by Hargrove, A.
“Okay.”
Then I told her everything, from beginning to end. Tears ran, and I expected them, because knowing Isla as I did, her heart would break for what I’d experienced.
“My God. I knew it was bad but hearing it from your mouth makes it that much worse.”
“I don’t want it to be. I’ve been through intense therapy to get where I am today. I’m still going through counseling. Caroline, my therapist, was amazing as were my group sessions. I’m in NA now and it will be a part of my life forever. To further that, I’ve started a website to help victims and I want it to go viral. I want it to become a physical place too. I have so much to offer those who believe it’s hopeless. I’m living proof that it’s not.”
She cupped my cheeks with her hands. “You are amazing. I don’t know anyone who would come out of something like you did, stronger than you were before.”
“Isla, there’s something I’m not sure about.”
“What’s that?”
“The sex. I haven’t had it since it was forced on me and I…”
“Acer, we don’t have to do anything right now.”
“But I’d like to try, because I do want to. You needed to know that if something doesn’t go right, there’s a reason behind it.”
“I’ll do whatever you want. If you just want to hold me, that’s perfectly fine too.”
“I never stopped loving you, through it all. When my mind was nothing but fog, somehow I knew you were still out there. I didn’t recognize it for a while, but I knew.”
“I never stopped loving you either, Acer. There were times when I went crazy over things. The FBI wasn’t getting the job done, so that’s when we hired Drex and Gemini. When they located you, they tried to stop me from going, but I wouldn’t hear of it. I died a million times when I saw how debilitated you’d gotten and I blamed myself.”
“You? It wasn’t you. I was the one who got us all into this mess.”
“No, the FBI was supposed to protect you and they failed.”
I wrapped her in my arms. “If I hadn’t taken that damn job in the first place, none of this would’ve happened. But you know what? I’d do it all again, every single bit because it landed me here with you.”
That was when she cried in earnest. Her sobs broke me worse than being abducted did. “Please, don’t cry. We’re here, safe in each other’s arms, and everything is going to be right again.”
“I can’t believe you said that.”
“It’s true. My life means so much more with you as part of it.”
“Acer, I love you. You entered my soul like it was your own. Our hearts were meant to be together. But I do have something else to tell you.”
“What is it?” I was expecting news about work or the dog, or maybe even her brother. But what came next rocked me again.
“That day you sent me away? I was going to tell you then, but I didn’t get the chance. I, uh, we were pregnant.” I went to say something, but she stopped me. “Acer, I lost our baby. It was a boy.” Then she sobbed like the world was ending and I was a shit because I hadn’t been there to help her through it.
“Isla, Isla, Isla, I’m so sorry, babe. Sorry I wasn’t there by your side—”
She stopped me again. “It wasn’t your fault. You have nothing to be sorry for. I wanted our baby so much because at the time I found out I was pregnant, I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again. I knew I’d at least have a part of you with me forever. But when I lost him, and you, it only made me want to fight harder for you.”
I kissed the top of her head. While I was focused on my own self, I didn’t think anyone else was dealing with their issues. And there was Isla, suffering.
“Please forgive me, sweet Isla. Every damn inch of my brain is focused on you. And when my life was nothing but chaotic madness, there you were. I love you beyond reason, Isla. I promise, if you give me the chance, you’ll never walk alone again.”
Our kiss began gently, but turned wild and passionate. We stumbled around like blind fools, until we reached the bedroom. She pulled away and asked if it was okay.
“It’s perfect.”
I stripped off her clothing and then mine. “I just want to drink you in. So many times I dreamed of you and now here you are, so beautiful. I’m afraid if I touch you, you’ll vanish.”
She took my hand in hers and placed it on her chest. “I’m not going anywhere, unless it’s with you.”
We came together like two storms, wild and furious. There was nothing gentle about our lovemaking that first time.
While still kissing her, I lifted her hips and slid into her. “Is this okay?”
“Yesss,” she hissed. “You? Are you good?”
I blinked, once, twice, and nodded. I hadn’t felt this good in ages. The images I thought would appear, didn’t. Only Isla was there with me. Then I rocked my pelvis back and forth but couldn’t keep the pace slow.
“Ohhh, I’m sorry, babe, but I doubt I’ll last.” If I didn’t, I’d make it good for her later. She wouldn’t go without getting hers. Her tight pussy around my cock was pure heaven as I thrust in and out. “You’re perfect,” I groaned.
She put her hand between us and rubbed her clit. She was frantic with need as much as me. My fingers sunk into the soft flesh of her ass as I held her tightly, chasing my orgasm.
One look at her hardened nipples sent me soaring over the edge. “Isla,” I practically screamed her name. Then her muscles clenched around me in a series of beats as she moaned. Sexy as hell, was what she was.
My dick pulsated inside her as I let loose, fearing I’d never stop coming. When I eventually did, I rolled over, taking her with me so she was on top. I wanted to feel the full weight of her against my body. She kissed my neck, cheeks, and then my lips.
She offered up a salacious grin. “That was fabulous.”
“Every time with you is fabulous.”
“Mmm, yes, it is.”
“It was your nipples.”
“My nipples?”
“Yeah, they were the final straw. I glanced at them and shot off.”
She chortled. “Glad the nips could help.”
“So am I.” Then something else occurred. My limp dick slid out and it hit me like a wrecking ball. “Um, Isla, I forgot to use a condom.”
The woman died laughing.
“You think that’s funny?”
“Of course I do. We’ve been through all sorts of shit, Acer. You and I have beaten death at its own game. And you’re worried about not using a condom. Wouldn’t it be ironic… and pretty fucking awesome… if I got pregnant again?”
Scratching my chin, I answered her. “To be honest, I hadn’t thought of it that way. I need to ask you a few things.”
“What?”
“Are you in Denver permanently?”
“As long as Wolfe employs me, yes.”
“Good. And you’re still willing to work beside me then on the human trafficking thing?”
“Abso-fucking-lutely.” She was almost vehement in her response.
“Excellent. Then will you do me the honor of marrying me? I know I should get Lenox’s approval first, but I need yours since it’s the most important.”
“Marry you?”
“Marry me.”
“Seriously?”
“One hundred percent.”
“Yes, I’ll marry you! If you’ll have me.”
“I asked, didn’t I?”
“You did and I accepted.”
“I don’t have money for a ring yet, but when I do, I’ll buy you the biggest diamond I can afford.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I don’t care about jewelry. Haven’t you noticed I don’t wear any?”
“Actually, I have. But I want you to have something gorgeous.”
“I want us to have matching bands. That’s it.”
“I’ll agree to that for now. But when the money is rolling in, I’m getting you something.”
“Money rolling in?
”
“I have huge plans, baby. Just wait.”
She pushed her hand through my hair and said, “Money isn’t important to me. I grew up without it and never had it so I don’t really care about it.”
“It doesn’t bring you love or happiness but can make your life easier. I’m going to work my ass off to make a good life for you, Isla.”
“What about kids? Do you want them?”
He stared at me. “Are you serious? I want at least four.”
Her eyes bulged out. “Four? You’re kidding, right?”
“No. I grew up with three brothers and it was awesome.”
“Yeah, we’ll have to compromise on that one.”
Rubbing her back, I said, “We can at least work on it. It’ll be fun, I promise.”
She bit her lips trying not to laugh.
“Hey, are you hungry?” I asked.
“I am. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“Donuts!” We scrambled out of bed and hit the kitchen, where the donuts and coffee were. I ate four of them. “These are so damn good.”
“Um, hum.” She was chomping away and I kissed her.
“You’re so adorable, I can’t stand it.”
“Shut up. You won’t be saying that when I’m looking like a donut from eating these all the time.”
“I’ll love you no matter what.”
“Same here. You’re my everything.”
Chapter Forty-Six
ISLA
After spending two days in bed, we finally showed our faces in the office. During our time together, I confessed how Acer’s brothers had helped us get to this point. “We collaborated and the moment you walked into the room where I was working—that had been a setup.”
“Damn, that was good. I owe them.”
“Acer, I refused to give up on you… on us. That’s how the whole thing got started.”
“Then it’s you I owe for being so persistent. But what an awesome gift you’ve given me.”
“It’s a gift we’ve given to each other.”
Everyone was working away when we joined them.
Raiden was the first to notice us. “Hey everyone! Look who’s decided to join us.”
Acer clapped him on the back. “Yep and I want to thank everyone who had a hand in this. Had it not been for you all, I wouldn’t be here with Isla. So, thank you.” Then he added a little bow which was sort of cute.
They gave us another round of applause while my cheeks flamed. Other than knowing we’d been locked in that apartment for two days, screwing our eyeballs out, I have no idea why I was embarrassed. Jesus, the things that man’s mouth did to me. Perspiration began to form on my upper lip and I pulled the neckline of my shirt away to get some airflow. Acer strutted around like a dang peacock and I elbowed him when I got the chance.
“What?”
“Stop preening.”
“I won’t apologize because I can’t help myself. I’m proud of you. Of us.” And the million-dollar grin he gave me had me tingling inside and sweating even more. God, how I had missed him.
“If you two are going to make googly eyes at each other, you may as well go back to the apartment until you’ve gotten your fill,” Cruze said to a round of chuckles.
Acer gave me one broody look and we both dashed back to our sex haven. We heard their laughter chasing us.
He kicked the door shut and asked, “Is that sweat on your upper lip?”
Fanning my face, I said, “Heck yeah. I’m on fire.”
“In that case, I’m your personal fireman and will extinguish that blaze.”
“Who are you kidding? You’ll only add more heat to it.”
He picked me up and carried me to the bedroom. “You may be right, but I’ll also make you come until you scream my name.”
Fuck, he was sexy when he talked dirty. “You will?”
He tossed me onto the bed and stripped off my jeans. One hand landed on my mound and he said, “Get ready, babe, because it’s starting now.”
I grabbed the first pillow my hand landed on at the same time his tongue targeted my clit. It was easy to lose myself in the onslaught of sensations. My breath came rapidly as I panted his name and arched my back. The pillow landed on my face as I pulled it up and screamed out an orgasm. I wanted to rip all my clothes off and rub my nipples against the scruff on his cheeks. What was wrong with me? Acer turned me into a sex craving maniac.
He crawled up my body, licking his way, until I stopped him with my hand. “I need to get naked.”
A hoarse laugh followed. “You won’t get an argument from me.”
My eyes never left him as his long, muscular form, rose off the bed and disrobed. He was more perfectly sculpted than before. His abs rippled with each movement making me long to drag my tongue over their ridges. Pulses of electricity shot through me, and desire puddled between my thighs.
“What are you waiting for?” His hooded gaze set my heart racing.
“Huh?”
His finger waved in the air. “Didn’t you say you wanted to get naked?”
“Shit!” I scrambled around and got rid of the shirt and bra. My nipples still ached for his touch as their hardened peaks pointed in his direction. Not being able to stand it, I pinched both of them between my fingers.
He brushed my hands aside and took one into his mouth as he tweaked the other. My head dropped back as I moaned.
Then he flipped me over on my hands and knees and his fingers slid inside of me. He didn’t do that for long, before he switched to something much larger. Thrusting inside until he was fully seated, he then slowly withdrew. What sweet torture it was. He did it again and again, until my climax descended on me in waves. When his fingers sunk into my hips and he ground his pelvis against mine, I knew he was about to get his. Then he gave a raspy moan and pulled out. The warmth of his cum hit my lower back as I watched over my shoulder.
“Stay put.” He left only to return with a cloth to clean up his mess, as he referred to it. I loved his mess. Watching him orgasm was quite a sexy sight.
Then I thought of something. “You know what? I loved what just happened between us but I love it even more when I can look into your eyes as you come.”
His devilish grin raised goosebumps on my skin. “If you give me a few, I can remedy that.”
“A few what? Minutes, hours, days?” I teased.
Suddenly, he dove and tickled me unmercifully until I begged him to stop. Afterward, we lay in each other’s arms, dozing off. The sound of the doorbell, and then incessant knocking woke us up. Acer went to see what the ruckus was about.
He came back, smirking. Then he threw a bag onto the bed.
“What’s this?”
Shaking his head, he said, “Look inside.”
When I did, I chortled. It was a giant box of magnum condoms for “The Little Guy.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
ACER
Spending time alone with Isla had been paradise. The only time I’d been away from her was when I went to the NA meetings. There wasn’t a chance in hell I’d miss a single one.
The appointments I had with Caroline were also kept. On the first one I had in the apartment, we Skyped, and I introduced her to Isla. She was thrilled we’d gotten back together and even more so when I explained how it happened.
Isla and I spent six perfect days together before we joined the world again. It was nice going back to work, even with all the jabs my brothers gave us. They were good-natured and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
This morning, after I had my muffin, and I’m not referring to the baked kind, we came out to work. Cruze winked at us. “Do you have enough energy left for us workers out here?”
“Hell yeah, I do. I’ve already worked out this morning. I’m energized.”
Isla’s jaw hit the floor and Cruze clamped his mouth shut. He had nothing to add. Score one for Acer.
“Uh, I think I’ll grab a muffin,” Isla said.
“You do that, ba
be, and can you bring me one, please?”
After she was gone, Cruze asked, “Everything okay with you two?”
“What? Do you want the details?”
“Uh, no. God, no! I was only making sure you guys are okay.”
I knew better. “Stop trying to gossip.”
“Me? I don’t gossip.”
Drex came into the room and asked, “Who’s a gossip?”
Aiming my thumb at my brother, I said, “This one.”
“Thanks for the heads-up. When I want the word to spread, I’ll let Cruze know.”
Cruze growled at me.
Raiden was the next to show his face. “What’s got you so grumpy this morning?” he asked Cruze.
“Little Guy is telling Drex here that I’m a gossip.”
Raiden almost spit out his coffee. He sputtered then said, “Dude, you can’t deny it. You love to gossip. You hung out with the girls in high school just to get the scoop.”
Cruze crossed his arms defiantly. “That is not true. I hung out with the girls to get laid.”
“Is that a fact? I wondered about that,” Gemini said as she came in.
“Sorry. I didn’t see you. I’m usually not that crude.”
Raiden’s brow shot up. “Maybe not, but a gossip you are.”
“Oooh, I love a good gossip. What’ve you got for us, Cruze?” Isla asked, handing me a donut.
I’d been holding in my laugh, but with that, I let it out and guffawed.
Isla elbowed me. “What’s so funny?”
“It’s hard to explain. I’ll tell you some other time.”
Gemini wasn’t happy. “That’s not fair. I want to know too.”
I relented. “Bottom line, this dude is a major gossip but he likes to deny it. If you want to know anything about what’s going on, all you have to do is check with the Cruzer.”
Cruze glared at me for using that name. “Cut it out, Little Guy.”
It was Raiden’s turn to let out a loud belly laugh. “Dude, you can’t deny it. That’s where Cruzer came from. You’d go around hunting for juicy info.”