by J B Heller
Her jaw dropped. “You did not just say that.”
I smirked. “Uh, yeah, I did.”
She narrowed her eyes on me, and I chose that moment to turn my back on her and snatch a cold water bottle from the fridge and an icepack from the adjoining freezer. When I turned around, she was still attempting to glare at me. “You know you just look cute when you do that, too, right?”
“I’m not cute! I’m bad-arse,” she said with confidence.
“I didn’t say you weren’t bad-arse, I said you’re cute. There you have it, you’re a cute bad-arse,” I said this as I searched the kitchen drawers for a clean tea towel to wrap around the icepack.
The look on Mia’s face said she was thinking, thinking really hard. “A cute bad-arse, you say?” I nodded and she continued to ponder. “Okay, I’ll take it.”
I made the official introductions, and then we all ate in the lounge room. The girls were already in bed since they’d had a huge day with Bray and Stella at the water park.
“You should have heard them squealing all the way down the slides,” Stella said.
“We’ll all have to go next time,” Axel said throwing a glare towards Stella. “I can’t believe you didn’t invite me.”
“What! So you could stare at Stella’s tits all day? Yeah, I don’t think so,” Bray shot back with only a hint of sarcasm.
Axel’s eyes went wide. “I would never!” He even went the extra mile and put his hand on his chest like an offended southern belle.
We all cracked up laughing, even Mia, who had been quietly observing our interactions for the past half an hour and not really getting involved in the conversation. That was quite possibly one of the best things about Axel, he could lighten anyone up and make them feel comfortable.
“So, you and Kai, huh?” Sloan went straight for the kill, directing her question at Mia.
Mia stopped laughing immediately and looked to me for guidance, so I spoke for her. “Yeah, I didn’t really give her much of a choice. It was me or Axel—” I shrugged, “and we all know I’m the better catch out of the two of us.”
“Like hell you are,” Axel spat. “You snavelled her up before she even met me. It could have been me sitting where you are right now.”
My arm around Mia’s shoulder tensed. I didn’t like the thought of anyone else touching her but me. I narrowed my eyes at Axel, but the fucker just laughed at me. Whatever. His day would come, and then the laughs would be at his expense.
“Okay then, where are you from?” Sloan pressed. Sloan didn’t take to new people easily. She had some serious trust issues that caused her to be weary of anyone new. Dex, on the other hand, was laid back and easy going. They balanced each other out perfectly.
“I’m, umm.” Mia cleared her throat. I knew she wanted to make a good impression. I could feel her nervousness radiating off her body in waves as she gathered herself to speak. “Not far from here. On the other side of the city actually. Just before the mountains.”
Sloan continued her line of questioning. “What made you move away?”
Mia swallowed. “Uh, I’m pregnant. I wasn’t in a very good place where I was, so I left.”
Sloan nodded, seeming to understand Mia’s unspoken words. Then Stella piped up, “Oh well, our gain then, huh? A new baby in the family, how exciting. I love babies.” She smiled at Mia, and I felt her body relax against my side.
“I don’t know anything about babies other than they’re usually ugly when they’re born,” Sloan put in.
Dex elbowed her in the ribs. “Sloan,” he growled close to her ear.
“What?” she shot back. “They are. Well, except for my girls of course. They will always be the cutest things ever.”
“You have kids?” Mia asked.
Sloan had just taken a sip of her drink, and it sprayed from her mouth at Mia’s question. “Fuck no!” she exploded. “I was talking about Tessie and Gracie.”
I burst out laughing at Sloan’s reaction. “Jesus, Sloan, anyone would think you don’t like babies,” I said through my laughter.
Her answer was a silent glare, and if looks could kill, she would have slayed me where I sat.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
I couldn’t picture Gabe and Sloan as a couple. Kai had mentioned that they used to kind of date before Gabe and Ivy got together. He and Sloan were too much alike. They both scared me a little. Even though I’m not sure if that was their intent or not. Either way, they both had a mouth on them, and they were both covered in ink. Even the way Sloan assessed me with her beautiful eyes felt the same way it had when Gabe had done it.
It was weird. She was like the female version of him. When I said as much to Kai later that night after everyone had left, he burst out laughing. Then he suddenly stopped and told me he couldn’t believe he’d never seen it before.
Stella was lovely, just like Ivy said she was. Kindness radiated off her. She had an aura about her, and you could just tell she was beautiful inside as well as out. Her husband, Brayden, was oh my lord sexy. Seriously, if I wasn’t already falling hard and fast for Kai, I would have had trouble speaking in full sentences around him.
Dex seemed really nice too. He was so chilled out and relaxed. He was the perfect match for Sloan I thought. I was pretty sure he’d come from money, like big money. He wore a vest over his cotton button down shirt. I don’t know why, but for some reason, I associated vests with money. Nobody I’d ever known had worn or even owned a vest. Maybe that was why?
We’d sat around talking for a few hours after we’d finished eating. The guys had all retreated to Gabe’s home office and left us girls to get to know each other better. Well, for them to get to know me. It had been nice though, even when Sloan’s questions sometimes got a bit personal. It felt almost like an interrogation. But I knew it was just because she didn’t know me.
I hoped that I’d made a good impression on them. I really liked all of them, and I wanted to be a part of this family. I wanted my child to be a part of this family. To feel loved and treasured the way Gracie and Tessie did. It was clear how much every single one of them adored those little girls and doted on them hand and foot. I wanted that kind of love for my little Nugget.
I lay in bed rubbing my belly as I thought about everything that had happened since I left my old life behind. I’d found this amazing man, who had not only taken me in and opened his heart to me, but also brought me into his family. He’d given me what I’d always longed for.
Leaving Trent had been an easy decision. He was never physically abusive, but over time, he’d broken me down with his words. His actions, though not violent were calculated. He had me right where he wanted me, with nobody to turn to. And I’d let it happen.
I’d dealt with it because even though a part of me knew what he was doing was wrong, it was still better than what I deserved. My mother had made sure to remind me of where I belonged every single day.
Now here I was, in a beautiful house, in the most comfortable bed I’d ever slept in, and all I could think was I shouldn’t be here. I wanted to be, but I didn’t belong. Kai had tried many times to convince me I was worth more than I thought, and I wanted to believe him. But really, a girl like me with a life like the one I’d lived couldn’t possibly fit here. I was trying though. And I would keep trying. Even though I didn’t deserve this life, my baby did.
I would fight the knowledge that had been ingrained in me every day if it meant my child could have better than I did. I would make sure my Nugget knew I held nothing but love for him. That he could do or be whatever he wanted. And that he deserved the world. All because he’d saved me from the hell I was born into.
Moving house was the worst thing ever. I was hot, sweaty, and tired. I didn’t own anything, but Kai did. He’d gone shopping, and I swear he’d bought everything he saw.
“Go lay down a while. Your face is red as a fucking beetroot,” Kai said as he swept the sweat dampened hair from my face.
“But there’s still more stuff in G
abe’s car to come in.”
“We’ve got it covered, Pretty Girl. And we’re not pregnant, so we can handle it, okay?” he said with a swift kiss to my lips. Then he turned my body around, placed his hands on the small of my back, and pushed me back into the incredible unit he’d rented for us.
He got me situated on the big corner lounge then flicked a switch on the side and a footrest flipped out from the bottom. It was pure luxury. And as soon as my feet were lifted from the ground, I realised just how sore they were. I smiled back at him. “Thank you.” He bent down, kissed my temple, and went back outside to get more boxes.
Sometime later, I felt a big, warm hand on my shoulder shaking me gently. My eyes fluttered open, and they took a second to focus. Kai was leaning over me but the overhead light was on and its brightness hurt my eyes. I closed them again and felt his arms slip behind me knees and lower back as he lifted me from the couch.
“Leave me,” I mumbled. “I’m sleeping.”
I felt his chuckle. “I know, baby. But you’re all sweaty. It’s dark out, and you need a shower before bed.”
“Bed?” I asked.
“You slept all afternoon, Pretty Girl, and we weren’t being particularly quiet when we were bringing stuff in. You’re exhausted, so I’m putting you to bed. But you’ll feel better if you have a shower first,” he explained.
My sleep addled mind didn’t want to be moved from the comfy couch or to have shower. “S’okay, I’ll sleep on the couch. Shower in the morning,” I muttered.
“I’m not letting you sleep on the couch the first night in our new place,” he said in a firm voice, and my eyes popped open.
The way he’d said those words made something in me quiver. Our place, he’d said. This was my new home. This was the house my Nugget would be brought home to after he was born. Suddenly I wanted to explore. “You can put me down now. I’m awake,” I said when he entered the massive bathroom.
He lowered me to my feet, and I felt every muscle in his body slide against mine as he did. I wasn’t interested in exploring the unit anymore. No, I wanted to explore Kai. My hands moved to his hips, and then to the hem of his T. I lifted it, giving myself a view of the defined abs and the oh my god V as I did so.
“Mia,” his voice was husky now, “what are you doing?”
“Exploring,” I said at the same time my hand splayed across his chest, loving the feel of his skin against my palms.
He ripped his shirt over his head and threw it in the corner. “If you get to explore, so do I,” he said.
My only response was a nod as I continued to run my hands and eyes over his upper body, only removing them when he tugged my tank up and over my head. I felt the heat from his eyes as they travelled over my skin. “Kai,” I said as my pulse picked up speed.
“You still want to go slow?” he asked.
I shook my head. His mouth crashed against mine and his tongue forced my lips to part as his hands unclasped my bra and pulled it down my arms. Then his palms were pressed against my breasts, and his mouth was trailing kisses down my neck, across my collarbone, and over my breasts until he took my nipple into his mouth and sucked.
I moaned, loud. And began panting as I fumbled with his belt buckle. I got it loose and yanked it free from his belt loops, then went for the button at the top of his jeans shorts. I had it undone and his fly down in seconds. He helped me push them and his boxer briefs over his hips until they fell on the floor at his feet, and he kicked them away.
I didn’t get a chance to look at his hard cock as he took my lips again. Then my shorts and underwear were also gone, and we were both stark naked. I caught our reflections in the mirror over the vanity, and wetness pooled between my legs. He was gorgeous. And together, we were the most erotic site I’d ever seen.
“I can’t wait, Mia. I need in you now,” he murmured against my mouth.
“Yes,” I moaned as he lifted me off the ground and I wrapped my legs around him.
He walked us back into the main bedroom where a humungous bed sat up against the wall. He climbed on top of the bed with me still in his arms and my legs still wrapped around his hips. The moment my back hit the quilt, he slid inside me with one long, smooth thrust. I cried out in ecstasy. I was so full, I felt myself throb around him.
Without pause, he began thrusting hard and deep, filling me all the way each time and then nearly pulling all the way out again. “Kai.” His name left my lips on a groan. “So good, oh god.”
His pace quickened then slowed right as I was about to come. “More,” I urged him on.
“I want to take my time with you. I’m so close, Pretty Girl, I have to slow down. You feel too good.”
I lifted my hips and pushed against his length. “More, Kai. Now, please.” My words forced him to lose the tight grip he had on his control, and he pulled back then slammed into me. “Yes,” I moaned as he continued to pound into me. I couldn’t get enough. I got closer and closer to the edge, and then with one final thrust, Kai threw his head back and groaned. I felt him come inside me and it sent me over the edge I’d been climbing towards.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
I awoke to soft feather light kisses being trailed up my neck. Kai. Oh how I’d come to love his kisses. I stretched my limbs and shifted my body so I laid flat on my back and looked up into his dark eyes. They were filled with lust, and a shiver shot down my spine at the memory that look triggered from last night.
Kai’s lips quirked to the side, “Good morning Pretty Girl,” his voice came out on a husky whisper.
His pet name that he’d started using when we met had stuck, and now whenever he said it, warmth spread through my chest. I smiled back up at him but didn’t speak, afraid I had morning breath. An issue Kai did not have by the way.
He lifted his hand and swept my fringe away from my eyes, “I have an idea. Are you up for an adventure?” he asked.
This piqued my interest enough for me to forget the potential hazard of morning breath. “What kind of adventure?”
His eyes lit up with excitement, “I was thinking we could go on a date. A breakfast date.”
My brows scrunched together, “Breakfast is an adventure?” I asked sceptically.
Now his smile was as bright as his eyes, then he bounced his brows for effect, “It is with me.”
I burst out laughing, “You’re so sure of yourself.” I said rolling my eyes at him.
“What?” he shot back, “It is. Or so I’ve been told anyway.”
“Uh-huh. And when was the last time you went on a date again?” I asked recalling our conversation about his lack of a love life before we met.
He help up his hands defensively, “Alright, so I might be out of practice, but at the very least I’m sure I can take you on a romantic date if not adventurous.”
A romantic date with Kai? Umm yes please. Sign me up. “Now that I would love to do.”
“Good, then let’s get out of bed and get going then, yeah.” He said happily.
Half an hour later we were in Kai’s SUV and he was taking me on our first date. It was kind of strange, me being pregnant, us living together, hell sleeping together and we were only now going on our first date. “Where are we going?” I asked again, since he hadn’t answered me when I’s asked earlier.
“You’ll see in about five minutes.”
I shuffled in my seat, the anticipation was killing me, I’d never been on a breakfast date before. Moments later the road ahead of us opened up to reveal the bright blues and greens of the ocean. My breath hitched and caught in my throat, it was spectacular.
Kai noticed and watched me from the corner of his eye as he drove, “You like the beach?” he asked.
I nodded, “I love the beach.” I whispered, still too taken by the view to say much more.
It didn’t take long for Kai to find a parking spot then we were out of the car and walking hand in hand to what looked like a shabby takeaway shop on a corner right across from the beach. “I know it doesn’t look li
ke much, but they make great food and you can take it and sit over on the picnic tables on the sand.”
“It looks great.” I told him. I never had been one of those girls who expected much. And this place, although shabby in appearance, had the best view I’d ever seen.
A while later, after I’d stuffed myself full of blueberry pancakes drowned in warm maple syrup and a side of ice cream Kai asked me, “How would you feel about this being our thing?”
“Our thing?” I asked, not quite sure what he meant.
He shrugged, “Yeah, like every Saturday morning we come here for breakfast.”
“Really? I’d love that. I’ve never had a thing with anyone before.” I joked, even though it was true.
He straightened on the bench seat he was sitting on beside me, “Well, I’d be more than happy to provide you with as many things you’ve never had before as I can.”
I leaned into his big body, “I’d really like that.”
He pressed a kiss to the top of my head, “So would I.”
We sat like that, watching the waves break against the sand talking about everything and nothing. The weather was beautiful, the sun was shining bringing out all the gorgeous colours in the water and the breeze blew steadily enough that we didn’t get hot even though we were sitting so close together.
Best. Date. Ever.
Kai and I spent time getting to know each other in the afternoons when we got home from work. Throughout the day we were both too busy to do anything other than cast seductive glances, well Kai would cast the glances and I would blush and choke on my tea or whatever I was attempting to drink to distract myself from his staring at me.
I had successfully gotten through my first week at McLeod Investigations Incorporated without any major stuff ups. I was incredibly proud of myself, and apparently so was Kai because he was taking me on another date tonight to celebrate my first week at work.