“And, dude, no one pities you—they admire the fuck out of you. You saved my life, bro. I’d be dead without you. And I know you think any of us would’ve done the same thing—but you’re wrong. You’re the man.”
I shrugged him off of me. The world looked different to me now. I needed to navigate my new reality—find a career or job I could feel as passionate about. I believed everything happened for a reason—my injury, getting offered to write this book, meeting Isa. I had to figure out why God had allowed me to live.
18
Isa
The wait was over; my time alone with Grady would start today.
I’d flown into Reno this morning and spent the past hour driving my rental car to Lake Tahoe. He’d offered to pick me up at the airport, but I insisted on renting a car. I didn’t want to be completely dependent on him just in case anything went wrong.
Even so, he would be in control.
In other words, he would be my master.
As I approached Incline Village, I marveled at the beauty of the Emerald Bay. I rolled down the window—the scent of freshly fallen pine needles mixed with the mountain air tickled my nostrils. I needed this retreat. A time to relax, read some books, finish that Christmas needlepoint stocking I’d been working on for years—I could definitely think of worse ways to spend the week, especially since I was still unable to enroll for fall quarter. I’d applied for a loan, but because I’d missed the deadline, I wouldn’t be able to attend.
But there was nothing I could do about that now. All I could hope for was that this week with Grady would go smoothly, that we would have a great time at the ball, and that he would keep his promise and let my dad write his book.
And maybe, something deeper would develop with Grady.
I followed the navigation system and pulled in front of a towering log cabin with a view of the lake.
I took a deep breath, steadied my nerves, and walked to the magnificent door. It was gorgeous—hand-carved mahogany featuring a bear eating honey from a tree.
I pressed the doorbell, and Grady opened the door. His muscles bulged out of his T-shirt but seeing his scars in the light sent a shock through my core. I gasped, in spite of myself.
Grady’s fingers pressed deeper into my flesh, and I let out a yelp.
“You’re mine now, baby. And this time you can’t run away. You’re going to be forced to look at me every day.” His voice was urgent and dripping with sex.
His eye shot a dagger at me and then he finally released me.
I gulped.
I’d hurt him.
He must’ve thought the only reason I wanted to see him was to ask him to do the memoir.
But that wasn’t true. As much as Grady scared me, I was drawn to him.
Before I could speak, he’d turned and disappeared into the cabin, slamming the carved wooden bear door behind him.
I didn’t know whether I should be flattered or scared or pissed off.
The only thing I did know was the heat of his body next to mine had made me ache to be with him again.
19
Grady
All I had wanted was to spend some time with her, and I’d promised myself I would try to start fresh. But seeing her outside, looking so damn sexy, triggered rage inside me. Rage that she would never be mine, rage that she was only here because I’d forced her hand, rage that she was only agreeing to be around me so she’d have enough money to finish school. I wanted her to choose to stay with me because she wanted me, not because she felt being fucked by me was the only way to save her father’s ass after he stole her money.
My solitude was short-lived. Isa cautiously opened the door and headed to the sofa. Her scent filled the room—she smelled like whipped cream and strawberries.
She was wearing a tight-fitting yellow sweat suit and flip-flops with rhinestones. Despite her incredible body and heart-shaped face, she didn’t look fake or hard like a few of the celebrities and models I had met. Her smile was very genuine, and I had yet to see her in heavy makeup.
We were alone together. Truly alone.
I sat on the distressed leather sofa and just stared at the lake. My ears pounded and I cracked my knuckles.
If she wanted to, she could talk.
It only took her a few minutes.
“Can we talk? I really want to start this weekend off in a good place.”
“Shoot.”
“Okay. I want you to know that I’m not just here because of the deal with my dad. I want to be here. I want to get to know you.”
I didn’t believe her. Words were cheap. She would have to show me that she truly wanted to spend time with me. It would probably help if I stopped being such a dick.
“And the only reason I left after we hooked up that night was because I panicked,” she said.
“Panicked about what? I thought you left because you thought I was suicidal. Did you think I was going to hurt you?”
The color drained from her face, but she made strong eye contact. “For a second, yes, I believed it was possible. I mean, you had a loaded gun, were drinking, had a flashback. But not just that. I didn’t really see hope for anything beyond one night with you. I’m attracted to you. You have the best body I’ve ever seen, you’re incredible in bed, and I don’t mind your scars. Honestly, I don’t—they actually make you sexy. But you told me you didn’t believe in therapy. Neither did my mom. I’m not a psychologist, and I don’t know you that well, but I really think you need to find some type of therapy that works.”
So I had actually been wrong about her; she hadn’t wanted to save me; she’d wanted nothing to do with me. And she saw me as someone who couldn’t even take care of myself.
Though she’d saved my life by taking that bullet, I’d never admit my moment of weakness to her. Once I told her I’d attempted suicide, she’d probably bolt again.
I tried another approach.
“Look, I’ve tried every medicine I’ve been given, every talk therapy. Honest to God, nothing has worked. But I’m open. I don’t want to live like this.”
Her face seemed to shine. “That makes me happy.”
My promise to attempt more therapy seemed to soften Isa. Her shoulders relaxed and she moved closer to me on the sofa. I put my arm around her and pulled her into me. This was more like it.
“How did you find out I was on Dancing under the Stars?”
“I saw your picture in a magazine at my doctor’s office. Well, Bella’s picture, but I’d recognize you anywhere. But I think it’s cool. I’d love to see you dance.”
She shook her head. “I’ll dance with you at the ball, but I doubt I’ll ever compete again or dance like that.”
“Why’d you quit?”
She stared distantly toward the lake. “After my mom died, it was too painful. She was a dancer. Every time I stepped on the floor, I’d remember her teaching me, I’d search for her in the audience. I needed to figure out who I was without dancing, without her, without my partner.”
She paused on the word “partner.” Had that douche been her boyfriend? The thought of that slimy motherfucker touching Isa made me want to break his skinny legs. At least she wasn’t still dancing. I would never tell a woman to quit her passion, but I was certain I couldn’t handle watching another man grope my woman, wrap his hands around her waist, stroke her thighs. I’d seen that show, the tiny costumes she wore, the seductive dances they did—I’d be too consumed with jealousy to have anyone I was dating be on it.
“And the book? You feel okay with writing about what happened?”
“Yup. You were right. I want to tell my story, my way. And I need the money. I’m pretty fucked up, physically and mentally. I have to prepare for my future, especially since I’m about to get kicked out of the Corps.”
Her eyes opened wide. “I’m sorry, Grady. I had no idea. You’ll find a new career to make you happy.”
My head bobbed forward. She didn’t know shit about what made me happy. I was a warrior—that was the o
nly thing that had mattered in my life.
“So, I’ve emailed your dad a few times and talked to him on the phone. He seems pretty cool—for a thief.”
“Ha.” She hesitated. “He’s okay. He’s going through a rough time—he really needs this break, so thank you again. Don’t worry—he’ll do a great job on your memoir.”
I winced. A father should protect and provide for his daughter, and here Isa was the one taking care of her dad, a man who’d stolen from her. But their fucked up relationship wasn’t my problem. At least she had a parent in her life. “I won’t tell him. This is the only thing I’m good for now—telling heroic war stories. Instead of shooting guns, I’m being wheeled out like a Smithsonian exhibit to make politicians feel guilty about the war and to open their wallets up.”
Her chin dipped down. “I’m sorry. I never meant to make you feel like I’m just another person who is using you. Maybe this was a stupid idea—I should’ve never asked you. Maybe we should just forget this whole idea. I feel like such a bitch.”
Damn, did this girl always try to run at the first sign of trouble?
Her chest heaved, and I decided to stop being such an asshole. I wanted her however I could have her. I was going to give this relationship, or whatever it was, everything I had.
I moved closer to her and put my arm around her. “Stay, but it’s your choice. I’m not going to force you. I’m not going to hurt you. You’re safe here with me. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about our night—how you screamed my name, how sweet you taste.”
“I want to . . . I just think we moved too fast. I’d like to take some time, move slowly. Let our emotional connection catch up with our physical connection.”
I hopped off the couch and stood in front of her, our bodies inches from touching. “We’ve already slept together, baby. And I plan to fuck you every night for as long as you’re here. In fact, I’m gonna fuck you now.” I pulled her to me, needing to feel the heat of her body. “You can’t deny how hot we were together. Look me in the eye and tell me you haven’t dreamt of me, that your body doesn’t miss my touch, that you don’t ache for me.”
She looked down at her toes. “I—I want to, but I’m scared. It’s complicated. Once a picture of us gets out in the press, everything will change, you’ll see. We’re both in the public eye. People will make up stories about us. We’ll be in the tabloids. Fans, people, think they know us. They think they own you.”
“I own you.” I cupped her face and kissed her, and a shot of heat rose to my cock.
She kissed me back, deep, passionate kisses, kisses that assured me that she wanted me as much as I wanted her.
I ran my hands through her hair. “Tell me what you want, baby.”
“You, I want you. All of you.”
I controlled my breathing, wanting to take my time with her, not rush. I picked her up and placed her on the long oak coffee table.
I unzipped her sweat suit, and removed her tank top. I had never seen anything sexier than her yellow lace bra with a red bow in the middle of her ample cleavage.
I licked at her nipples through the fabric, sucking and tugging slowly until she moaned. I unhooked her bra, freeing her breasts.
She spread her legs and I slipped my arm around her waist, pulling down her pants. Matching yellow lace panties—it truly was my lucky night.
“Talk to me baby, what do you need from me?”
I could tease her all night. I dusted her with kisses, making her come alive with my mouth. I licked her thighs, around the lace border of her panties, pressing my lips to her heat, desperate to taste her.
“I—I want your tongue.”
Yes, ma’am. I hooked the edge of her panties and removed them. My tongue moved, licking her lips, savoring her taste. The image of her rubbing her nipples, her body reacting to my mouth was almost enough to make me come right then.
I pulled a condom out of my pocket and quickly undressed. She stood up and I rolled the condom over my cock, sitting down on the sofa. “Straddle me.”
She flipped her hair out of her face and climbed on my lap, slowly guiding my cock inside of her. She gasped when I slammed her deep.
I kissed her neck, buried my head into her chest and sucked on her nipples, my other hand squeezing her amazing ass. She rode me, controlling the rhythm, tossing her head back, rubbing her clit against me. The reflection on her incredible body in the window, knowing that someone could be watching us, made the moment even hotter.
“That’s it, baby. You’re so fucking beautiful.”
Her pace quickened, and I was dying to make her come harder than she ever had before. I rubbed her clit, licking her nipples, until I knew she was close, so fucking close.
“Oh, Grady, oh, baby.”
She let out a deep moan and I could feel her pussy clench. I let myself go also, the intensity of my own orgasm shocking me.
She climbed off of me and I went to the bathroom to throw away the condom.
When I returned, she’d put back on her clothes.
“Where am I sleeping tonight?”
I quickly dressed. I wasn’t ready for her to sleep next to me. I didn’t want to scare her with my night terrors. “In the guest room. Get your rest. You’ll need it. I’m going to get your things.”
I went out to her car, grabbed her bags, and returned to Isa.
I led her to the spare bedroom.
Her eyes opened wide. “This place is beautiful. Thank you for inviting me.”
She gave me a hug and I held her tightly.
“You can go anywhere except up to the third floor where I sleep, unless I invite you. I don’t sleep much, but if I’m lucky enough to crash, I don’t want to be awakened. If you need me, just press the intercom, and I’ll come downstairs.”
“Okay. Good night.”
I gave her a sweet kiss, the first kiss we’d shared that didn’t lead to sex. Then I held her tighter than I’d ever held anyone. Why did she feel so good when nothing in my life was right? Why did I want her so badly? Could she really be the one woman who could make me feel like a man again?
“Isa, I’m really glad you’re here.”
20
Isa
I exhaled, relieved that Grady and I had been able to have a good talk. Just the switch that I was now here by choice, not under coercion, alleviated my anxiety. I wanted to be here. Grady wanted me here. We were both going to explore if we had more than just a physical connection.
My room was as nice as any hotel room I’d ever stayed in when I was competing. It had a stone fireplace, a huge spa tub, and a king-sized wooden bed covered with a bear-patterned quilt.
I drew myself a hot bath and slipped into the soothing water. My breath quickened when I reminded myself that I was naked in the same house with Grady. Maybe there were cameras in this place and he was watching me. That thought excited me—my chest heaved as I imagined Grady finding me naked in the tub, his strong hands exploring every inch of my body. Being around Grady brought out all my fantasies.
Once the water turned cold, I quickly dressed in my pajamas and relaxed in the bed, excited for the next day. My nerves eventually calmed down . . . until I heard a scream in the middle of the night.
Well, at least I thought it had been a scream. I sat up in my bed, startled, breathless, but eventually realized it probably had been a nightmare and fell back asleep.
The scent of bacon wafted through my bedroom and roused me from what had actually been the best sleep I’d had recently, despite being awakened by the noise in the dark. For once, I didn’t wake a few times during the night to worry about paying my tuition, didn’t have to sleep with the windows open because my dorm didn’t have air conditioning, nor did I have to drown out the noise from the freeway that ran parallel to my place. Instead, the sound of birds chirping, the warmth of the fire, and the peace of knowing that there was a chance I’d still be able to graduate swept me into a blissful dreamland.
I headed into the bathroom, wonde
ring if Grady was waiting for me. After washing my face, and brushing my teeth, I examined my outfit, which consisted of a tank top and fuzzy pajama bottoms. For a second I had an urge to flee, giving in to my anxiety, but I instead opened the door.
Ay dios mío!
The sight of Grady cooking breakfast made me drool. He wore gray sweatpants and a tight, long-sleeved thermal shirt that hugged his muscular body.
“Good morning, sexy,” he called out.
“Morning.” The sunlight beamed through a skylight and I took the time to study the cabin. A huge staircase led upstairs to a loft area, a gourmet kitchen beckoned me, and a beautiful stone fireplace warmed the room. I was mesmerized by the view of the lake. This place had to be worth at least a million dollars.
“Please sit down. Would you like water or orange juice?”
I sat at the breakfast table in front of an already awaiting coffee mug. “Water would be great, thank you.”
I watched him walk in the kitchen and noticed a slight limp that I hadn’t seen before. I tried not to stare, but my mind refused to quiet with all the questions I had.
He emerged from the kitchen carrying a glass of water and a dozen red roses.
Swoon.
He placed the glass of water down, leaned into me, and handed me the roses.
“These are for you.”
My belly quivered, pleasantly surprised by the sweet gesture. I inhaled the scent of the roses. “You’re so sweet. Thanks for the roses. They’re beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as you.”
My heart fluttered.
“Are you hungry?”
I nodded. He returned to the kitchen and plated an omelet, bacon, and fresh fruit. Coffee was awaiting me at the table. I’d been single since I’d left the show, and I couldn’t remember the last time someone had taken care of me.
TRITON: A Navy SEAL Romance (Heroes Ever After Book 2) Page 23