by Rye Hart
It seemed as if that was everyone’s excuse.
“I know,” I said. “I do. I’ll see you soon. I’m shooting the list over now.”
I hung up the phone and pulled up a text message. I sent her Cameron’s address as well as some of the things we needed. Audrey was out of apples and bananas, and I had a desperate craving for red peppers. I had no idea why, but I wasn’t going to pass up actual food my body seemed to want. Cameron wanted a few things to cook us a nice dinner one night, and we also needed matches for the fire. Newspaper. Things we could use for kindling and such.
I sent the list to Nikki, knowing I could trust her to come by the cabin.
Cameron wasn’t ecstatic about the idea, but we had no choice. My body ached with every step I took, and he wasn’t sleeping well enough to be behind the wheel of a car. Nikki was our best shot at getting things we needed. I sat down on the couch while Audrey colored at the kitchen table, and then Cameron came in from outside and put her down for a nap. The two of us weren’t talking much. I didn’t feel like talking, honestly. All I wanted to do was wrap my arms around my best friend and be in her presence. Anything to get my mind off the situation spiraling into darkness around me.
“Nikki!” I threw my hands around her when I opened the door.
“Heather. Oh my god, I’m so glad you’re okay,” she said.
“Of course, I’m okay. Why wouldn't I be okay?”
“Because you’re pregnant and not feeling well and being held hostage in a cabin in the woods. A very very large cabin.”
“I’m not being held hostage,” I said. “I’m here of my own volition.”
“Doesn’t sound that way sometimes.”
“Come on. Let me help you with the groceries.”
Cameron gathered up what we couldn't, but I saw Nicole giving him the stink-eye from the corner of her vision. If he caught it, he didn’t let on. He helped us unpack things and put the bags away before he disappeared, leaving us alone.
I was thankful for the time with Nikki.
“What’s his deal?” she asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Why is he so adamant about you being here? And don’t give me this thing about watching out for you or you not feeling well. I know you. I’ve seen you stumble to the pharmacy with the flu because you didn’t want someone else doing something for you. I want you to be honest with me right now.”
It killed me that I couldn't be. “There are things I can’t talk about right now, Nicole. But you have to trust me.”
“It’s never good when you call me by my full name. What the hell’s going on?”
“You have to trust me. Andrew is a good guy, and all he’s doing is trying to protect me and his child.”
“His child? Not ‘our’ child?”
“Nikki, don’t pick apart my words. I’m too tired to play that game.”
“Yes, you look exhausted. My car’s here. I can take you home. You don’t have to stay here if you don’t want to,” she said.
“He’s protecting me from Charlie, Nikki. I told you he’s getting rough. I’m not comfortable around my bakery right now, and he knows where I live. Who’s to say he won’t show up at my place and toss a brick through it?”
“ Then you should be talking to the police and getting a restraining order, not hiding up here a half hour from town. I know you’re hiding something. What are you hiding from me?”
“Nicole, please. Please don’t do this,” I said. “Trust me. I’m safe here with Andrew and Rebecca.”
“From what?”
“Keep it down,” I said in a whisper. “Rebecca’s sleeping.”
“I’m taking you home,” she said. She grabbed my hand and started tugging me toward the front door.
“No, you’re not,” I said as I wrenched away from her grasp.
She whipped around to look at me, her eyes flaring with anger.
“Something’s going on with you. Something’s off about this man. And I don’t know what kind of spell he’s got you under, but I’m not going to let him do this to you. I’m not going to let him strip you of your independence because you think you owe him something because you’re pregnant.”
“It’s nowhere near like that, Nikki.”
“I’m coming back soon to check on you, and I don’t give a shit what that asshole says about it. But I’m letting you know right now, if you’re not here or I feel something’s off, I’m calling the police immediately.”
Then she turned on her toes and stormed out of the cabin.
I watched her peel out of the driveway before I shut the door. I leaned my head against it, tears pooling behind my eyes. I needed my friend. I needed my best friend to talk to about all of this. I needed someone who wasn’t Cameron or his daughter.
I felt a pair of hands come down onto my shoulders, massaging the tension from them as I leaned into the door.
“Are you all right?” Cameron asked.
“No,” I said. “I’m not all right.”
His hands worked their way down my back as a tear slipped down my cheek.
“I’ve been thinking.”
“About what?” I asked.
“I have people to talk to about this. Hudson—my connection in the FBI—and my trainer, Brad.”
“The guy you were fighting with the other day?” I’d frozen with panic at first, thinking Cameron’s fears had come true, before I’d noticed them starting and stopping, clearly practicing and then talking in between rounds. Once my alarm had passed, I couldn’t help admiring his hot, sweaty body working hard, moving with grace and power like some kind of feline predator.
“That’s him. He’s a retired Navy SEAL, and he knows what’s going on. It’s why I’ve hired him to teach me how to fight.”
“That’s good,” I said as I wiped the tear away. “That’s really good.”
“But you don’t have anyone to talk to outside of me.” His hands dropped to my lower back and pressed right into the spot that had been bothering me for hours.
“Oh yes,” I said with a groan.
“Next time Nicole comes back, I want you to tell her.”
I whipped my head up from the door and almost lost my balance. “What?”
He turned me around in his arms and pulled me flush against his strong form. “You need someone to talk to, someone you can trust like I trust Brad and Hudson. The next time she shows up, talk to her. I know you need your friend. I can see how much she means to you, and I don’t want you to hurt. Though you have to understand that talking with her and inviting her here makes her a possible target.”
“I know. Thank you.” I leaned into him, appreciating him more than ever. He’d noticed my distress over Nikki’s misunderstanding and cared enough to relax his precautions to include my best friend.
“Don’t thank me. I’ve been an asshole about all of this.”
“You’ve been protective. There’s a difference.”
“I’m sorry for what I’ve thrown you into.” His hands running through my hair felt incredible. Relaxing. His touch alone melted me into his body as I wrapped my arms around him.
“We’ll get through it,” I said. “Together.”
His arms tighten around me before his lips dropped to my head. “How about some loaded potato soup for dinner?”
“That sounds fantastic, but I’m making it tonight,” I said.
“You made dinner last night.”
“You make breakfast, I make dinner. That’s the rhythm we’ve fallen into, so that’s the one we’re sticking with.”
I started to argue but he quieted me with a quick kiss that stole my words and left me staring dumbly at him with my mouth open.
His chuckle sent shivers along my arms before I pulled away from his grasp. I went into the kitchen and started pulling things out I needed for the soup. I looked up at the window above the sink and saw Cameron’s eyes on me, his light reflection in the glass as he leaned against the counter.
“Enjoying the view?
” I asked.
His eyes connected with mine through the reflection, and I watched him lick his lips “Always.”
I found myself caving another inch to the dynamic we’d established.
CHAPTER 25
CAMERON
Heather’s potato soup was fantastic. And watching her move around the kitchen while I wrangled Audrey felt so domesticated. I didn’t hate it. Though it wasn’t a life I saw for myself anymore, I could get used to watching Heather cook up a storm in my kitchen. I imagined her barefoot and swollen with my child, stirring at the stove and sweating with the heat. I’d slide right into her from behind while she cooked, coaxing her to keep stirring while I riled her up.
“Something on your mind?” Heather asked. “Your grip’s getting a bit tight.”
I released her body, and she nuzzled deeper into me.
Audrey had fallen asleep earlier on the bed between us watching a movie, so I’d gotten up and put her to bed. Now, it was only Heather and me watching the mind-numbing Disney movie on the television in my bedroom. I held her close to me and relished the feel of her cheek against my chest. I couldn't have given another shit less about the movie. What I did care about, however, was Heather’s hand.
Her fingertips traced faceless designs on my thigh while she lost herself in the animation.
I closed my eyes and willed my heart to stop thundering. I begged my cock to stop jumping, but the more she stroked, the hotter the fire became. I tested the waters, allowed my fingertips to slip underneath her shirt. I traced the hem of her pants, feeling her naked skin underneath my touch.
Instead of pulling away, she pressed deeper into me.
My hand slid up her shirt and made its way to her bra, and with one swift movement, it was unhooked. Her eyes slowly panned up to mine as her hair fell behind her head, and I watched her pupils dilate with lust. I slid my hand from her shirt and tangled it into her hair, commanding her gaze as she gasped lightly.
Then, I pressed her face to mine and took her lips.
Her hands massaged my chest, her fingertips curling into my skin. My free hand danced down her side and grazed her skin lightly with my touch as she straddled my lap. I felt her pulsing heat, her desire for my body. Her hands slipped around my neck as my lips released hers, kissing down her cheek and nuzzling against her neck. She sighed. Moaned. Worked my shirt up my chest so she could feel my naked skin.
She wanted to go quickly, but that wasn’t what I wanted tonight.
I took my time with her, stripped her of her clothes and slowly lowered her to the bed. Her kisses were frantic as her tongue danced along my skin, but I made sure to slow her body. My aching cock rested against her bare thigh as I stroked her, caressed her, parted her pussy folds with my fingers, and dipped my fingers into her wetness. I nuzzled my nose against hers. I gazed into her eyes and watched her skin flush with a build-up she couldn't deny, but every time she got close, I inched her away.
“Cameron,” she said breathlessly. “Please, don’t tease me.”
“But that’s the best part.”
I inched my fingers into her tight pussy and locked my eyes on her face. Her eyes fluttered as I fell off to the side of her body, commanding her with nothing but the palm of my hand. My thumb pressed into her clit. I watched her curves jump for me as she rode my hand. Her fingers tugged at her nipples as her back began to arch, and I licked my lips at the sight of it. My cock dripped for her, leaking down my skin until it coated my balls. I leaned over and lapped at her swollen nipples, kissing away the ache they pulsed with.
But when her legs began to tremble, I pulled back.
“What?” she asked breathlessly.
I chuckled as I rolled back on top of her.
I made a show of licking her off my fingers, relishing her salted taste. Her legs locked around me in a desperate attempt to trap me, but I broke from her grasp. I spread her legs wide and bent her knees to her chest. I bent down and lapped up her slit as she muffled her moans. I kissed up her stomach. I buried my face into her chest. I left patches of reddened skin in my wake as I sucked her in all the places that made her buck.
Her scent was overwhelming, making me crazy with craving for her, enough to forego the waiting.
I hooked her legs over my arms and folded her in half. My cock slid effortlessly into her, and I watched her eyes roll into the back of her head. Our hips seated together, and her pussy held me in its grasp. I sucked her lower lip between my teeth, nibbling on it as she wiggled underneath me.
I stroked her at a painfully slow pace. Whenever she tried to buck, it made me chuckle. She was so wet. So desperate for anything I had to give her. I loved her like this, all unhinged and unharnessed. I felt the animal inside of me grow, the part of me that needed to have her, possess her, owning her in every facet a man could.
I slammed my hips against hers and watched her arch as her jaw dropped open.
I took her in every single position I could think of. I wrapped her around me and pinned her to the wall. I pounded into her while the picture frames on the wall shook. I clamped my hand down around her mouth as her sounds got the best of her, muffling her sweetly nasty words so my daughter couldn't hear us. She squeezed my cock, on the brink of coming against my body. I dug my toes into the floor and bent my knees, swiveling my hips until she was nothing but a quaking mess against me.
Then, I backed off just before she exploded.
I set her on the dresser and fucked her until she cried out for more. The dresser rattled against the floor as I worked her until her skin started to sweat. I kissed her. Threaded our fingers together and pulled her closer to me. She arched her hips, and then her hand slid between her beautiful pussy lips and circled her swollen clit. It only drove my excitement higher. The words that dropped from her lips would keep me for days. The obscene things that fell from her innocent tongue swirled around my head.
But before she could reach her end, I backed off again. Tears of frustration rose to her eyes.
I sank us to the floor and raked her across it, feeling her juices drip onto my skin. I planted my knees and rocked into her, steadying my rhythm so she could catch her breath. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head. Her mouth gasped for breath. I ran my hands along every inch of her as she clung to me, aching for a release I felt her pussy pounding for.
Every time I felt her approaching her end, I backed off and she would growl in frustration.
I threaded our hands together and pinned her to the mattress, rocking into her as I gazed into her hooded eyes. Her legs were limp. Her body shook. She was spent and filled with a frustration she couldn't take any longer. Sweat poured off my muscles. Soaked the bed and her skin underneath me. I reared back onto my knees and wrapped my arms around her, taking her with me as she collapsed into my body.
“Cameron, please. I can’t do this anymore.”
I pressed the smallest kiss to her temple as I sat on the edge of the bed, holding her as closely as I could get.
I knew what I was feeling. I cared for Heather more than I wanted to admit, and it was what I had been trying to avoid. But as I rocked against her body and felt her tired hips roll into mine, I lost myself within her, not just her body but also her spirit and not just her luscious curves but also the sound of her voice. I closed my eyes and fisted her hair, drawing her lips to mine as I held onto her tightly. My arm wrapped around her waist as I planted my feet on the floor, and I began to thrust into her.
“Yes.”
Her body jumped as my hips connected with hers.
“Oh, yes, Cameron.”
Our teeth clattered together as her body found its strength again.
“Please, don’t stop this time. I can’t take it.”
I wrapped my arms around her and held her hips to mine.
“Shit. Shit. Shit. Cameron!”
I ground into her clit as my cock pressed against all her walls. My legs shook, my toes curled, and stars exploded in my vision. I felt her pussy release against me. The
rippling and the tightening left me breathless. I pulled my cock out and slammed back into her, feeling her groan into my shoulder as she clung to me. Her nails dug into my skin, sending sweet, glorious pain rushing through my body.
I kissed her shoulder over and over, forcing my sentiments to stay behind, forcing those words my heart wanted to say to her to stay at the back of my throat.
My balls pulled into my body. My cock finally released. I stilled myself inside her as she shook violently against my hips. I held her to my body. I buried my face in her sweaty hair. I gasped for her scent as my hands ran up and down her back, grinding my hips against her clit, riding her through her orgasm as one barreled into the next. Her pussy milked me until my cock was dry and then continued to throb as I pulled orgasm after orgasm from her body. Her tits poked into my skin, her hands curling so deeply into me, I thought she would burrow underneath my skin. Her broken whimpers were music to my ears as I sat there, holding her limp body in my grasp.
Then we fell to the bed, spent in our sweat and dripping with one another’s arousal.
I watched her as she fell asleep, her eyes hazy with pleasure. Even as her breathing evened out, her body continued to shake. Every time I touched her, she jerked. Her body was so sensitive, and it was the most beautiful sight to me. I traced the dip in her waist. Pulling her toward me, I curved my body around hers as she balled up and nuzzled into me.
I had no idea how she felt about me, but one thing was for certain. I knew how I felt about her.
And that one realization kept me awake the rest of the night.
CHAPTER 26
HEATHER
My eyes fluttered open, and I felt a heavy sensation over my body. Cameron was draped around me, and it trickled a smile across my cheeks. I slid from his grasp and picked up my clothes, thankful I was up before Audrey for once. I pulled my clothes on and slipped into the guest bedroom where I picked out another outfit to wear. Even though his daughter had crawled into bed with us on a couple of occasions, it still felt odd to me. The fact that we hadn’t openly addressed it bothered me. I changed into some clean clothes, shuffled to the kitchen, and then started pulling some things out for breakfast.