Caged (Dark Empire #2)

Twenty-One.

Ethan

My head throbbed as I forced my eyes open, the sharp pain making everything a blur. The bastard who had shot me had appeared out of nowhere, his shadowy figure a phantom in the dark. Then, the other one—his accomplice—had kicked me hard enough to make the world spin. Everything went black after that boot slammed into the back of my head.

As my vision cleared, I took in my surroundings. A single, dim lamp cast a feeble glow across the room, barely cutting through the eerie silence that cloaked the house. I tried to move, but a deep ache in my gut and a weight on my legs pinned me down. Looking down, I saw Luna, peacefully asleep on top of me, her fur warm against my skin. When I turned my head, I saw Ashlee and Mags nestled against the sofa beside me, Mags' protective arms wrapped around Ashlee as she cuddled into him.

I released a heavy sigh, knowing Ashlee would be furious with me for not telling her the whole truth. I leaned back and stared at the ceiling, the weight of my mistakes pressing down on me. I was a lucky man to have them both, yet my recklessness had put everything at risk again. Charging at Dmitry last night had been sheer stupidity. I was fortunate to have survived with just these injuries. How could I face Ashlee, knowing I could have left her a widow?

I needed to do better. My anger had driven me to reckless decisions, and last night was proof of that. I couldn't keep letting it control me, endangering the people I loved most.

As exhaustion took over, I drifted into a fitful sleep, haunted by the resolve to change and protect those who meant everything to me.

"Ethan, I’m right here.”

My eyes snapped open in alarm, meeting Ashlee’s concerned gaze.

“What...”

“You started shouting in your sleep.”

I frowned, and then it rushed back to me. The nightmare of me holding Ashlee’s cold, lifeless body. She'd died because I wasn't there to protect her.

I grabbed her head and pulled her into my lips, kissing her brutally, my heart thumping hard enough to deafen my ears.

“I’m so sorry, baby. Forgive me, please.”

“Ethan...” She whispered.

“Please, I’m sorry for going on that raid last night without telling you. It won't happen again. Baby, please.”

She release a breath. "I forgive you.”

I gave her another bruising kiss before resting my head back. "I had a nightmare. You were dead, sweetheart, and all because I wasn’t there to protect you. I can’t do that, Ash. I can’t let anything happen to you.” The weight of fear and emotion was drowning me.” I can’t lose you, baby. I can’t.”

I flinched when her hand rested on my cheek, the gentle touch taking me by surprise. I quickly relaxed again, leaning into her palm.

“I love you, Ethan, and I'm right here. I’m just glad that you're okay.”

I closed my eyes. I would never take this for granted.

“Can I get you anything, Ethan?” Mags asked.

“No, I need to get up.” I couldn't sit around all day no matter how rough I felt.

Ashlee stood and grabbed my arm as I pushed myself up from the sofa. I held the side of my stomach, wincing at the sting.

Fucking bastard shooting me. I was no stranger to pain, but pain was still pain.

I followed Mags into the kitchen, grunting as I bent down to get a packet of cat food for Luna.

“Ethan, sit the fuck down,” Mags snapped.

“I’m fine,” I grumbled.

Ashlee snatched the packet from my hands. "Sit.”

I chuckled. "Yes, wife.” She was kind of hot being this bossy.

I watched Mags and Ashlee going about the kitchen feeling utterly useless. I wasn’t accustomed to this. Sure, Mags was far better than me in the kitchen, but he'd rarely cooked for me, especially before Ashlee came here. My wife on the other hand had never cooked for me other than our honeymoon, because I hadn’t allowed her. She gave Luna her breakfast while Mags turned the oven hob on.

“Can I do-”

"No,” Mags cut me off. "Red, get your husband under control. I’m sure he’d appreciate you dropping to your knees.”

My eyes widened slightly. I wasn't expecting him to come out with that. I was even more surprised when Ashlee sunk to her knees in front of me, her hands running up my thighs.

“Can I taste you, husband?”

I cursed beneath my breath. "Christ woman.”

I stood and unbuckled my belt while gazing down at her. "Say please.”

“Please, Ethan, can I taste your cock?”

Fuck me, I loved her begging. There was no chance of me denying her when my dick was now throbbing in my pants.

I grabbed her hair and yanked her head back as I freed my erection. "I’m not going to be gentle, baby.”

Her only response was to lick her lips. It was enough to drive me crazy. I thrust my hips forward plunging by cock straight to the back of her throat making her instantly gag.

“That’s it, choke on it,” I groaned, holding it in place.

I pulled back and then thrust in again, my movements hungry and relentless. Her wide, lust-filled eyes stared up at me as I drove myself in and out of her mouth, taking my pleasure without mercy. Tears welled up, glistening at the corners of her eyes as I hit the back of her throat once more.

It was a sight of raw, unfiltered beauty, something I’d never experienced before Ashlee. She was the only one who had ever swallowed my cock, and each time, she did it with a fervour that drove me wild. Her devotion was intoxicating; she gave herself to me completely, caring only for my pleasure, wanting nothing in return.

“Fuck, baby, so good,” I groaned, feeling the familiar tightening in my balls. The warmth at the base of my spine grew, the sweet promise of release just out of reach. I chased it, fucking her mouth with a brutal rhythm.

White spots danced before my eyes a moment before euphoria claimed me. A guttural grunt escaped me as I spilled my load down her throat, holding myself there, relishing the sensation. It felt as if my very soul had been pulled from my body, the intensity of the orgasm leaving me breathless and spent.

Ashlee surrendered to me until I was completely spent, her eyes locked onto mine, a silent vow of submission and pleasure. This was madness, an intoxicating blend of power and passion that only she could give me.

“Good girl,” I whispered as I pulled out. "Such a good girl.”

She smiled up at me as she licked her lips. "Such a tasty cock, husband.”

I groaned. "Jesus fuck, Ash, don't say things like that.”

"But it’s true.” She stood as I tucked myself away.

Then I pulled her into my body as my lips descended upon hers, my tongue hungry to claim her. The salty taste of myself lingered upon her tongue, a reminder of my essence claiming her as mine. "I love you so much, Ashlee.”

She brushed her lips against mine, her hands running down my bare chest where my shirt was open. Her fingers settled over one of my scars, and I somehow found myself not flinching. It was like she knew that I wouldn't, a silent confession of her love.

I don't know whether it was a post orgasm bliss or whether it was just Ashlee, but I liked the fact I didn't react. It was progress after years of getting nowhere.

“Ash, I’d be lost without you.” I stroked her cheek. "How did I ever cope before?”

“There's no need to suffer anymore,” she murmured.

I wrapped my arms around her and held her tight, my head resting against hers. "I’m so sorry that we went last night. I just want him gone. I want him to leave us alone.”

“Let the others deal with him. Stay with me, Ethan. I need you both.”

I placed a kiss on her head. "We will.”

“Breakfast is done,” Magnus said, carrying some plates to the table.

As we sat down to eat together, I looked at my family and truly saw what I had.

No, I wasn’t going to go on any more raids. I rarely did these days anyway, but last night was a reckless decision. I needed to speak to Mario about this today.

After a quick shower and changing into some clean clothes, I shut myself in my office and stared at Mario’s number on the screen.

How did I ask him to end this thing with Dmitry once and for all? How do I tell him that I wasn't taking part? It wasn't a fair request.

I released a sigh and placed my phone down giving up on the idea.

Eventually, the door to my office opened and Mags came in.

“You look stressed, boss.”

I chuckled. He hadn't called me boss in a very long time, not since we got close to Ash. "I am.”

He slumped into a seat. "Share the load.”

"I want Mario to end Dmitry once and for all, but I don't want to take part in it. How can I possibly ask that of him?”

“So don't straight up ask him. Discuss your concerns about taking part in the fight, and express that it needs to end.”

I nodded. "Last night would have been a big blow to them. We saw how much goods they loaded onto that ship. It was a massive amount.”

“And now it’s at the bottom of the lake.”

I chuckled. "Fuck, the money they’ve just lost.”

"He's going to retaliate. This has turned into an all out war since the wedding.”

“What did he expect when he shot my wife?”

"You’re not the only one who'll want this to end. Your dad is obviously furious with the situation as well.”

"He is, hence last night.”

“You just need to talk to them, pal. They’ll understand.”

"Will they though? I’m meant to be a part of this family, and yet I feel like I’m done with all of the crime. I’ve had enough of the violence.”

He smiled. "Because Ashlee has shown you a better life.”

I nodded once. He was right.

“Talk to them.”

"Okay, I’ll speak to Ro first.” I always did confine in him the most, plus he was the best at getting through to dad.