Helios Exposed (The Helios Chronicles Book 2)

by Tawa M. Witko

  “Lower your panties, Madison,” he said in a raw and husky tone.

  Madison quickly pushed them as far down as she could and moments later she felt him enter her. She was already so close to her release that she knew there was a strong possibility that she would reach it way too soon, but he was just that good. Her cries of pleasure increased as he started pumping faster, his breaths ragged. Madison turned her head again and saw it, her favorite face of all, that strained look of pleasure he always had as he approached climax. His brow furrowed and he let out a gurgled grunt accompanied with that wonderful vein she loved so much. She turned and dropped her head on the comforter, gripping the bedspread as she screamed in ecstasy.

  When his release had passed, his head dropped on her back as he caught his breath, laying soft kisses on her skin and hearing her contented sighs in response. He pulled his hips back and withdrew from her. She always felt so good, a perfect fit for him. His fingers traced along her back as he sat up on his knees. A smirk passed his face as he slapped her ass. Madison whipped her head around and narrowed her eyes.

  “Come on. We’re going to be late.”

  She rolled on her back, closing her eyes, a smile etched on her face as the bed moved and he rose. With half closed lids, she watched him slip on his jeans and grab his t-shirt from the floor before walking out of the room. She wasn’t sure what had come over her that morning. She only knew that she was in desperate need of him.

  “Madison,” he said as he plopped down on the bed next to her and soon she felt a warm washcloth wiping her down. “You don’t want to go? I thought you were looking forward to this.”

  “I am,” she moaned softly at his touch. A moment later, she rolled over on her side to face him. “Do you realize that the last Christmas party you and I attended turned out kind of sucky?”

  “It wasn’t all bad,” he smirked as he remembered sneaking off to give her oral pleasure. She grinned, remembering as well. He gently traced her cheek with his fingers. “Madison, that was in New York, this is a get together at the Bennetts. I don’t think they’re capable of being assholes like Nolan or Kurtis were,” he finished with a shrug.

  She winced at the mere mention of her previous employers. “I know, you’re right. Give me a few minutes, okay?”

  He kissed her softly on the lips, setting her body on fire again before abruptly stopping and jumping off the bed. When he saw her pouting face, he chuckled, pecking her lips once more.

  “Get ready, woman.”

  She rolled her eyes and sat up while Andrew walked out of the bedroom. He shoved his hands in his pockets as he wandered into the living room. He stopped at their tree and smiled. Madison loved live trees. She nearly took his head off when he suggested an artificial one. Last Christmas, in New York, was the first time he had ever done the whole Christmas thing and this year she said that they should really do it up. Andrew smiled as he remembered finding their tree.

  “How about this one?” he asked.

  “It’s too small,” Madison replied as she moved further down the line of fresh cut trees.

  They had been at the tree farm for an hour already. Andrew didn’t see much of a difference between any of the trees but Madison was determined. She would let her hand run across the pine branches and shake her head. If she weren’t so utterly adorable, Andrew would have been annoyed. He wanted to find one quickly though as he remembered vividly the fun they had decorating her apartment last year and was eager to see what shenanigans they could get into this year. She stopped at a large tree and reached out her hand to it. She had a look of wonderment and reflection on her face. His hand stroked her back as he kissed her softly on the cheek while his other hand moved over hers so they could both touch the branches together.

  “I like this one,” he said serenely.

  “Me too,” she replied not looking at him. “I know we had Christmas in New York, but this is our first Christmas in our own home.”

  He nodded as she turned to him. She had tears in her eyes. His stomach lurched. He hated to see her cry, even happy tears scared him.

  “Do you understand how special that is, baby?”

  He nodded again, feeling choked up as well.

  “Our own place, no one can tell us to leave, no one can discriminate against you,” she ran her hand down his face lovingly. “You’ll always have a home,” tears streaked her face, “with me.”

  He pulled her body close to him, kissing her. His hand crept into her hair, holding her mouth to his. He was overwhelmed with emotion. He didn’t realize that the reason she was being so meticulous was for him. To show him how much she loved him. How could he be so blind?

  “You okay, Helios?” Madison asked, coming into the living room.

  He offered her a small smile. “Yes, you look beautiful.”

  “You like?” she asked, turning around so he could see the full outfit.

  Andrew looked her up and down. She was wearing a short red dress, exposing a large part of her back. She had her hair pulled back, drawing attention to her bare skin. Andrew growled and touched the skin showing. He knew she did this on purpose just to drive him crazy all evening.

  “Come on, Helios,” she said with a laugh and took his hand.

  ~*~

  Liam checked his watch and shook his head. Madison and Andrew were late. He chuckled softly as he remembered what he and Elias had been like in the beginning of their relationship. They had been late to many family functions because one or both of them had wanted one last kiss, one last embrace, which usually ended in them making love. He brought a platter to the table and smiled as he watched Elias, who was standing talking to Callie and Jayden. He was still so very handsome. Sensing Liam’s watchful gaze, Elias glanced in his direction, smiling before saying something to Jayden. Elias watched Liam flitter about; making sure everything was in order. This was actually the first Christmas they hadn’t gone to Ireland. Callie and Jayden had stayed behind. She was not having the easiest pregnancy and Jayden was refusing to have her fly. Liam didn’t hesitate to suggest they all stay home and do something here. Elias had suspected that, although Liam missed their annual trek to his homeland, he enjoyed making their house so festive, something he didn’t usually do as they were generally gone most of December. He saw Liam check his watch again. Madison and Andrew were late and wreaking havoc on Liam’s fine-tuned schedule. When the knock on the door came, he looked to it and Elias could see the stress wash away from him.

  “I’ll get it,” Jayden said smiling.

  Elias laughed. “Good, I’ll go see if dad needs any help.”

  Jayden grinned as he watched him walk over and talk to him. He touched his cheek lovingly before walking past him to get something from the cabinet. Jayden turned to Callie and took her hand, leading her to the door. The minute Callie saw Madison she grabbed her in a tight hug. Jayden and Andrew both shook their heads at them. Every time they saw each other they acted as if they had not seen one another in years. Jayden reached out and gave Andrew a quick manly, pat on the back, hug.

  “You’re late, man. My dad’s OCD was about to kick in,” Jayden said with a laugh.

  “What’s that?” Andrew asked concerned.

  Jayden grinned and shook his head. “It’s nothing bad, he just likes things a certain way, especially when it involves entertaining.”

  Andrew nodded as they entered. “It was her fault,” he said with a knowing smirk as he pointed his thumb in Madison’s direction.

  “You weren’t complaining, Helios,” Madison countered with a smile.

  Suddenly there was laughter in the kitchen and all four looked in that direction to see both Liam and Elias talking close together, wide smiles on their faces as they remembered a very similar situation when Jayden was young. Andrew looked at Jayden as if to ask what was up but Jayden simply shrugged.

  “Who knows? They’ve been acting strange all day.”

  “Oh wow!” Madison said looking around.

  The Bennetts had transfo
rmed their home into a Christmas wonderland. A large festive wreath hung above the mantel while poinsettias adorned every nook available. Holly was placed in the corners of the room, connected by live garland that had crystal ornaments hanging loosely from it. Based on the Bennetts’ penchant for buying the best of anything, Madison imagined those were probably real crystal baubles. In the corner stood a large Douglas fir Christmas tree that must have been at least ten feet, maybe taller, decorated in what looked like antique hand painted ornaments. There were several boxes of varying sizes underneath it. Even the dining room was fully decked out with holiday themed china while the high back chairs were beautifully adorned with garland and small Christmas ivy interspersed. The Bennetts had clearly outdone themselves with Christmas spirit.

  “It’s amazing, isn’t it?” Callie squealed in delight.

  “I’m seriously lacking in the decorating department,” Madison joked.

  “Man, you said your dads decorated their place, but damn, this is incredible,” Andrew stated in awe. “It reminds me of all those shops in New York.”

  “It does, doesn’t it?” Jayden laughed, remembering the epic shopping spree Callie put him on when they visited Andrew and Madison last year. “Well, we are usually gone, so I think dad went a tad bit overboard,” Jayden said, shaking his head.

  “Just a little bit,” Liam said with a warm smile as he offered Madison and Andrew a glass of wine.

  “Thank you, Mr. Bennett,” Madison beamed.

  “Madison, we’re not at the office. Please call me Liam.”

  “Sorry, Liam, it’s a hard habit to break.”

  “El,” Liam turned to find him approaching with a glass of wine for Jayden and a glass of nonalcoholic cider for Callie.

  “I’m here.” He offered Jayden and Callie their drinks. “Are you guys hungry?” he asked Andrew and Madison.

  “Starving,” Andrew answered louder than he intended but he couldn’t help it.

  He was always hungry after sex but he was even hungrier now because they had a light lunch since they knew they were eating at the Bennetts. Every time they ate with them there was enough food to feed the entire city.

  “Well, that’s good to hear because there is plenty to go around,” Liam said with a laugh.

  Liam and Elias led everyone to the table where they all took their seats. Both Madison and Andrew stared at all the food set before them. Everything looked amazing. Roasted duckling, glazed ham, fresh vegetables, baked red potatoes, tamales, beans, homemade rolls, fresh tortillas and salsa, green salad, and even the pecan candies that Madison loved so much were in a small crystal bowl before her. They couldn’t believe how much food was on the table for only six people.

  “El, can you say grace?” Liam asked.

  Elias smiled at him and stood. He began speaking in Spanish. Madison could understand little bits here and there. She recognized the word family and love, she also recognized words of thanks, but the rest just sounded like the impassioned plea of a man grateful for the gifts he’d been given. It was moving and she had to fight the urge to cry as she held Andrew’s hand under the table, thankful that they had found one another.

  “Amen,” everyone finished.

  The conversations at the table were light and fun. Music and movies were hot topics as were plans for the new baby. Finally, the topics moved to work as Elias asked how Madison enjoyed working with Liam. Madison gleefully talked about the opportunity she had been given, how thankful she was that Liam had wanted to expand his practice and that he had asked Madison to help him with that. Andrew smiled at her and continued to eat, still feeling flustered that he had been unable to find a job yet. Madison always told him it was okay but he never felt it should be okay.

  “Andrew, how’s the job hunting coming along?” Elias asked.

  Those at the table were silent. Andrew sighed and looked up from his food. “It’s difficult, but not sure there is anything I can do about that.”

  Elias looked at Liam, who was smirking. Jayden was staring at the two of them, upset. He couldn’t believe they were bringing this up tonight, at the table no less. They knew how hard Andrew was trying and that the stigma of his status on the registry closed a lot of doors for him. He turned to Andrew and reached his fist out.

  “It’s gonna happen, man, I know it,” Jayden said with the fierceness of a loyal friend.

  Andrew tapped his fist against Jayden’s and nodded.

  “We’d like to help on that front,” Elias interrupted.

  “What are you talking about?” Jayden asked confused.

  “Thanks for the thought, Mr. Bennett, but I,” he paused, trying to decide how to say he was not equipped to work in an office.

  “Andrew, Jayden,” Liam interjected. “El and I would like to give you our gift now.”

  Andrew and Jayden looked at each other and then Liam and Elias. Elias rose and walked to the curio cabinet and reached inside, grabbing two identical envelopes. He turned to Liam and winked before facing the table again. Liam rose and stood with Elias. He rested his hand on Elias’ lower back. He was dying to see their reaction to what they had done for the two of them.

  “Boys, we were going to wait, but we can’t see putting this off any longer,” Elias began and handed an envelope to Jayden and then one to Andrew.

  Andrew looked at it and then Madison. She looked surprised as well. She obviously didn’t know what was in the envelope but she nodded for him to open it. He carefully tore the top of the envelope and withdrew what looked like legal papers. He turned to Madison again, confused. She reached for the papers and started flipping through them and suddenly gasped, looking up at Elias and Liam.

  “What did you do?” Jayden whispered.

  “We purchased Marco’s old garage,” Liam answered.

  “And put it in yours and Andrew’s name,” Elias finished happily.

  “We also started a bank account under your names with some startup capital,” Liam continued.

  “You only need to go in and sign papers and, of course, decide on a business name,” Elias picked up.

  Andrew looked at Jayden. “What’s this mean?”

  Jayden’s mouth opened and closed several times. “They’re giving us a business,” he said in shock.

  Andrew’s eyes widened, realization setting in. He started shaking his head. “No, this is too much.”

  “It’s not,” Liam said assuredly.

  “It is, Dad, I...” Jayden stuttered, trying to find the words.

  Liam scrunched his brows together and looked at Elias, bewildered. He had thought they would be happy about this. Liam and Elias both knew how hard it had been for Andrew and, in turn, for Jayden. Jayden was going to be a father now. He needed to be able to work on his own. He couldn’t rely on them anymore, but he hadn’t found anything he liked. One night a few months ago, Liam had seen a for sale sign outside of Marco’s garage. He had talked to Elias about it later that evening, thinking that maybe they should buy Marco’s and let the boys run a bike shop out of it since working on bikes was something they both enjoyed so much. Elias had thought it was a fantastic idea.

  “It’s an amazing gift but I can’t accept it. It’s too much. I’m already indebted to the two of you for more than I could ever repay,” Andrew said sadly.

  “You guys already bought my house,” Jayden interjected flustered. “I can’t have you buy me a job as well. It’s not right. I mean,” he struggled to find the right words. He look up at his parents unable to mask the hurt he felt. “Don’t you think I can find something on my own?”

  Elias ran his hand over his hair, disconcerted. “Son, that’s not what we were thinking.”

  “We have total faith in you, Jayden,” Liam exclaimed quickly. “I saw that Marco was selling his shop. Andrew is already a mechanic and you, son, well, you’re self-taught. You can fix pretty much anything. We know how much you both like bikes. We thought maybe you two would enjoy starting a bike shop or something.” He looked down and then at Elias. �
��We were only trying to help.”

  Everyone was quiet. Liam couldn’t hide his sadness at the turn of events while Elias stood frustrated. He hated seeing Liam upset and was confused by the response they had gotten. Andrew was looking at the papers, moved by the gesture, but also troubled as well. Madison was running her hands along his shoulders, not sure how to help. Finally it was Callie who spoke first.

  “Jay, this is what we were talking about the other night, remember?” she said touching his hand. “About maybe you and Andrew doing something together.”

  He looked over at her, his face straining. “But I want to do it on my own. I can’t have my parents bailing me out all the time.”

  “Is that really how you see it, Jayden?” Liam asked.

  Jayden lowered his head before finally mumbling, “I never do things on my own. You guys always jump in to save me.”

  “Jayden, son, we only wanted to help you, but if that’s how you feel we’ll back off because the last thing we want is for you to feel you can’t do it on your own or that we’re,” he breathed in deeply before finishing, “saving you.”

  Everyone remained quiet. Andrew stared at the papers for a long time, trying to figure out how to fix this. He knew what Jayden was feeling because he had felt the same way when he got out of prison and Olivia and Aaron had taken care of everything for him, even buying his motorcycle. He looked up, suddenly remembering how they had resolved the issue regarding his bike.

  “Maybe if it was a loan, something that we could pay back, then it would be better,” Andrew questioned.

  Jayden turned to Andrew and nodded. That was a perfect solution to the problem. Elias and Liam looked at one another. They could work with that, especially if it meant that Jayden felt he could take care of himself. They had always protected him, shielded him, and maybe they went over board at times trying to make his life as perfect as they could. They now saw the error in that.