She shook her head. "You wanted a wife and child because you wanted to experience a real family."
His eyes rolled back. "Yes, Raina, always sunshine and butterflies with you, isn't it?" His greens meet her gaze. His eyes dipped lower to her lips.
The butterflies responded, and she reached for her own drink.
"So, I meet Elly at a dance. She was beautiful...smart, sweet...and the rest is history."
Raina shook her head. "You can't yada yada yada your way through that!"
He frowned deeply. "What do you want me to say? I was seduced? I was drawn into the dark side? Tricked by the woman I loved, and have been betrayed ever since?" His nostrils flared. "You want to fix me Raina? Try to help me remember who I was..."
Her hand on his stopped his tirade. "I just want you to admit you have the ability to be a kind person again. I think you've had enough hurt in your life."
He sobered at this.
"You're not all bad, Thanatos."
He ducked his head. "We really should find something else for you to call me."
She laughed softly. "You think I like calling you death?"
He chuckled. "Sometimes."
She shook her head. "Sometimes it fits...sometimes it doesn't."
He liked that answer, but before he could respond, the waiter reappeared.
The rest of the meal was simple, easy, after getting the tough stuff out of the way. The conversation was casual, and on the present, which put him at ease.
Raina was surprised to find she actually did not abhor being around him. She knew Nolan would not like that. He had warned her many times about Thanatos’ persuasive abilities. Still, this evening had not been unpleasant.
They arrived home in the dark. Raina had yet to feel the buzz of her phone. She knew Nolan was still with the she-devil, and it bothered her.
"We could...I mean, may I...might we sit back on the deck?"
Raina glanced up at Thanatos, who was opening her door for her. She saw the hopefulness there and simply nodded.
They started toward the back yard. Raina opened the gate to the back, and allowed him in. She heard Turk barking inside.
"I...I should let Turk out..."
"No," he growled. "That dog hates me."
Raina giggled, latching the gate behind them. "Well, he loves Nolan." She turned about, and then was up against the gate. Green eyes bored down on her. His strong arms encased her on both sides...his breath was hot and angry on her face.
"I thought we agreed..."
"What did I say?" she blinked up at him.
"I thought we agreed..."
"No Nolan," she whispered, suddenly realizing what he was reacting to. She tried to calm herself, not allow the anxiety that threatened to overcome her. She knew somehow that would alert Nolan, and he did not need distractions. Thanatos wasn't about to hurt her. She had no idea such a statement would anger him so much!
Thanatos drew in a breath, but did not leave her. He cleared his throat. "I hate him Raina. I hate him for having you...owning you, even when you've been denied him. That he has you when he's not even here!"
Raina shook her head.
"You have been thinking of him all night," he accused. "I think Elly’s plan to separate you and quell the obsession may have backfired."
Oh if he only knew how correct that statement was. She drew in a breath, and with that breath, his scent. He was entirely too close for comfort.
“You wish it was him here, don't you? You want his arms around you, his lips at your throat." He allowed his head to dip, kissing the side of her neck. His chest pressed closer, his arms tightened.
Raina trembled.
"You like me too though, don't you? For a whole different reason." He chuckled darkly, his lips feathered up to her ear again. "Nolan’s heart...my heat."
She did shiver at his words, and hated the telltale sign
He chuckled. "I'm right whether you say it out loud or not."
Raina pressed at his chest with her hands trapped between them. "Thanatos," she whispered.
"Does it fit now?"
Raina paused her pushing, and turned her face to him. She shook her head. "Does what fit?"
He moved above her, his eyes now staring down on her. His handsome face was full of anguish. "Thanatos," he said softly.
Her heart ached at the pain in him. "No, you are not death," she spoke with more confidence then she felt.
He smiled a perfectly happy smile. "Are you afraid of me?"
"Just a little," she breathed
He touched her cheek with the tips of his fingers, and smiled when her cheeks flushed. "Or are you excited?"
Raina bit her lip.
His hand came up, his fingers gripped her jaw, and he captured her lips quickly with his. He was gentle and rough all at once. He was skilled, knew the right touch, the right pressure, and his mouth was warm, coaxing.
Raina felt her thoughts flee into a haze, her heart in her throat. She melted for an instant...then recalled who held her.
She gasped, and shoved him. "Don't!"
He held her still. "Don't what, beautiful? I know it’s been a long time...and if you're waiting for Nolan to help you out physically, you will be waiting a long time. Trust me."
She shoved at him again. "It doesn't change what I feel about him!"
He growled. "He's barely even touched you."
Raina felt tears prick her eyes. "Yes he has."
He frowned. “One small kiss with him cannot satisfy years of going without." He kissed the side of her neck again. "Raina I could take care of you."
She shook her head. "Thanatos don't," she whispered. "Not like this."
He gathered her closer, burying his face into her hair. "Not like what?"
She felt his arms flex, and his breath was kept even, by barely there control. He was a passionate being, emotional being. He was wounded, and scarred from opening up. His only response would be physical. "You're not thinking straight," she said softly.
He chuckled mockingly. "I never think straight around you Raina. Much like my old friend...you have me bewitched. If he’s not going to take advantage of something so sweet...I will."
Raina drew in a shaky breath, when his lips touched her jaw.
"Tell me why I should stop. Your weak little pushes are followed by shuttering little breaths. You do not hate my touch."
Raina wanted to scream that he lied, but he didn't.
"You were right...I wish you were Nolan." she barely breathed. She knew it would hurt him, anger him.
"All the more reason for me to continue. I could change your mind, Raina." He smiled down on her. "To see Nolan's face when that happened..."
"Please Thanatos...you can't. Not for revenge...you are...you...you just want what you think Nolan wants, and you want to beat him to..."
She felt the cold air hit her, as his contact was lifted from her.
Those green eyes flared at her. He was breathing hard, and desire still was heavy in his face, his eyes. "You think I want you because he wants you?"
Raina blinked up at him.
He laughed bitterly. "Good night Raina." He moved her aside, and was out the gate in an instant. It slapped sharply behind him.
Raina was left gulping in air. She was not sure whether she should feel shock or hurt. One feeling did surface rather quickly, and that was relief. She hated that she had felt slightly tempted. Nolan was right...being alone with him had been stupid! And she had thought the night had been going well.
She barked a bitter laugh, and then jumped, feeling her phone buzz. Nolan! Oh how she wanted to hear his voice now! Even before she answered she decided then and there, she would tell him nothing of the incident. This would stay between her and her green eyed devil.
Chapter 12 Unexpected
Raina pulled into the parking lot, and drove into an empty space. She put it park, and drew in a breath.
Her phone buzzed again, and Raina peaked down at it. Thanatos...again. She hit ignore.
The last thing she wanted to do was rehash what had happened the other night. She got out of her car, and walked toward the little restaurant where she had agreed to meet Nolan.
Breakfast and a surprise he had promised! She smiled.
She entered the building, her eyes instantly finding him in a booth in a corner. Nolan stood out among everyone. She wondered if it was just because she was so attuned to him, but realized she was wrong, when the waitress filling his coffee spilled a bit. Her hands were trembling.
He startled the girl, when he got out of the booth to greet Raina.
Raina had to force herself not to run.
"You look beautiful," he greeted.
Raina looked down on her capris, tank, and white sneakers. She shrugged. "You said to dress comfortable."
His smile broadened, and he helped her to the booth.
"So no motorcycle?" Her blue eyes teased him.
He chuckled. "No, too long of a trip."
She frowned. "Where are we going?"
She thanked the waitress for her coffee, and then turned her blues back on him. "Ok, spit it out!”
Nolan looked down at his hands, and nodded. "I have to take a trip. I...I have to go see Joseph."
A chill ran up and down her spine.
"I knew it was going to come to that. It’s been a long while since I've seen him. We talk on the phone a lot, but..." He swallowed. "I don't want you to get scared. This is pretty unorthodox, but...he heard about you...obviously through Elenora."
Raina gasped.
"So he asked for my side of the story."
"But he doesn't know about... you and me sneaking?"
Nolan glanced down at his hands. "I...I confessed to him Raina. I thought if he knew...in the future, it might bode well for you.”
"Are we in danger now?"
"Not from Joseph," he promised. "He will not harm you."
Raina drew in a breath, and blew it out shakily. "What does this have to do with me now then? What’s the surprise?"
He shrugged. "Joseph lives in Florida."
Raina frowned. "So?"
He looked almost guilty. "Besides the fact that he wants to meet you....there are alligators in Florida...masses. I thought you might want to see one or two."
Raina didn't know what to respond to first...Joseph or the alligators.
"You're coming with me Rain...that is, I want you to come with me. I want you to meet Joseph...I want him to know you, to see what the fuss is about. I want you to earn his favor.”
She bit her lip, and stared down into her coffee. "So the alligators are just a nice juicy carrot before me?"
He chuckled softly. "Will you go to Florida with me, Aelan?"
Raina gave him a nod. "Because I trust you."
He smiled.
She smiled back. "Well, when do we leave?" Butterflies exploded in her tummy.
"Right after breakfast," he said carefully.
Raina's mouth dropped open. "Nolan...I'm not packed...I haven't...I haven't made arrangements for my boys...."
He chuckled, cutting her off. "Emily packed for you. She has your house keys...already made off with your car...she and Bradley followed you here. And they will look after Turk and Percy," he promised.
Raina blinked.
His eyes were sober. "Are you mad?"
Raina watched his mouth turn down in a frown. "No," she whispered. "Just shocked is all. You must really believe this is the right thing, if you went into so much planning." Her blue eyes danced. "And you must have been sure I would say yes."
His brows lifted. "Or I'd be in a world of hurt when you stomped out of here to no car." He shrugged, offering a heart stopping smile. "I knew you'd say yes, with or without alligators," he teased.
She flushed, and gave a nod.
"Thanatos will be on assignment, busy, and unaware, thanks to Bradley."
Raina shook her head. "Except he keeps calling me."
Nolan frowned.
Raina waved off his concern. "What about Elenora?"
"The She-devil?" His silvers twinkled. "Elenora is off on another of her trips. Joseph assured me she will not be home on our visit. It’s the perfect time to go. I'm glad you have such good friends...made this so easy for me!"
Raina rolled her eyes. "Oh Emily must be crowing with pleasure now, as she drives away in my car."
Nolan chuckled. "I will take care of you," he promised softly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Right this way Mr. and Mrs. Gregor," the young man chimed in. He headed toward the elevator.
Raina felt her tummy stir at the Mr. and Mrs.
Nolan took her hand, giving her a secret smile, not correcting him, and they followed. She tucked in close to him on the elevator. He smelled divine, as usual. She listened to the bell boy go on about what a perfect week they had chosen. The humidity would be down...but the heat up. It was perfect beach weather.
Raina smiled, yes, the ocean! The beach! She had nearly forgotten she'd get to see how the sea on the other side of the country looked.
She peaked up at Nolan, who was smiling too. He had noted her reaction. "And alligators?" he teased.
The young man beamed. "Just you try not to run into one around here. You can check out Shark Valley...best viewing!" He glanced to Raina. "Unless the lady is scared..."
"Oh no, she’s not," Nolan chuckled. "Big reason behind this trip, isn't it?"
Raina blushed.
The doors opened on their floor, and they were lead down the hall to a corner room. The door opened easily.
Raina nearly gasped at the size. She hurried passed Nolan, letting go of his hand and moving to the window. The view was breath taking. White beach and blue water! The windows wrapped around one side of the first room, a living room of sorts. From that room, you entered a kitchen of sorts, then past a massive bathroom, into the bedroom suite. She explored each, as Nolan took care of the youngman’s tip.
Raina was at the bedroom window when he came up behind her.
"Is this okay?"
She smiled, not taking her eyes from the view. "It’s beautiful."
"I thought you might like the presidential," he teased. "I wanted to make this trip, as short as it is, special."
She turned about, regarding the room...and its one massive bed.
"The living room couch pulls out into a bed," he jumped in, stepping between her and the view of the bed.
Raina shyly looked down. "We could both sleep in that bed, and never know the other was there," she teased. "It’s huge!"
He chuckled. "Raina, I have a king at home...and believe me we would...I take up a lot of space when I sleep."
She looked up at his laughing face, and felt a warm tingle up her spine. Quickly she shook it off. "I wake up where I fall asleep usually," she admitted.
She turned back to the view and drew in a breath. "When do we meet with Joseph?"
"Tomorrow morning. We'll go to the house for some breakfast."
"She nodded. So what are we doing today?"
He came to stand beside her to enjoy the view of the water. "Whatever you would like." He gave her a smile. "We could go in search of alligators.
She laughed, and shook her head. "I'd like to test out that water," she sighed
Raina hurried to her bag, and rummaged. She rolled her eyes, and looked to Nolan, who was watching her with amusement.
"You won't make fun of me will you?"
Nolan swallowed hard. "Never," he tried to laugh.
She grabbed the less skin baring suit she had, and the sundress that would make a good cover up, and headed to the bathroom. "Get your suit on Mr. Gregor...we are going swimming!"
He grinned, and went to do her bidding.
She came out, covered in her sundress. He was waiting, trunks on, t-shirt covering his massive chest, and towels in hand. A pair of sunglasses sat atop his head, and a smirk. "Did you put on sunblock? I don't want to have to tend to a burn tonigh
t."
Raina blushed. She hadn't.
"I'll help you," he said gently. He set the towels down, reaching into his bag for the spf laced spray.
Raina frowned, not wanting to move.
He shook his head. "Were you planning on swimming in the sundress Aelan?"
Raina blushed again. "More of a ...slip out of it and make a mad dash for the cover of the water."
He grinned. "You trust me don't you? I'm going to spray you down now, so I don't have to rub you down with aloe later."
Raina warmed all over, and blew out a breath. "You are right," she whispered, and silently slipped her sundress off.
Nolan swallowed. "Nice suit," he chuckled huskily.
Raina liked the pleasure in his easy stare, and then saw him veil his pleasure, ever the gentleman.
"Turn about," he ordered, and she quickly obeyed.
He sprayed her back and front, careful to cover all. Hot sun would be brutal on such lily white skin. It was beautiful skin though, with just a tiny bit of freckles across her shoulders and arms.
She pulled her dress back in place and held her hand out. "I'll do you," she offered.
He shook his head, and tossed the spray. "I don't burn."
"You don't burn?" she was incredulous. "How would you know?"
He smirked. "I have been more places than Oregon, my dear. I just brown."
She frowned. "Is there nothing imperfect about you?"
He lifted his brow, and she blushed...they had had this conversation before.
They slipped flip flops on their feet, and towels over their arms before heading out. The walk to the beach was a short one from the hotel. The sun was still hot, even in the afternoon, but a nice breeze came off the water. Nolan grabbed a couple beach chairs, provided by the hotel, and they found a place near the water.
Raina couldn't keep her eyes off the water. "Have you ever heard any sound more beautiful than this?" She turned her face to him, when he hadn't answered. He had dropped his sunglasses down on his face, so she couldn't read his eyes.
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