Traded

by Rebecca Brooke

  “Ready?” he asked, shaking the car keys.

  “Yeah.”

  I reached for the bag at his feet, but he pushed my hand away and picked it up himself. “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I asked as we walked down the steps to the Bentley already waiting in front.

  “Nope.”

  I stuck my bottom lip out, hoping it would get me more information, but after he’d loaded the bag into the trunk and rounded the car to open my door, his thumb swiped over my bottom lip.

  “It won’t work, Elena.” He opened the passenger door and gestured inside the car.

  “Fine.” I slipped into the seat, listening to his belly laugh all the way around the front and into his own seat. It was hard to keep up the pretense and not laugh with him. By the time we pulled out of the drive, I’d given up and giggled right along.

  I had a hard time sitting still during the whole drive. Theories about where we might be heading flipped through my head at such speed, I could barely keep up with them. Ashton turned the car into a small airport, pulling up and parking behind one of the hangers.

  “Flying?”

  “We are, but I’m not telling you any more.”

  We climbed out of the car at the same time and Ashton grabbed the bag from the back on his way to meet me. Threading his fingers through mine, I gasped at the gesture because the slight pressure on my hand settled my nerves. It was weird how well he knew me.

  We walked hand in hand to the hanger. The front was open, the plane already out on the tarmac.

  “Ashton.” A man with cropped red hair came through the door. “You made good time.”

  “We did,” Ashton said, extending his hand. “Once someone got out of bed.” He looked over and winked at me.

  “It’s the middle of the night,” I protested.

  They both laughed. “John, this is Elena.” Ashton brought me forward. “Elena, this is John. Dad keeps him on retainer for special flights.”

  “It’s a pleasure.” John kissed the back of my hand. He lingered a little longer than necessary.

  “John,” Ashton warned.

  John raised his hands, his eyes raking down my body. Despite Ashton’s warning, his gaze lingered on my breasts. “You can’t blame me for getting carried away.”

  “Then you can’t blame me for what’ll happen next.”

  “Fair point.” John started to back toward the door. “Plane’s fueled. Checks done. Flight’s cleared. We can take off whenever you’re ready.”

  Ashton glanced over at me, obviously seeing the pleading in my eyes. “We’re ready now.”

  “Stairs are down. Help yourself. I’ll be up in a minute.” John took off, jogging out the door.

  “It was nice to meet you,” I called out into the night. Turning to face Ashton, I added. “You scared the crap out of him.”

  He scoffed. “I don’t give a shit. I pay him to fly a plane, not grope the woman I’m trying to impress.”

  I rolled my eyes and let Ashton lead me to the steps, which were already extended. “A private plane?”

  “The only way to get where we’re going. The airport is small and the next largest one is three hours away.”

  Geography was never my best subject. I racked my brain for where he might be talking about.

  “Stop trying to figure it out,” he said softly next to my ear. “You’ll spoil the surprise.”

  He placed the bag in one of the compartments near the front, then showed me to one of the seats, each a large leather recliner. This plane looked nothing like the jets where they shove three people in a section that is really only big enough for two. Taking a seat, I was surprised at how comfortable the seats were.

  “I’ve only ever flown coach.”

  “How many times have you flown?”

  I glanced down to the floor. “Once, when we left for Vegas.”

  Ashton’s head snapped in my direction. “Are you telling me you’ve only flown once in your entire life?”

  I nodded, unsure how to respond. Humiliation swept through me. “Yeah, we drove from there to Colorado. Dominic wanted to start afresh somewhere new.”

  “I thought your parents lived on the East coast. You didn’t visit them?” His tone was harsh.

  “Dominic always said we didn’t have the money to make the long flight.” I looked at the carpet for so long I began to memorize the pattern. “Besides, we lost contact, remember?”

  He caught my chin between his thumb and forefinger, bringing my face up to his. “Elena, you’re not to blame. It’s just that every time you let me in, I’m disgusted with how callous and selfish that man is.”

  So many thoughts ran through my head. Whether it was right or wrong, I decided to tell Ashton about my plans.

  “I’ve decided to file for divorce. I just need to find a good lawyer.”

  A wicked grin crossed his lips and he swooped, taking my lips in a demanding kiss. Swirling tongues fought burning fires and I momentarily forgot where we were until he sat back, panting, “I want you. Can’t. Not yet, at least.”

  My chest heaved. It still amazed me how quickly Ashton could reduce me to a mass of nerves and no brainpower. All it took was a simple kiss. The man had a very talented tongue. Wherever he used it.

  John stepped into the plane at that moment, averting his gaze. “Buckle up, we’re cleared to take off.”

  My face flushed with the idea of being caught.

  “He didn’t see anything,” Ashton whispered. “And he’ll miss the rest of the show when he’s stuck behind that door, flying the plane.” He gave me a salacious grin.

  Every nerve ending tingled with his carnal promise. “We can’t do that on the plane.”

  His hand slipped underneath my shirt. “Oh we can. And we will. You’ve done nothing but tease me since I woke you up. I’m done waiting.”

  “Oh God.”

  “That’s right. You’ll be screaming that a lot in a bit. But, my name will do just fine for now.”

  “Wait . . . did you say that I’ve been teasing you?” All of the comments, looks, not to mention the kiss flashed before me. “You’ve—” He covered my lips with his fingers.

  “Don’t deny it. I saw you staring at my ass earlier. What’s a man supposed to do?” I wanted to protest that he happened to be the one who took my clothes off last night, but his fingers never moved. “Since we can’t do what I want to do yet, let’s talk more about your divorce.”

  His fingers moved away from my lips but I only managed to get out, “Last night,” before he covered them again.

  “Uh-uh. We’re talking divorce, not your teasing ways.”

  I rolled my eyes and nodded. Once again, his fingers fell away. “I want to start divorce proceedings. I don’t want to wait another minute to be free of him. I should have left before, but I didn’t know any better. I’m glad that now I do. I just need to find a lawyer.”

  “I have a law firm on retainer. We can go see them this week.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  The plane started taxiing toward the runway. “I want to. The idea of you completely free of that asshole makes me hard as a rock. Plus, they’re on a retainer. They may as well do something for their money.”

  The plane picked up speed and we rocketed down the runway. At the same time, Ashton took my hand, placing it over the bulge in his pants.

  “Ashton,” I whispered.

  He captured my mouth as the plane began its ascent, and the floating sensation filling my body had nothing to do with takeoff. Ashton and his talented tongue sent me soaring to new heights. All thoughts of protesting flew right out the window. His mouth trailed down my cheek to my neck, lightly sucking on the pulse point.

  My body was already alight with sensation when Ashton’s fingers stroked across my stomach, snaking up and under my shirt to cover my breast. His thumb teased me above the fabric.

  “More,” I begged.

  “More?” His fingers teased my nipples. “You weren’t su
re you wanted to do this.”

  Needing less talking and more touching, I threaded my fingers into the hair at his nape and pulled his mouth to mine.

  He didn’t disappoint.

  When his tongue slid back into my mouth and his fingers dipped below the fabric of my bra, a small voice in the back of my head tried to scream that I must be crazy to go along with this. Except the voice was so small it could be a whisper.

  The throbbing, my core begging for more. Suddenly, my seatbelt unfastened and I was hauled over into Ashton’s lap, nothing breaking the connection of our lips. The hard length of his erection pushed into me, creating a delicious friction. Desire, hot and heavy, filled me. Using my free hand, I reached down to unfasten the button and zipper of his jeans. He taught me that: that I could touch him and enjoy it.

  That’s exactly what I wanted—to touch and enjoy. A groan left his lips, the moment my hand slipped inside and wrapped around him.

  “Oh fuck, Elena.”

  My hand moved up and down for a few strokes before Ashton grabbed my shoulders and flipped me around on his lap. One hand went up my shirt and back to my nipples, while the other snaked down my front to open my jeans and slip inside. Ashton slid his fingers down through my slick wet heat. My hips bucked up, trying to get his fingers where I needed them. His teeth scraped across the back of my neck.

  “Ashton.”

  “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. So responsive.” His finger caressed my clit and the muscles in my body tightened in anticipation, all the while his tongue traced patterns across my nape. The combination became too much and fireworks exploded behind my eyes as I gave in to the urge and let go, screaming out Ashton’s name.

  Aftershocks flashed through my body so strongly, I barely noticed him push my pants down my thighs. He lifted me a bit higher and slid home. Both of our tests had come back negative and I was on the pill, so there was no need for a condom.

  “You’re so fucking wet. It makes me want to come, knowing how badly you want me. I want to fuck you hard and fast right now.”

  “Do it,” I moaned.

  Ashton didn’t need to be told twice. He gripped my hips, thrusting rapidly. My body moved in sync with his.

  “Damn, damn, damn,” I cried, my body pushing itself toward another orgasm quicker than I could have imagined.

  Ashton lost his rhythm right before slamming into me one last time. Sensations were the only thing I paid attention to as my orgasm ripped through me.

  As our bodies cooled, Ashton placed sweet soft kisses to the back of my neck. Glancing down, I noticed our partial state of undress. Drained, I leaned back against Ashton, enjoying the soft movements around my stomach.

  “You are so passionate and responsive. Everything I need,” he whispered in my ear.

  “Mmm.”

  “Did I steal your strength?” he chuckled.

  I nodded, too tired to speak.

  “Let’s get you dressed, then you can sleep the rest of the flight. I’ll wake you when we get there.”

  “Where is there?”

  “Oh no, you’re still not getting it out of me with your sleepy ramblings.”

  “I tried,” I mumbled.

  He laughed and stood, his arms wound around my middle. He helped me adjust my clothes and then tucked himself back into his jeans. I sat back down in my seat, wondering how I’d be comfortable enough to sleep sitting up. Ashton was digging through a cabinet in the back and came back with a pillow and a blanket.

  “Thank you,” I said, taking the pillow from his hands and placing it behind my head.

  He laughed and shook his head at me. “Let me help.” He reached down on the side of the seat. Slowly, the seat began to recline. When it finally stopped moving, I was lying down and knew I’d be asleep in no time. Ashton covered me with the blanket, then placed a soft kiss on my head.

  “Sleep.”

  Too tired to argue or attempt to get answers from him, I let my eyes drift closed.

  

  The jerk of the wheels hitting the ground woke me. Like a kid on Christmas morning, I was instantly alert. Sitting up, I found Ashton lounging in the seat next to me. His glasses were on the top of his head, a book in his hand.

  “Are we nearly there?”

  He lowered the book to his lap and pulled his glasses back down over his eyes. “We should be at the hanger soon, then we just need to wait for permission to disembark.”

  He stood, stretching, all of his lean muscles on display underneath his T-shirt. “You can stop staring now. If you want to touch . . .”

  He glanced at me out of the corner of his eyes, a smirk crossing his lips.

  I glanced away but then looked back. Why shouldn’t I touch him? After all, we’d done much worse on this flight. Soon we’d been wherever it was he’d taken me—who knew when I’d next get a chance like this.

  Standing, I stepped up and placed my hands on his abs and his eyes darkened instantly. His reaction had me feeling brave and I didn’t give him a chance to do anything before I leaned up on my toes and pressed my lips to his. His hand on my lower back pressed me closer to him. When he leaned back, he watched me for a minute then admitted, “You make me feel things I never thought I would.”

  Unsure how to respond I opened and closed my mouth a few times, willing the words to come. But I was interrupted when the door to the front compartment swung open.

  “You guys can exit the plane whenever you’re ready. The car . . .” John seemed to notice something going on between us and trailed off.

  “Thanks, John. I’ll text you when we’re ready to head back,” Ashton answered over his shoulder. Letting out a breath, I thanked my lucky stars. Saved by the bell.

  “Ashton.”

  He stepped toward the front, where he’d stored the bag earlier. Oh man, had I messed this up? My stomach began to churn. He’d taken the time to plan this and there I was, sticking my foot in my mouth.

  I followed him, hesitantly. These sorts of situations always made me nervous, and with Ashton I didn’t know where I stood. Dominic would have just flown into a rage, and rage I could cope with. I wasn’t used to brooding.

  Ashton was standing at the door, just looking at the stairs. For a moment, I thought he might change his mind and call John to take us back. Then he turned and held out a hand to me, the mysterious bag in the other. I felt the tension leave my body, all of my insecurities of a moment ago faded away.

  My hand slipped into his, weaving our fingers together. The warmth infused my skin, chasing away the cold. We walked the steps hand in hand, toward the jeep that sat on the tarmac in front of us.

  “Here, you might need this.” He reached into the bag and pulled out a hooded sweatshirt.

  “Thank you.” I put the sweatshirt on and climbed into the jeep.

  Once he was settled in the driver’s seat, I looked over at him. He was such a handsome man. I had to force myself to believe I wasn’t dreaming. “Still not going to tell me where we are.”

  “You’ll see in a minute.” He started the car and took off toward the front gate.

  When we passed through, I thought my eyes might fall out of my head. I couldn’t have seen the sign correctly. Reaching over, he placed a finger under my chin and closed my mouth.

  “Close your mouth, before the bugs fly in.”

  “The Grand Canyon? You brought me to the Grand Canyon?”

  It was a place I’d always wanted to go, but never in a million years thought I’d find myself.

  “I had a feeling you’d never been here, and I thought sunrise would a spectacular way for you to see it the first time.”

  The tears came on so fast I had no chance of stopping them and they leaked down my cheeks, blurring my vision and making it hard for me to draw a full breath. Ashton glanced over at me. “Don’t cry, Elena.”

  “I can’t help it. I’ve never been so happy.”

  The sky was still dark and it was hard to see. My heart pounding in my chest the long
er we drove. I knew we were getting closer.

  Ashton pulled the jeep to a stop and jumped out to grab the bag. Stepping out of the car, I was surprised by the drop in temperature.

  “Wow, it’s cold.”

  “Until the sun comes up.” He lifted the bag in his hand. “I brought things to keep us warm. Come on, I don’t want you to miss any of it.”

  He flicked on a flashlight and led the way, the light seeming extraordinarily bright in the darkness. I was used to nighttime, obviously, but I didn’t know if it was the change in location or something else, but everything seemed . . . more. The air was colder, the night darker. I caught up to Ashton, looping my arm through his as we followed the trail and the feel of him against me was just the same.

  More.

  We weren’t the only ones there. Voices could be heard all around us. When we finally stopped walking, I was glad Ashton had me put sneakers on. He lay out a blanket and pulled another from his bag. Taking a seat in the center, he gestured in front of himself.

  “Sit with me. This is the best place to see the sunrise this time of year.”

  Shivering at the cold I sat between his legs, leaning against his chest and he wrapped the other blanket around the two of us, holding me tight to him. It felt so right, sitting here with him like this. But it was hard to concentrate on anything but the beauty surrounding me. As we sat watching, the sky changed from a light blue to orange and eventually a pink.

  Then, in the most unforgettable moment of my life, wrapped in the arms of the man who saved me from the hell I’d been living in, I watched the sun peak over the horizon.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  I didn’t dare move my eyes from the sky, knowing this was a once in a lifetime moment. I didn’t want to miss a single second. Nothing could make the moment any better.

  “Yes,” Ashton said, resting his chin on my shoulder, his mouth right by my ear. “You are.”