapped her arms around him tightly, laughing to herself at the idea that this man, her sweet warrior, could be reduced to a sated languid man from her touch. To the outside world he was just that. A soldier, a true warrior for what he believed in, and yet in moments when they were locked together, entranced by the rhythms of their hearts beating in time, she couldn’t imagine anything being further from the truth.

  “So, what do you feel like doing, sweetheart?” his warm breath swept across her face, as she cocked a thin dark brow at him.

  “Um, sleep and then a shower would be a good start.” Pecking trail of kisses from her chin to the moist wet spot between her thighs and back up to her supple breasts, Aidan devoured every inch of her sweet flesh with a gluttonous appetite.

  “Tired are you?” He cocked his brow. “Well then I suppose I’ll let you get back to sleep.”

  Her wistful smile, as she wrapped her arm around him, refused to let him leave. “Well I did just fuck the holy hell out of you,” she countered.

  Smirking back at her, Aidan chuffed out another laugh. “I thought it was I who just fucked you, sweetheart? Or was that just my imagination?” Wrapping his arm around her slender waist, he pulled her body into his, curling her tiny body into his protective hold.

  “Yeah, uh-huh…sure, babe. Now sleepys please,” she shot back. Aidan’s warmth swaddled her without the blankets as she sank deeper into the dark abyss of her unconsciousness.

  When she finally woke, the stinging glare of sunlight that intruded around the edges of the curtains momentarily burned her weary eyes. Her body felt the cold emptiness of a missing bedmate. Sniffing the air, the scent of eggs and biscuits cooking wafted down the hall, attacked her senses, making her hunger grow with voracious need. Her stomach begged with a rumble as she crawled off the bed, searching for her nighty. A glance over the edge of the bed, and the sudden realization she’d have to bust out her sewing kit to repair the damage she caused from ripping it off, sent a burst of laughter to break free. Shaking free her long tangles of messy bed-head, she decided it was probably better to just toss out what was left of her favorite satin lingerie.

  “Shit, I need a shower,” she murmured, relishing the feel of the ache between her thighs.

  “Sweetheart are you awake?” His voice trailed down the long hallway.

  She cocked a brow, still amazed after all this time that he knew her so well. “Yeah, babe. Gonna take a shower. Be out in a few.”

  “Hurry up. Breakfast is ready, unless you need a second pair of hands to help you?”

  Steadying herself against the wall, Raeve smirked at his lovely suggestion. “Sure babe, could always use your hands. I’ll be the one all wet and soapy under the hot spray,” she taunted.

  A nice, hot shower was just what she needed to relieve the tiredness that perpetually plagued her. As the water sluiced down the curves of her body, more bristle burns and nip marks appeared as red blotches. Laughing to herself, Raeve dwelled on the feelings he ignited in her; the love that consumed her, when he was home, in her arms. Her touch couldn’t mimic the way his felt against her skin, the way he seared her from the inside out with the slightest brush of his hands on hers. The way Aidan caressed the swells of her breasts and strummed the smoldering core of her body always left her wanting for more.

  It wasn’t enough to have him with her for just a few, mere days. No, she needed a lifetime of him, filling her up in every way possible, until exhaustion set in and she fell into a sex induced coma. He was the wine she longed for, like a delectable addiction she needed to drink just to live. Her tongue thirsted for him, craving him with every cell in her body. He wasn’t just some sick addiction; she needed him just to feel whole again.

  Aidan was the half of her that had been missing since birth. Often she found herself questioning how he knew things, but the truth was she knew those same things when it came to him. It was something she couldn’t explain, even when she tried to rationalize it. Raeve blamed it on a funky intuition, but the connection she felt with him ran much deeper than that.

  The heavy sigh that escaped her felt as if the weight of their impending goodbye was sitting on her chest. Images of him running for cover and ducking from the onslaught of gunfire, peppered her worried mind. Hot salty tears pricked at her eyes as she fought back the urge to slump down into a weeping pile on the floor. This is what he does, she thought tersely. Raeve hated the idea of him going back over to the living Hell of the world, his life in constant danger as threats of gunfire and grenades riddled the air daily. It was more than she could bear to think about. Slamming the dial off, Raeve slipped from the steamy comforts of the shower. She tried scrubbing her face to fight back the crystal traitors that threatened her composure, but it was no use. She bit down on her lip, refusing to let him hear her little break down. As if he didn’t have enough to worry about, she couldn’t handle the idea of him seeing her lose it right now.

  Chapter Seven

  The sizzling of eggs frying in the pan was a small comfort Aidan knew he wouldn’t have time to get used to. Her sweet scent wafted from his skin, as he leaned into to flip the bacon. Listening carefully to the subtle whimpers that emulated from the bathroom Raeve occupied, felt like a thunderstorm hitting his heart. The heavy weight of her cries settled over him like a sand-filled blanket of the desert he was about to head back to. He longed to walk back there and scoop her up into his arms and kiss her tears away, but it wouldn’t soothe away the pain he knew she would have to endure during his long absence. The pain in her heart radiated through him in droves as he settled his weight against the counter.

  “What the fuck was I thinking? Two years without her?”

  He ached for her, for her pain, and wished to hell he could change things, deny the missions he’d been selected for. Things just didn’t work that way, and she understood that better than anyone. His body could soothe hers, hold her close and work away the demons hidden beneath the surface of her cool composure. Yet it was her heart he couldn’t soothe, no matter the amount of time he spent holding her close and whispering his heart’s truth in her ear. With just a few days left before he would leave, his heart ached knowing who he was leaving behind and hoping it wasn’t a permanent ending.

  Shaking at the idea of losing her forever, his sigh left a heavy cloud of sadness lingering in the air. He longed to pull her into his arms, kiss her tears away, and promise her forever. He’d promise her the world if it could take away the pain she was trying to hide. But he knew her too well, she wouldn’t welcome the intrusion he offered. She w
as still too proud to cry in front of anyone, even him, and dammit if he didn’t admire her all the more for her bravery. He knew she was just a thread away from breaking. He sensed the hurt and anger pouring off her, as the silence broke, Aidan listened to the sounds of her muffled cries and sizzling food. Moments turned to minutes as he waited for her to come out.

  The swishing sound of the door opening was followed by the scent of her jasmine body wash drifting down the hallway, intoxicating him before she even entered the room.

  “Hey.” She smiled, and the sadness she tried to hide touched her eyes. “Smells good, babe.”

  “Hungry?” He returned her smile, staring softly into her darkening green eyes. If he hadn’t heard the muffled sobs the change of her hazel green eyes into the color of a deep forest after rain would be a sure sign she had been crying. “Beautiful,” he murmured.

  “Starving. I could polish off a whole cow if it was on my plate right now!” Relishing the idea of a plate of hot food, she pulled free a couple of plates, and slid free the silverware. “Coffee?” she offered.

  “Sure.” He pressed his lips to hers, unable to get enough of her sweet taste. Before Raeve even touched the ‘on’ button to the coffee maker, he pulled her back into a crushing embrace, wrapping his arms around her. His lips captured the soft dewy skin below her ear, inhaling her sweet clean scent deeply.

  “Love you,” he whispered, his lips a soft caress against her silky skin.

  Her smile finally lifted to reach her eyes, and relief washed over him as she slid her arms around his neck. The wet tendrils of her hair clung to his skin, still dripping cool droplets. “Do you now?” she quipped “How much?”

  Aidan didn’t hesitate to answer. “From here to the moon and back again,” he spoke confidently, “and you?”

  Gazing up to him, the twist in her lip gave him the feeling whatever she was about to say, she was going to expect a heavier reply. “Always until eternity,” she whispered, before pecking a kiss on the curve of his jaw. It was all the answer he could hope for. He tightened his hold on her, needing to feel her pressed against him as he stored away another memory for the long drawn out days and nights that awaited him.

  “Uh, babe…” Raeve looked at the eggs sizzling in the pan. The subtle smell of burnt eggs began to filter through the kitchen. “Um, I think the eggs are done.”

  “Shit.” Reluctantly he released her. His stomach growled as he appraised the bacon and buttered the toast. “How’s that coffee coming, babe?” he asked while cocking his brow.

  Her cheeks lit up with a fresh pink blush as she hit the on button.

  “Just about ready.” Slapping his ass, Raeve sidled around him to pull free two coffee cups, secretly praying he wouldn’t return the favor. Rubbing her buttcheek, she still felt the sting of his last smack.

  ***

  Raeve spent the better part of the day trying to hold her composure and to not shatter into a million pieces as the day waned and the moon peeked out against the velvet black sky. It was a fight she prayed she wouldn’t lose, but with each passing hour, the knot in her stomach grew. The hours spent hiking South Mountain passed too quickly as Aidan taught her new survival techniques for those ‘just in case’ scenarios. It was the simple pleasure of walking and climbing the ridges and inclines, just passing the time with him, that meant the world to her. As dusk slowly fell, Raeve nestled in close to him, watching the sun setting over the cityscape. She wished time could stop, for just a while.

  “Sweetheart, we should probably get down the mountain before it gets too dark to see the trail.”

  She hated to admit it, but he was right.

  ***

  Aidan sent her into the bathroom to clean up and nurse the scrapes from her unintended skid down a small rock face. Gingerly patting the abrasions, Raeve glanced back up at him sheepishly, while Aidan prepared bandages.

  “Damn! What is wrong with me?” Her complaint was one she voiced often. “Such a friggin’ klutz.”

  “Yes, but it’s all part of your charm, sweetheart.” Winking back at her, Aidan couldn’t help but laugh at her frustration. He’d seen it too many times.

  “Jeeeeezus, I’m a perpetual, professional example of Murphy’s Law. Maybe you should cover me in bubble wrap before you leave me.” Aidan watched as she instantly regretted what she had said. The recognition in her eyes of those four little words, ‘before you leave me’ shot a dark sadness through her hazel-green eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.”

  “I know what you meant. You know why I have to go, right?” His eyes locked on to hers, all playfulness gone, the depth of his words drank in the sadness of those twin windows. “I’m doing this for us, sweetheart.” Letting out a sigh, Aidan stood up and began to walk away.

  His words settled over her like a concrete blanket, suffocating her as the resolve in his voice spoke louder than his reasoning. “Where are you going?” she called after him, shaking her head as tears threatened to prick her eyes again.

  “I’ll be right back, babe.” His voice trailed down the hallway as she finished cleansing her wounds.

  Every minute that passed felt more hurried than the last. Raeve continued to pray for time to stop completely. She wished she could change everything and go back in time to change the past. Guilt assailed her for past decisions. Why had she been so stupid? Why did she walk away before? Cupping her head in her heads, she begged the tears to retreat. She knew she was constantly on the edge of falling down into an abyss of misery, but now wasn’t the time.

  Chapter Eight

  Aidan rifled through his bag, searching for the single piece of metal that had spanned the globe with him since he first joined the military, along with his second gift. Smirking he knew it was his way of keeping her close. Asking Raeve to hold on to his favorite memento for safe keeping until the day he returned. The question of whether or not he’d return to accept it back was a something he couldn’t answer or guarantee.

  Burying his hand deep in his bag, he pulled free the small metal pieces he had saved for her since his first tour. They were still shining bright as the day he received them. Next to come out was a small black velvet pouch with his favorite silver necklace and scorpion pendant. Many good memories were stored in those silver links. Resolving himself to the idea that this might be the last time he’d see them, he held the bag close.

  Thumbing over his tags, he remembered the first time he had wanted to give them to Raeve―would’ve too if he hadn’t needed them. Now it made no difference whether he wore them or not. Where he was going, anything of significance would have to be left behind. He would be a virtual living ghost.

  It felt like ages had passed since those first days with her. When he was young and ready to jump into the future, the feel of the dog tags hanging around his neck and the memory of Raeve tracing over the small letters carried him through most nights. So many memories of her, little mementos he held on to during those early days came flooding back as he sat back, remembering the first night he held her skin to skin while staring into her sated eyes.

  ***

  “Hey, man, did you get everything done?”

  Staring back at his roommate, Aidan smirked and nodded his head to answer Michael. “Yup, finishing touches are in here. Just hope she likes it.”

  “Damn, dude, since when are you the romantic type?” he chided.

  “You don’t know her; trust me she’s worth it.” Zipping up his bag, he set it against the door and turned to the mirror for one final inspection.

  “So what time does her flight get in?” Hanging back on his bunk, Michael watched as his friend fretted over his shirt. “Dude, seriously, you look fine. Stop being such a pansy.”

  Cocking a skeptical brow, he whipped a pair of rolled up socks at Michael, hoping he’d get the point and piss off. “She gets in at three. Heading out now. So don’t fuck with my shit while I’m gone.”

  “You gonna bring her back here?”

  “Fuck no. Why would I?”
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  “Why not? Or are you afraid I’ll steal her from you? Probably a dog anyways.” He barked out a laugh.

  Aidan instantly regretted showing Michael Raeve’s picture, and allowing him to speak to her. Deep down, Aidan knew Michael totally understood his head over heels love for her.

  “Sure…you and Raeve?” cocking his brow once again, Aidan reached down to grab his bag, “That’ll be the day.” With that, he left the small room and walked to his truck. His hands grew slicker with sweat with very step he took. The air was thick and humid even in the Texas desert as sweat beads trickled down his brow.

  It had been a few months since he last saw her, and only on a whim chance, he had arranged for her to fly down to his base. His heart tripped into overdrive as he imagined her in his arms again, kissing her urgently, feeling her body pressed against him. He had spent the better part of the day setting up their hotel room littering the bed and floor with flower petals and scattering candles all over the room. He had meticulously staged it for the perfect seduction. Aidan would do whatever it took to make her forget the haunting darkness of the past that lingered in her eyes. He vowed to free her from those nightmares, at least for the night.

  The drive to Austin dragged as traffic flooded the highways. His nerves were on edge, and he prayed he’d make it in time. He could picture the look on her face when she saw him waiting coyly at her gate, flowers in hand, ready to pull her into his arms for a long awaited kiss. Her eyes wide, as her smile and a resplendent blush deepened the closer she stepped toward him. His cock twitched as he imagined the feel of her lips on his. He dreamt of bringing her closer still as he slid his hand to the small of her back to keep her locked in his embrace for however long she’d allow. Smiling at the idea of staring deep into her eyes for the first time in months, he tightened his grip on the steering wheel and gunned the accelerator.