by Paige Hill
As if she could read my mind, she continues.
“I told you about him, remember? I met him at the hotel. He stayed there for a few weeks when he first moved to town, while he was waiting on his apartment to be ready.”
The slow blink that took over my face must have given me away.
“Does it bother you? If I date, I mean. I—well, it’s been so long now, and I really like him. He’s a widower, just like me. I think you would like him too. I want you to be comfortable with this too—“
“Mom!” I shout to get her attention. She was talking so fast, I couldn’t get a word in. It’s kind of adorable how nervous she is.
Her mouth snaps shut, and her eyes go wide.
“Mamá, I think it’s fantastic that you are taking a chance again. You should have done it years ago, but I know you weren’t ready. I support you, regardless. And I would like to meet him. Maybe have dinner some time.”
“That would be lovely, Celeste.” Her eyes shine brightly with unshed tears. She was truly worried I wouldn’t approve.
“Okay, okay, so Dave drives you home. But Mom, I can’t let you go back to that house alone. Stay with me for a while.”
“Dave and I talked about it already. He won’t let me stay alone, so I’ve agreed to stay with him for a few weeks.”
Whoa.
This is a huge step for her.
“Uh, okay. Will you let me know if you need anything? I’m worried about you.”
“I will let you know. I’m fine, Celeste. Just some bruising. In a week, it will be like nothing ever happened.”
She seems certain, but something in my gut twists.
I’m on information overload right now. Everyone I love is changing, some for the better, others for the worse, but either way, the shift is fucking with my emotional equilibrium. Alex has adopted a new thug mentality, and now he’s going to father a child, Mamá is dating, ready to finally move on…
What the hell kind of alternate dimension did I wander in to?
Exiting the double doors that separate the emergency room from the waiting area, I suck in a breath through my mouth and exhale slowly. Aiden is still here, and he looks like he’s gone ten rounds in a ring with exhaustion. He sits with his head in his hands, tugging slightly on his hair. When the heavy doors swish together, he looks up and I’m suddenly hyper aware of my body.
“How is she?” he asks as I make my way closer.
“She’s going to be just fine.” A slight smile tugs at my lips. “Physically, she’s bruised, but she’s lucky and doing great.” I finish and my smile grows as I think of her finding love again.
“That’s great.” He starts to reach for my arm but pulls back suddenly like I tried to cut his hand off. “Let’s get this over with,” he bites out, walking away from me.
Okay, then.
I chose to ignore it and follow him onto the chilly elevator. Anxiety creeps up my spine the closer we get. I truly hope the woman in that room is the same woman I befriended. She’s been through so much, I can’t fathom the thought of her shutting everyone out as she heals emotionally.
“You ready?”
I nod and he moves to let me into the room. My eyes fall on Teagan’s and I start to cry, relieved to see her smiling at me. I rush to her bedside and we wrap each other into a tight embrace.
“It’s over,” I whisper. “You’re free.”
She pulls back, smiling through her tears. “If I kill someone, doesn’t that give me street cred?”
A gentle laugh bubbles from my throat as I just stare at her. We laugh with each other for several long seconds before they melt into cries. I pull her tighter and let her wash away the pain and fear.
“You’re something else, ya’ know that?” I ask her as we pull apart and wipe our eyes. She lies back against the raised hospital bed and closes her eyes, still grinning.
“Yeah, I’m gonna be okay.” She turns her head and opens one eye to look at me. “We’re all gonna be okay.”
Chapter Eleven
Aiden
My steps fall in line beside hers as we make our way to the front door.
“Aiden, look, I appreciate it and all, but I’ve taken enough of your time as it is. We don’t even like each other.” She looks me in the eye, challenging me to disagree. My response is irrelevant, however, as she continues. “I’ll grab a cab out front. Thank you anyway.”
She picks up speed, putting distance between us. As we exit the automatic glass doors, a cocky smile tugs at my lips. I don’t know if the universe thought I could use a win, or there has been some freak shortage of taxi cabs, but either way, the normally packed drop off area is devoid of public transportation.
“You have got to be kidding me.” She mumbles under her breath before letting out a string of curses in Spanish. I’m not fluent, but it doesn’t take a translator for me to understand.
Choosing not to poke the bear, I ignore every instinctual smart-ass comment that pops into my head, and wave her in the direction of my car. “Come on.”
The drive back to my apartment is filled with tension. She chooses to avoid me altogether, focusing all of her energy on the city as it passes by.
The detour to my apartment is met with more silence as we gather her things and my new buddy, Furb. I’m going to miss having him around.
When we finally reach her house, I exit the car and grab her bag.
“You need to cut all ties with your brother,” I blurt as I walk her to the door, a habit drilled into me by my dad.
So much for subtlety.
“Excuse me?” she seethes through gritted teeth as she unlocks the door.
“He’s in deeper than you think, and he clearly has no regard for your safety. If you think for one minute that he wouldn’t throw you to the wolves, you’re a goddamn idiot,” I declare, following her in, ready to defend my statement.
Snagging a bottle of water from the fridge, she slams it down on the kitchen counter, startling Furb and sending him running for the hills. Her eyes throw daggers my direction, but I stand my ground.
“Ya’ know what? You don’t know shit about my family. How dare you talk that way about someone you know nothing about!” she screams, her petite frame stepping into my personal space. The hold she has on her emotions is cracking.
“I don’t have to know him to not trust him, Celeste. It’s the ones you think will never hurt you that throw you out for slaughter. Stop being so goddamn naïve and open your eyes! I bet you never thought your Mom would be in a hospital bed because of him, did you?” I look her in the eyes, my chest heaving as I continually grow more and more agitated.
Why doesn’t she see it?
“You son of a bitch!” she screams, shoving me as hard as she can in the chest, but I don’t move. I stand my ground, taking her lashing. Her eyes well with unshed tears, trying to force out the hurt caused by my words.
The lack of reaction infuriates her, and she rains small fists down on my chest in rapid secession. Just like before, I take every punishment she has to give. Something has her wound so tight, one more crank and I know she will break. I’ve been an asshole, and if punching me helps her release some of the pressure, then so be it.
Her movements begin to slow as her steam ebbs. The exhaustion from a restless night and stressful morning are taking their toll. I wait for my moment—she hesitates to catch her breath, and I cage her tight with my arms, an attempt to calm her. She struggles only a moment before her body gives in, her soft curves sinking into me.
Standing stock still, her forehead rests on my chest. I can feel the rapid exhales of breath as her chest expands and contracts. With her arms pinned to her side, I wrap one of mine around the back of her waist and gently lift her onto the kitchen counter before her suddenly weak legs give out.
She continues to look at the floor, her mind far from the moment. I don’t know what to say that hasn’t already been said. Hell, opening my mouth only makes the situation worse, so I stand between her dangling legs, o
ffering silent support. I have no intention of apologizing for what I said. I meant every word, but her agony still eats away at me.
Lifting her chin with my finger, I bend slightly, searching for her eyes. Her glossy stare meets mine, but something in them changes. We stare at each other a couple of beats before something in the air snaps, and my lips crash down on hers.
She hesitates only a second before opening up to me. Wasting no time, my tongue dives in, tasting her lips. Goosebumps prickle my flesh as we sink into each other. My hands run the length of her torso, from her hips to her neck before diving into her hair as I take control of the kiss.
Her legs open wider, and I gladly step in to fill the space. She wraps her legs around my hips as her arms tighten around my neck. The moment is hurried, both of us in a lust-filled frenzy.
One hand slides from her neck, down her back and under her shirt. Her skin is silky beneath my touch and amplifies my arousal. I’m getting worked up faster than I ever thought possible.
As I pull her body impossibly close to mine, she tenses. I freeze mid-motion, unsure of myself and this entire situation. She pulls away, glaring at me through lust filled eyes.
“This changes nothing.” She pants, her lips still brushing mine. “Bedroom. Now.” She snaps when I don’t respond.
Lifting her by the ass, I grind my hardened cock against her center as I swallow her moan.
Reaching the bedroom, I don’t bother to close the door. The jaws of life couldn’t pull me away from the sweet temptation that is Celeste Martinez.
Too impatient to reach the bed, I thrust her delicate frame against the nearest wall, shaking her dresser and shattering a picture frame. The mess goes unnoticed as our tongues battle for control. Lust and hate radiate from her body in shivers, her icy demeanor sears my skin like a sunburn.
With her legs still wrapped around my waist, she begins to move, rubbing her covered pussy against my erection, seeking relief from the building pressure. The sensation is already enough to send me over the edge, but I want more. I need more.
Giving her what she desires, I grind my cock into her center. I have no intention of getting her off here, against the wall, but I want her panting. I want her so desperate she begs me to let her finish. She doesn’t see it yet, but she’s already lost the battle for control.
Unlike love and war, fucking isn’t fair, and you learn to play dirty.
A moan escapes her raspberry red lips, swollen from frantic kisses. Unable to fight any longer, I turn, tossing her lithe body onto the bed. Reaching for the collar behind my neck, I pull my shirt over my head, determined to feel her buttery smooth skin against mine.
Recovering from the bounce, she lies back, spreading her magnificent legs, an open invitation. Kneeling, I slide her shorts down her smooth legs, stifling a groan as goosebumps follow the rough material down her thighs.
Looking down at her perfect skin, my mouth waters and primal instincts take over. Gripping each side of her panties with both hands, I yank in opposite directions, shredding the delicate material.
“Those are expensive!” she shrieks.
“Not anymore,” I mumble before running my hands up her thighs, spreading them wide enough to accommodate my shoulders. I don’t waste time with tender kisses or soft touches. I’m here for the endgame and fuck wasting time.
Diving into the apex of her thighs, I start with one long, punishing lick from her opening to her clit. She moans loudly, grabbing the back of my head while simultaneously trying to inch away. My hands are wrapped under her thighs, holding her in place. I continue my assault, aggressively lapping up every drop of desire she gives me.
Sucking hard on her clit, I slide two fingers into her soaked folds.
“Oh, God,” she pants.
Just where I want her.
Continuing to suck her clit, I pump my fingers faster. The more aggressive I get, the harder she breathes. Just as I feel her muscles start to tighten, I pull my fingers out, making a show of tasting them.
“You bastard!” she screams, hurling a pillow at my head.
I can only smile as my eyes take her in. Bed head, flushed skin, and that scowl. My cock jumps and I pop the button on my jeans, suddenly just as frustrated as she is. I’m so hard that just the thought of not fucking her could cause permanent damage.
“Take your shirt off. Now.” I command.
“Fuck you,” she seethes, her eyes heavy with need.
“That’s the plan, Sparky.” I give her another nickname. Every time I call her something new, she gives me a barely-there twitch of the lips and I feed off of it.
She glares daggers at me but begins to take her shirt off anyway.
Free of my pants, I pull a condom from my wallet and slide it on.
“Put both hands on the headboard and face the wall.” I demand, as I crawl back onto the bed. Her eyes burn as she stares at me, but raw desire wins, and she places her hands on the white metal frame.
If I weren’t already on my knees, I would be now.
Fuck me.
Celeste is the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen. On her knees, her naked ass laid out just for me. Crawling up behind her, I nip at the skin on her shoulder, eliciting a hiss that transforms into a moan. Reaching between her legs, I run a finger along her slit, finding her pussy still dripping. I thrust my fingers in, pumping a few times as I reach around with my other hand and roll her left nipple between my fingers. Her head falls back onto my chest as she rides my fingers with abandon.
No longer able to hold back, I withdrawal my fingers, sucking them clean.
“I hate you,” she growls through gritted teeth.
“Good, you should,” I whisper into her ear at the same time I slide into her.
Bracing her hips from behind, I fuck her mercilessly as she cries out in ecstasy.
“Oh, God. Harder,” she cries as her muscles clamp down on my cock and I lose any shred of self-control and her orgasm takes over.
Celeste is vocal in the sack and I love it. I want to swallow every moan, cry, and scream to a deity. But I’m missing something. A primal desire that scares the ever-loving shit out of me. But, in this moment, I don’t fucking care.
I need it.
“Say my name,” I whisper into her ear, gently biting the lobe. My request forces her to turn her head toward mine. Her face is pinched with confusion, but she never questions it. She never slows down.
“Fuck me, Aiden,” her voice is commanding, laced with hunger.
My name on her lips is my undoing.
I come hard. I feel it root from my center and wrap me in a euphoria I’ve never experienced.
We both fall backwards in a heap of limbs and sweat. Trying to catch our breath, neither of us say a word as we recover from the intensity. Staring at the ceiling, my insides tighten as stupidity rains reality on the moment. Sensibility seeps from my pores and I start to panic.
Now, I realize there isn’t anything to say. This was a colossal mistake.
Celeste is the best thing I’ve ever fucking tasted, and I want more.
Her scent surrounds me. Coconut and sex fill the air, further blurring the lines I’ve crossed. Turning my attention from the ceiling to the gorgeous figure beside me, I realize her breathing has evened out and her eyes are closed.
I watch her sleep for a few minutes, trying in vain to figure out how we got here. Furb flops his furry ass onto the bed, snuggling in between the two of us. He really is a cool cat, but this moment feels far too domesticated for comfort.
Pulling away, I chastise myself for falling into her web, once again. I’m a coward, but I can’t get out of here fast enough. Being near her threatens the very existence I’ve worked so hard to build.
Draping a blanket over her nakedness, my chest constricts, and suddenly it becomes difficult to breathe. Grabbing my clothes, I dress, stumbling as quietly as possible through the house.
Making sure I lock the door, my pulse races as I dart for the relative safety of my car. As soon a
s the car door slams shut, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.
Chapter Twelve
Celeste
“I don’t have insurance, mi hija,” mamá says to me, worry heavy in the lines of her face.
I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I refuse to let my asshole brother add any more stress to my mother’s plate. The last couple of months have dragged on.
“It will be okay. I’m sure we can work something out with the hospital,” I lie.
“Are you sure? This isn’t your responsibility, mi hija, I can take care of myself. You already do so much for me.”
“It’s fine, mamá. You need to focus on getting yourself better. So, what if I make a few calls? Soon you’re going to have a grandchild to chase.”
The brightest smile I’ve seen grace her face in years lights up her features and my chest warms. She is going to be an excellent grandma.
We haven’t seen much of Alex recently, but our mother would castrate him if he becomes an absentee dad. I can’t imagine Alex being anything other than a doting father, but then again, I never expected him to join a gang.
“Oh, I can’t wait. Thank you for everything, Celeste.” She places a warm hand on mine.
“When am I going to get to meet Dave?” I ask, changing the subject. I’m so excited to see her so happy, but having never met this Dave character makes me a little uneasy.
“Soon, dear. As soon as I’m healed, I will have you and your brother over for dinner.”
“Sounds good.” I lean in to place a kiss on her soft cheek.
“Te amo, mi dulce hija.”
“I love you too, Mamá.”
She leans forward and places a kiss on my forehead before she walks out the front door to her car.
I have no earthly clue what I’m going to do. I have some money put back, but with the way Alex is behaving, I think it’s best to save it for the baby.
“Always have a financial backup, Celeste.” I’m reminded of Jensen’s words.
The original ER visit was a huge chunk of it, but she had numerous return appointments and follow up tests. Because she is older and on blood thinners, the doctors worried about the possibility of internal bleeding. Not to mention replacing her damaged property.