
Midnight (The Devil’s House MC: West Virginia #8)
Chapter One
PROLOGUE
I COLLAPSED back in the faded lawn chair with a huff, my eyes fixed on the crackling fire as I took a long swig from my chilled beer. I had been at the South Carolina clubhouse for a week, and the restlessness inside me seemed even more intense than when I arrived. Thoughts of Aislynn flooded my mind, and I forced myself to shut them down. I knew better than to entertain them because Aislynn’s love for Leather was plain to see, and I didn’t stand a ghost of a chance.
Plus, the part of me that should have been hurting right now—my heart—wasn’t, it was still beating the same as always, so was it love?
Yet something about her drew her to me, this burning need to smooth away her rough past and make her world brighter. But I had to face the truth. I wasn’t the man to banish her demons and needed to move on.
“You look lost, brother,” Bolt said, his gravelly voice drifting from the chair beside me as he raked a hand through his auburn hair. Bolt was this club’s Sergeant at Arms and had become a friend over the past few years whenever club business brought me through.
I gave a half-hearted shrug, eyes still glued to the fire’s hypnotic dance. “Not lost, just restless.”
“Well, you know the cure for that,” Bolt said with a wink, pointing to Taylor, an extremely curvy blonde gyrating provocatively to the throbbing rock music, casting flirtatious glances our way. “She’ll wear you out good, but fair warning, she’s a screamer.”
I chuckled, “Yeah, I noticed. Thought someone had let an injured wolf in last night.” I pondered a moment before asking, “You know any good places around here to explore after dark?” I loved the mystery of nighttime, the velvety darkness, the muted sounds, the peace it brought.
Bolt considered, then answered, “There’s a waterfall deep in Old Man’s Forest, though it’s a bit of a hike, and remote, found it when I was a teenager.”
“Perfect,” I answered, listening to his vague directions before strolling to my bike, throwing a leg over the powerful machine, and riding off into the dark night.
The clubhouse soon faded into the distance, the sound of laughter and rock music replaced by the low purr of my bike and the whispering of the wind. The moon hung full in the sky, throwing a silvery sheen as I slowed down, turning onto the narrow dirt road barely bigger than my bike, the underbrush crowding in on all sides, a tangle of leaves and vines brushing against my arms and legs. I stopped and dismounted when the road ran out, leaving my bike parked by a gnarled ash tree.
My heart sped up with excitement as I navigated deeper into Old Man’s Forest on foot. My body came alive with anticipation of the unknown.
The night was alive with a myriad of sounds—hoots from a distant owl, the scuttle of unseen critters in the undergrowth, and an occasional rustle that implied something larger lurked in the mysterious shadows. But the deeper I ventured, the more tranquil it became until it was just me and my thoughts buzzing in the quiet that only happened at night.
Ahead, I could just make out the faint rumblings of water cascading over rocks. The sound grew louder as I moved forward, echoing through the dense forest like a lullaby whispered by the trees themselves. A clearing came into view ahead and it was bathed in moonlight, nestled among the trees where a modest waterfall cascaded—its beauty lying in its pure simplicity the same as the one on my property.
Moonlight danced on the water’s surface, casting an array of glimmers and sparkles.
But was my vision playing tricks on me?
There, at the edge of the cascade, was a small woman, her body swaying rhythmically as she gazed up at the starlit sky.
Her silhouette was striking against the glow of the moon, her loose, flowing hair glinting like pouring flames. Her bare feet seemed to barely touch the ground as she danced with a delicate grace that belonged to the fairies and nymphs of the old legends, the ones my Papu used to tell me about on our hikes through the woods when I was a kid.
My breath hitched in my throat as she slowly turned my way. Despite the distance separating us, I could see her eyes—two blue jewels sparkling with vibrant life.
Who was she?
A sense of unreality washed over me, briefly making me question whether I was dreaming. But there she was, real as ever—her presence illuminated vividly by the moonlight. I should leave and quit creeping in the shadows like a stalker.
But then she pulled her dress over her head, throwing it to the ground.
For a moment, all I could do was stare, awestruck by the pale beauty of her naked body touched by silver moonlight. She moved closer to the waterfall and my heart pounded in my chest; I was trespassing in an intimate moment, invading her privacy, but my fascination and my hardening cock wouldn’t let my feet move.
She reached out to touch the flowing water, letting the cool droplets splash over her fingers. A laugh bubbled up from her throat, echoing musically through the clearing. It was a pure and unrestrained sound that sent a thrill straight to my cock. The tension I carried since leaving West Virginia dissipated, replaced by my captivation with a red-headed wood nymph.
I SENSED HIM immediately, his presence pricking my skin as if the air itself vibrated with his existence. For a week now, I had come to this secluded sanctuary, drawn by its primal magnificence. Here, surrounded by nature’s raw splendor, I could shed my controlled life that choked me and allow me to find peace by being surrounded by what I loved.
At first, his sudden appearance unnerved me, sending a shiver walking down my spine. But instinctively, I knew he posed no threat. And tucked away in my bag lay reassurance—a small handgun, cold and ready. So, I turned to him with cautious curiosity and found him in the moonlight and my breath hitched, damn he was gorgeous. His dark eyes ensnared me, their scorching intensity reaching across the small meadow that separated us.
Desire blazed through me like wildfire, leaving me craving experiences beyond the gilded cage of my unwanted sheltered life. Tonight, I felt reckless, eager to explore the unspoken connection where it led. The certainty that my family was about to destroy any chance of such temptation only strengthened my resolve.
Yes, it was dangerous, but I had little left to lose.
Giddy anticipation bubbled up as I dipped my fingers into the cool silk of the water, a thrilling sensation coursing through my body at my daring as I pulled my dress over my head, throwing it to the ground. A laugh spilled from my lips as I gave myself up to the freedom of this moon-kissed oasis and jumped into the pool of water and when I came up, my eyes found him once more. “Come join me,” I called with a playful wave, and the bold invitation hung tantalizing in the air between us.
I didn’t know how he would respond, but an inexplicable sense told me we were fated to meet here. Without hesitation, he moved toward me, deliberate yet graceful, his eyes burning into mine. My breath snared in my throat, stunned by the raw magnetism that radiated from him.
He was even more good looking up close.
For an instant I felt self-conscious in his presence, acutely aware of my own unremarkable features, the bright red hair and freckles, my petite curves. But I shook off the uncertainty, for his eyes reflected all I needed to know. He desired me, and my skin was on fire despite the chill of the water.
He stood at the water’s edge, his eyes burning into me as he shed his black vest and shirt, revealing a torso rippling with tattooed muscle that gleamed in the moonlight’s glow. With casual elegance belying his powerful physique, he stripped off his boots and jeans, standing proud and bare before me.
My eyes widened at the sight of his erect cock, and when I felt the blush spread over my face, I prayed the shadows would hide it, but when my eyes found his once again, his smirk proved that prayer went unanswered.
The water rippled around him as he entered, electricity charging the serene night. He moved with virile grace, parting the water with powerful strokes. Our eyes stayed locked, the outside world fading away until it was just us two—drawn together by forces that seemed beyond our control.
He reached me in a few long strides, his commanding presence tempered by gentleness. I watched a smile tease his lips, releasing butterflies to flutter wildly in my stomach. In the moonlight, his chiseled features and smoldering eyes exuded raw passion.
“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice a sensuous caress.
I nodded, words trapped between my pounding heart and dry throat. Our gazes locked, sharing unspoken words of what we both wanted to happen. He brushed back a wet lock of hair, his touch igniting sparks down my body—an electrifying sensation beyond anything I’d known.
“Yes,” I whispered, my breath fluttering against his skin. Our eyes searched and questioned without speaking the words aloud.
His fingers traced my face, trailing down my neck until his hand rested over my frantic heart. It pounded against his touch, mirroring his own racing pulse. “Are you afraid?” he murmured, his voice husky. His question hung in the hushed night. Underneath my fa?ade of courage lurked a fine tremor—not of him, but of the unknown.
“I’m not afraid,” I answered steadily, surprised by my conviction. The fear remained, but exhilaration, an intoxicating rush that made me feel truly alive, eclipsed it. His tranquil presence dissolved the last of my doubts, opening me to a new awareness that pulsed deep in my core.
His eyes softened, offering unspoken reassurance, and as he drew me closer, I felt the heat rolling off his skin in waves. His hands framed my face as he leaned down, his breath warm on my lips—a silent request in the night.
I met his intense gaze unflinchingly, granting consent with my eyes. A smile ghosted his lips before he erased the distance between us. The velvet brush of his mouth on mine ignited a wildfire that blazed through my veins. His kiss began softly yet quickly deepened, coaxing me into returning his hunger with my own.
His arms enfolded me, pressing my body to his until all I felt was him—his breath, his heart, his heat. An overwhelming sense of belonging suffused me, so powerful, and I felt complete in his embrace—like I found my home.
Suddenly he broke the kiss and gazed at me with such need it stole my breath away. “What’s your name?” he whispered against my flushed skin.
I had to swallow before I could coax the words from my throat. “Hadleigh,” I murmured, my voice barely louder than the whispering breeze that rustled through the surrounding trees. A shiver of anticipation ran through my body as he repeated my name, rolling the syllables over his tongue as if savoring them.
“Hadleigh,” he said again, slightly louder this time. The sound of my name spoken in his velvety tone was so intoxicating that a hot flush spread across my cheeks, but I didn’t look away. There was a pause filled with heavy silence before he finally revealed his own name. “I’m Kaven.”
The name suited him—it was strong and unique.
I let it dance on my tongue until his lips once again took mine, his arms pulling me flush against his body.
I’VE NEVER BEEN so fucking turned on in my life. My body was literally on fire with the need to touch her, kiss her, be inside her. I still believed that just maybe I had passed out and was having one hell of a hot dream.
But no dream could create this richness of sensation—the softness of her skin against mine, the sweet taste of her lips, the intoxicating smell of her. All my senses were alert like never before, drunk by her presence. I was so fucking lost in her and I sure as hell didn’t want it to end.
The moon bathed us in silvery light as we moved together in the water. Her arms draped around my neck, pulling me closer still. Every inch of me ached to be closer to her, to know her on a level deeper than just physical. It felt like gravity itself was pulling us towards each other, an irresistible force that neither of us could refuse, and I wasn’t about to fight it.
Fuck no, this feeling was too fucking good.
As we continued to kiss, our hands explored every inch of each other’s bodies, our movements making the water ripple around us. Hadleigh ran her fingers through my hair, pulling me closer as I groaned into the kiss. My hands traveled down her spine before cupping her ass tightly, pulling her against my hard cock.
She gasped at the feeling, her legs wrapping around my waist instinctively. I lifted her effortlessly, carrying her towards the nearby blanket she had spread earlier. As I laid her down on the soft fabric, she arched her back invitingly.
“Fuck, you’re so beautiful,” I whispered hoarsely against her neck. My lips and rough jaw trailed hot kisses along her collarbone as my hands roamed freely over her body once more.
Her touch ignited sparks down my spine—an electrifying sensation beyond anything I’d ever known. She whimpered softly as the feel of my calloused fingertips tracing circles around one of her nipples, making it harden under my lustful eyes. “More,” she breathed out, arching into my touch even further.
I complied without hesitation, my warm breath fanned across her erect nipple before I took it deep into my mouth, sucking hard on it as my tongue swirled around it teasingly. She cried out loudly this time, throwing her head back in pure pleasure as I worked my magic on her breasts.
I couldn’t get enough of the sound of her moans filling the night air. It only fueled my need for more—more of her body, more of her voice, more of everything. I moved lower, kissing and nibbling my way down to her thighs.
I looked up at Hadleigh from where I kneeled between her spread legs and nearly lost control at the sight that greeted me. Her glistening pussy was the most beautiful pussy I had ever laid eyes on, and I had the experience to back it up. Fuck, I wanted a taste, but I would come before my cock experienced heaven.
So, I positioned myself at her entrance, rubbing against it teasingly before pushing inside in one smooth motion that left us both gasping for air once again.
Holy fuck, she was tight and hot around me; it felt like heaven slipping into hell and back again within seconds flat as I thrust in and out of the woman who held me captive within just a small time together under the moonlit skies. This was such a strange magical night we would forever remember as ours alone. The feeling of being so deeply connected with someone else on such an intimate level was overwhelming, but so fucking addictive.
Our hips moved in perfect rhythm with each other as if they were one being sharing this incredible moment together... our hot lovemaking knew no bounds as we rode out our mutual desire for one another. I never wanted it to end, but I couldn’t hold out any longer and when I heard her cry of release, felt her tighten around me, it was over for me with a loud growl as I held myself inside Hadleigh, my cock unwilling to leave. We collapsed together, spent yet satisfied beyond words.
As our bodies trembled in unison, she clung to me, her fingers digging into the hard muscles of my back. I gasped for breath, my heart pounding against hers as the aftershocks of our shared orgasm coursed through me, our breath ragged pants, our bodies smeared in sweat and lust.
I cradled her closer to my chest, interlacing my fingers with hers. My heartbeat finally slowing, the sounds of the night lulling us into drowsiness. With my other hand, I traced lazy circles on her bare shoulders, tracing the freckles that dotted her skin, adding to the powerful sense of tranquility.
But then three things hit me at once and sent a sudden jolt of realization that sent an icy shock through me: One: this was the most erotic experience of my life, two: Hadleigh was a virgin and three: I hadn’t used protection, something I had never done in my life, but tonight I had got carried up in the moment.
Breaking the silence, I whispered her name, “Hadleigh.” It felt like a confession as I entwined my fingers deeper into hers.
She stirred against me, half-asleep and content. Her eyes fluttered open, capturing the moonlight and reflecting it back at me. As she felt the tension in my body, one eyebrow arched questioningly. “Kaven?” Her voice was a sleepy murmur, lost in the blanket of serenity that had wrapped itself around us.
Running a hand through my already tousled hair, I tried to keep my voice steady as I confessed my sin. “Hadleigh... I just realized... we didn’t use any protection.”
I watched as my words seemed to take a moment to register in her clouded mind. Then slowly, the drowsiness vanished from her eyes and was replaced with a wide-eyed surprise.
OH, NO, NO, no, my mind chanted at his confession. The truth struck like lightning—sudden, blinding, an electrifying realization of the dare I had taken, stepping boldly into my first experience on my own terms. Would I change it if I could?
Never.
Most girls lament their first time, but mine? It was ecstasy, a rush of pure pleasure and intoxicating freedom that left me desperate for more. I was already craving another plunge into the addictive bliss Kaven had gifted me.
Kaven’s face was lined with worry, his handsome features twisted with concern. Seeing him troubled like this, knowing it was my doing, twisted a knot in my gut. I had to ease his fears, to lift the heavy burden clouding his brow. With a calm resolve, I locked eyes with him, my expression neutral, my lie carefully hidden.
“It’s okay, I’m on the pill for my periods,” I assured him, my voice steady despite the racing beat of my heart. It was deception born out of necessity, an attempt to ease his fears and reassure him that everything would be alright. Deep down, though, worry clawed at the edges of my conscience, reminding me of the consequences that could follow such a fabrication.
Relief swept across his face like a soothing tide, erasing the creases of worry. His body relaxed, a visible release of tension. “And I’m clean, Hadleigh, I swear it... and you... you were a...” His voice faltered, tangled in a web of curiosity and hesitation. He cleared his throat, visibly unsettled, grappling with the weight of his unvoiced thoughts.
Heat flushed my cheeks as embarrassment and vulnerability clashed inside me. I squirmed, struggling under the intensity of his gaze. “Yeah,” I whispered back, barely audible. “Does it matter?”
The silence that followed was thick with uncertainty, the unspoken words hanging heavily in the air between us. I could sense his hesitation, his struggle to find the right words. It was as if he was tiptoeing through a minefield of emotions, careful not to trigger an explosion that could shatter the newfound connection we had forged.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and steady. “No, not at all,” he assured me. “I just didn’t expect it and you didn’t act...” His sentence trailed off again, leaving the thought unfinished. He swallowed hard; the nervous energy was palpable. “It’s a good thing, and what we experienced was fucking incredible.”
His eyes searched mine, probing for a truth only half revealed. “What in the hell are you doing out here at night... alone?”
I nestled deeper into his embrace, the warmth of his body a comforting shield against the chill of the night. A playful smile tugged at my lips. “I discovered this spot last week while hiking. It seemed magical, and it truly is, and meeting you here tonight proves it. There’s nothing to fear in the night that isn’t there in the daylight.”
Interest flickered in his eyes, a spark of curiosity. “So, do you live around here?”
I shook my head, weaving another strand in my web of half-truths. “No, I’m here for two weeks on a post-college graduation trip with a friend,” I explained, allowing the moment of escape to envelop me.
“College? What did you study?” His interest was genuine, his tone eager.
A laugh escaped me, light and free. “Nothing thrilling, I promise. I have a degree in botany.”
Surprise raised his eyebrows, his gaze intensifying with admiration. “From the way you were dancing, I would have guessed something artistic. Botany must be real interesting.”
Laughter bubbled up from inside me at the memories conjured in my mind. I looked up into his eyes, a hint of nostalgia coloring my voice. “Years of childhood ballet, and yes, to me botany is fascinating,” I confessed. “But enough about me. What brings you out here and in the middle of the night?”
THIS THING WITH Hadleigh—it began as mutual lust, an electrifying attraction, a fantasy that I expected to fizzle into awkwardness afterward. But lying here with her, it wasn’t like that at all. The more she spoke, the more fascinated I became. She was unlike any woman I’d ever met; sprawled on this blanket under the stars, she captivated me completely.
“I’m around this area for a bit, love exploring at night, and this spot came recommended,” I shared, trying to keep the mood light. “But my buddy never mentioned I’d encounter a beautiful wood fairy dancing in the moonlight.”
A playful smile lit her face, her freckles dancing across her nose and cheeks. “My family can be overwhelming,” she confessed, “so I steal away to places like this, where I can just be me.”
I understood, but what she gave me tonight—her trust, her virginity—was a special gift. Curiosity got the better of me. “Why me, though?”
She paused, her expression pensive. “It’s hard to articulate. There was just this gut feeling that you were the right person... sounds bizarre, I know. You must think I’m odd.”
Her refined speech hinted at a privileged upbringing, but her demeanor was anything but snobby, like most rich people I’d encountered. “My mama used to say that the right person appears and takes you by surprise,” I murmured, pulling her a bit closer. “Doesn’t make you strange at all to feel that way.”
Suddenly, a buzzing from her bag sliced through the quiet, and Hadleigh scrambled to retrieve her phone. Checking it, she bit her lip. “I need to go—I didn’t realize how late it was.”
She began to dress hastily, and I followed suit, my thoughts whirling with the need to see her again. “Will you be here tomorrow night?” I asked, the urgency clear in my voice.
Her eyes sparkled as she tied her damp hair up. “Yeah, I’ll be here,” she promised, her smile infectious.
As we trekked back to the dirt road, her familiarity with the path was obvious, confirming she’d been there often. At the road, I eyed my bike and asked with genuine curiosity, “How did you get here? You couldn’t have walked—it’s miles from town.”
With a mischievous grin, she moved behind the tree where my bike was parked and wheeled out a Venom Ghost chopper. “It’s no Harley, but it gets me where I need to go,” she chuckled, securing her green helmet.
I laughed, astonished and fucking utterly charmed by her. “Tomorrow night, yeah?” I said, swinging onto my bike.
“Tomorrow night,” she confirmed, firing up her engine. With a last wave, she cruised down the narrow dirt road.
Left there with a goofy grin plastered on my face, I kicked my Harley to life and followed her, already anticipating what tomorrow night would bring.
EASING OFF THE throttle, I guided my motorcycle into the cavernous parking garage. The sound of the engine reverberated off the cold concrete walls, amplifying my racing heart. I hastily stashed my helmet in the compartment; my cousin Lizzie’s text still fresh in my mind. It was nearly three in the morning, and I had to return before the night guard at our vacation villa switched shifts. A family getaway, meant to celebrate mine and Lizzie’s graduation, but had unwittingly become a cover for another one of my secret escapes.
Adrenaline fueled my steps as I sprinted the two blocks back to our villa. As I neared its wrought-iron gate, I slowed to a stealthy creep. Darting through the narrow opening in the gate, I edged along the side of the house. My heart pounded a relentless rhythm in my ears as I peeked inside and exhaled in relief. Roberto, our night guard, was still lost to his snores. His secret was safe with me; his slumber had been my ticket to my nightly adventures.
With catlike caution, I tiptoed past Roberto and up the stairs, slipping into my room unnoticed. No sooner had I closed the door than the light snapped on abruptly. Lizzie stood there, arms crossed over her chest, her face covered with worry and disapproval.
“Hadleigh,” she chastised, “you promised you’d be back hours ago. What you’re doing is reckless.”
Lizzie and I were polar opposites in every way except age. She was all dark hair and piercing green eyes, a tall figure sculpted by discipline and grace. Meanwhile, I embodied our grandfather’s wild red hair and freckles and an untamed spirit who loved nature more than people.
“You won’t believe what happened tonight,” I enthused, flopping down next to her on the bed. The thrill of my recent encounter still electrified my senses. “I met someone...”
“Hadleigh...” Lizzie frowned, her tone laced with confusion and concern. “I thought you went to the waterfall?”
“I did,” I confirmed, a wicked smile playing on my lips. “And he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen... it felt like destiny.”
“Hadleigh, please don’t tell me you...”
My nonchalant shrug was deliberately ambiguous. Her sigh was heavy with resignation. “Hadleigh, don’t forget your obligations. You’re betrothed to Samuel Flavio.”
The mention of Samuel—a man as frigid as his power and amassed fortune—made me wince. “I know, but this guy, Kaven... there’s something about him that feels right, like we were meant to meet and I’m just tasting freedom before I’m chained to that unbearable man.”
“Just remember your limits,” Lizzie cautioned, her voice filled with worry.
As I retreated to the bathroom, thoughts of Kaven consumed me. The ghost of his touch still lingered on my skin, his scent tempting me to forgo the shower. This dangerous game I was playing thrilled and terrified me in equal measure—a high-stakes gamble where my heart was on the line, and I could suffer major consequences of my actions.
“WHERE YOU OFF to?” Bolt asked from his barstool as I navigated my way through the crowded clubhouse common room.
Smiling, I moved to his side, responding, “I’m heading back to the waterfall.”
Bolt sniffed the air, and a sly grin crept onto his face. “Showering and dousing yourself in cologne for a simple hike?”
I shot him a playful smirk. “You never know when you might encounter a wood nymph under a waterfall.”
Bolt’s grin broadened as he playfully punched my shoulder. “You met a chick in the fucking wilderness!”
“The best night of my life,” I admitted with sincerity.
Bolt chuckled. “Are there any places women don’t fall at your feet? You’re one lucky bastard.”
I shrugged nonchalantly. “Catch you later, Brother.” My anticipation of seeing Hadleigh again was making me impatient. Thoughts of her had consumed me since we parted, my mind and body craving her presence.
Mounting my bike, I set off towards the waterfall. Upon arrival, I found Hadleigh’s bike parked by a tree. Her early arrival sparked a tinge of uncertainty—could last night’s magic be recaptured? Would the same attraction be there, or would things be awkward? As I stepped into the clearing, that doubt evaporated.
There she was, already in the water. My gaze followed her as she played and a spark of pure lust ignited inside me, the same as last night. There was just something about this woman that did it for me in a fucking big way.
My pulse raced, just like my bike’s engine, as she moved closer to the cascade, the silver droplets falling onto her naked body. Her breasts were bathed in moonlight, their peaks hardened from the cold and enticingly visible. I felt the unspoken invitation stirring in the air.
Obeying a primal instinct, I stripped off my clothes, my heart pounding in anticipation. Unencumbered by leather and cloth, I could feel the cool forest breeze against my skin. The sight of her was stirring something deep inside me—an animalistic urge that was both scary and intoxicating as fuck.
As I approached her cautiously from behind, my hand moved to touch the smoothness of her back, which seemed to shimmer under the soft glow of the night’s full moon. A soft moan escaped her lips as I ran my fingers up her spine, sending shivers down mine.
Her body responded to mine instinctively, pressing back into me. The sensation of our bodies pressed together was electric. With every breath we took, I could feel our chests rising and falling in harmony—her excitement amplifying mine.
I cupped one breast, teasing a sensitive nipple between my thumb and forefinger while my other hand gently trailed its way down her abdomen. Her quiet gasp was all the encouragement I needed, my fingers dipping lower to explore her warmth, a finger slipping into the wetness of her pussy.
She turned slightly so she could face me; our eyes met in a gaze as intense as it was intimate. Slowly but surely, those lovely hips began to grind against mine—slow rhythmic circles that matched the rhythm of our beating hearts.
The waterfall roared nearby, but her heavy breathing drowned everything else out in my ear, the telltale signs of pleasure etched on her face. Our bodies moved together as one; savoring each wave of pleasure as it washed over us.
My cock slipped effortlessly into her, deeper and deeper, until every inch of me was enveloped in her warm pussy. Her muscles clenched around me, urging me towards an almost excruciating feeling of euphoria.
Each thrust sent ripples of pure pleasure through my cock, making it throb to the point of pain. The sounds of our pleasure grew louder and louder, drowning out the hum of the night and the roar of the waterfall. Finally, with a long-drawn-out cry, she surrendered, and I followed with a bellow, as we surrendered to the waves of our orgasms crashing over us.
Floating in the afterglow, entwined in the water, reality seemed to fade away outside this enchanted clearing. Feeling her shiver against me, I whispered into her damp hair, “Let’s get out of the water.”
Guiding her towards the shore, we found solace in the warmth of each other’s bodies; I took the side of the blanket and gently draped it around her, a simple act that brought a smile to her face.
Settled on the blanket under the moonlight, we basked in the shared silence. She traced invisible patterns on my bare chest with her fingertips while I played with her damp hair. We needed no words to fill the quiet intimacy between us.
After a bit, I propped myself on one elbow, looking down into her beautiful face. “Tell me something about you, Haddie,” I said, breaking the silence.
A soft laugh escaped her lips before she spoke. “Haddie?”
“Hadleigh is a mouthful,” I explained with a chuckle.
A soft smile crossed her face as she answered my question. “My favorite color is dark purple, much like the color of your eyes right now.”
I prompted for more. “What else? Something unexpected.”
She thought for a moment before replying, “I hate marshmallows. Always have.”
This made me laugh, a rich, warm sound that echoed through the trees. “You can’t be serious. I thought everyone loved them.”
She shook her head, her nose scrunching up adorably and was sexy as fuck for some reason. “Not me. Can’t stand them.”
“Now you tell me something about Kaven,” she prodded, running a finger down my chest that made my dick twitch to life. I had the feeling she was changing the subject, so I let her and figured I’d circle back.
We spent the rest of our time together talking and making love, connecting in a way that I knew my life was about the change deep in my soul, the way my papu used to warn me about.
THE INTOXICATING POWER I held over this man was a heady addiction, one I wasn’t sure I could ever abandon. Five nights we’d met, each encounter escalating in intensity and wild abandon. Now as our eyes locked, my lips and tongue teasing him with a slow torment, I questioned how I could ever exist without this connection, without him.
His fingers wove through my hair, pressing gently against my scalp as I welcomed him into my mouth. His voice, rough with desire, rang in my ears. “Haddie,” he rasped, “take me deeper.” And so I did. Even as tears welled in my eyes and breathlessness threatened to overcome me, I never broke our gaze.
The previous night had revealed Kaven’s deep-seated desire for eye contact during our most intimate moments. The sight of his dark eyes clouding over with burning lust made me feel like the most enticing woman alive. His hand maintained a steady hold on my head as his hips began to move rhythmically, turning the act into something more primal that left me aching for more.
“Get ready, Haddie,” he growled in warning. His grip on my hair tightened momentarily as he found his release, the sudden rush momentarily overwhelming me. As Kaven gradually released his hold, he carefully guided my head onto his thigh to recover. Looking up at him, I found his head thrown back in pleasure, his breaths coming out in ragged pants.
“Haddie,” he murmured softly. His eyes slowly fluttered open to meet mine once again. “You’re gonna kill me.”
His words sent shivers of pleasure rippling through my entire body. I pushed away from his thigh, rising to my knees and reaching up, tracing a gentle finger along the line of his jaw. Our eyes locked once more; twin orbs of need reflecting off one another. “I only want to breathe life into you, Kaven,” I breathed back a reply, my throat raw yet determined.
He reached up then, his hand wrapping gently around my wrist, pulling it down to press a simple kiss into the palm of my hand. “Then you’re succeeding,” he murmured against my skin, his hot breath tingling across the flesh. His lips turned upwards in an impish grin. “A strange method of resuscitation, but real fucking effective.”
“Kaven, I’m leaving in two days,” I declared, my voice dropping to a grave tone. “I’ll miss you, miss this place so much.”
“Do you really have to go? You’re an adult, you can make your own decisions,” he urged, his piercing gaze digging into mine. “We don’t have to end this.”
But he couldn’t possibly understand the complications of my life. I had kept my family and past hidden from him during our time together. “It’s not that simple,” I murmured, resting my head on his chest.
“Well then, maybe I’ll have to make you stay,” he declared, a spark of determination igniting in his gaze as he pressed me beneath him, his eyes fixated on me. “I’ll breathe fire for what we have into your veins until you can’t even think about leaving.” My response could only manifest as a sigh, surrendering to his passionate kisses trailing down my body. And with each hot kiss and sensual touch, I felt myself falling deeper into Kaven’s spell.
At that moment, I knew that walking away from him would be impossible. I was falling deeply in love with him, willing to risk everything for a chance of happiness. Tomorrow night, I would reveal the truth about my family and pray that he would stand by me and find a way for us to be together.
MY HEART HAMMERED against my ribs as I slipped into the shadow-draped house. The silence instead of snoring an unsettling observation of Roberto’s absence from his usual post. Anxiety clawed at my insides, yet a flicker of hope urged me forward. With cautious steps, I nudged the bedroom door open and slipped through the crack—only for the harsh glare of the overhead light to snatch away the darkness.
Mother stood in the center of the room, her arms folded like steel traps, her expression a turbulent storm of anger and disapproval. I froze, caught.
“Whatever you’ve been up to ends tonight,” she declared, her voice slicing through the tension.
“I’m enjoying life, Mother—like any normal person would!” I retorted, my voice crackling with weariness. The chains of a predetermined fate were suffocating.
Mother’s eyes narrowed, her finger jabbing the air toward me. “We’ve indulged your whims, Hadleigh. Allowed you your little escapade of becoming a botanist, roaming the woods like a common vagrant. But it ends now. You have duties that cannot be ignored.”
“Why must I always be the one to sacrifice everything? Why not Lizzie? She’s better suited for this life.” Desperation crept into my voice. “I don’t want to marry Samuel Flavio.”
A sigh escaped her, then a look of sudden realization dawned on her face. “You’ve fallen in love with someone, you foolish girl.”
“Can’t I talk to Grandfather? Maybe he’ll understand how I feel,” I pleaded, my voice tinged with desperate hope.
Mother’s laughter was bitter and hollow. “Do you want your lover to die?”
“Die?” The word echoed in my mind, a chilling tremor.
“Listen to me,” she said, her tone solemn, her eyes piercing mine. “If your grandfather learns of this man, he will have him killed to preserve your engagement. His honor, his word, they are his bond—he will not risk them for your heart’s whims.”
The reality that she was right crashed over me like a wave. The men in our family, bound by blood and old codes, didn’t play games. Kaven, the man who had quickly become my heart, was in danger because of me. When Mother commanded, “Pack your bags, we’re going home,” I knew it was an order I couldn’t refuse, the grim reality of my life taking hold of me.
With a heavy heart, I began to pack, each item feeling like a stone in the burial of my dreams.
ALL DAY, MY thoughts circled around Haddie like ants to sugar, each loop tighter, more urgent.
Did I love her?
My heart roared an undeniable yes, despite only knowing her for a short time. My brother Fenix had been right when he advised me that my feelings for Aislynn were a misguided attempt to atone for my sister Kezia’s death, as if by saving Aislynn, I could rewrite the past. Did I care for Aislynn? Yes, but with Haddie it was different. With her, it was primal, fucking wild—an untamed connection that seared through my soul.
My Mama’s words replayed in my mind, speaking of a spirit mate, that there is one person destined to intertwine with your essence, completing the puzzle of your existence. That was my Haddie, I knew it as sure as I was breathing.
Tonight, I resolved to peel back the layers of mystery she kept hidden about her life, ready to plead with her to stay or, if it came to it, to follow her wherever she might go, until I convince her to stay with me. But I just couldn’t leave her and what we started together.
I leaned my bike against the familiar tree near our meeting spot, noticing her spot hauntingly empty. Haddie was always here before me, her seductive challenges a thrilling prelude to our encounters. Tonight, I expected no less, eager to discover what she had planned.
However, as I settled by the waterfall, the only sounds were the murmurs of water and the rustle of leaves, a music of nature that filled the growing silence. Minutes stretched into hours, and the moon climbed higher. But Haddie didn’t appear. I waited, hope mingling with dread, tonight and then again the next night.
But Haddie had vanished, like a ghost whisked away by the wind, leaving no trace, not even a whisper of goodbye.