Never Stop

25. Via

Chapter twenty-five

Via

A fter being wrapped up in him again after all that time apart, the past two weeks with Ander away for work have been hard. Thankfully, he's called every night. We've even had a few scarce Facetime calls when he has enough cell reception. Although it's never for long periods, I'll take what I can get.

I guess his being away at work for two weeks at a time is actually a good thing. It gives us pauses in between, which we probably need more than we'd like to admit because we are taking off quicker than expected. Not that I mind; nothing I've ever done in my life has ever felt so right. I've also had the time and space to process and work through the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. I know now that I'm genuinely invested in giving this an honest shot with him rather than just being swept away in my feelings. I'm invested in this. In us. In him .

If I'm being truthful, that scares the shit out of me.

Guilt pings at me, and a knot forms in my throat as I think about all the truths about our past that Ander still isn't privy to. There are real risks in moving forward with this, but I can't live like this anymore. I can't live in fear. I can't live caged in this box that Liam has stuffed me into, doing precisely what I'm told, like the little puppet he controls by the strings. I can't live without him, not anymore . That was never living; I was merely surviving, if you can even call it that.

One night with Ander, I was snapped out of my haze and woken up to that fact. I don't want to go back. I don't want to be numb again. I want to continue to feel.

Shaking my head as I tried to shake the thoughts away, I continued in the mirror, applying my light makeup. Staring hard at myself, I take the time to notice the woman staring back at me and appreciate the changes this past month has brought—good changes. I like them, actually.

It's been a long time since I could look in the mirror and like what I saw. I do today.

Ander will pick me up in an hour, and we will head to Mississippi to see his family. I'm so excited to see them all again, but the nerves are setting in. Today is Tuesday, and Thanksgiving is in two days. We are staying there until Friday. Maverick, Izzy, and Dessa are coming too. They'll meet us there tomorrow, and they'll be staying in one of the guest homes on the property, and Ander and I will be staying in another.

I'm not sure what's going on with Izzy, but she was super weird when we invited them to come. Dessa and Maverick were all in instantly, and Izzy was much more reluctant. I've tried talking to her about it several times, but she shuts down each time.

The Cole Ranch is a beautiful place and truly a hidden escape into nature. I haven't been there since I was younger, but I remember it vividly—the hills we don't have here. The creeks are perfect for paddle boats during the colder months and swimming and tubing during the warmer months. The beautiful pathways are lined by trees that look like something out of a magazine, and my favorite part is all of the animals. Cole Ranch is a deer sanctuary. It houses red stag deer, does, and fawns. The ranch also has pigs, horses, chickens, and donkeys.

The deer are my favorite. They are so used to people that they'll come right up to you, eat out of your hand, or follow you on your walk. There's something magical about coexisting and being close to a wild animal like that.

Just a few minutes after I'm done getting dressed and packed, I hear Anders' truck pull into the driveway, and I run to the door to meet him. He wraps his arms around me, taking me in for a hug, and I love how I can get lost in his embrace. He pulls back to kiss me, and I relish in it—in him.

"Hey Rosie, you ready, baby?" He asks, nudging his chin toward his truck parked in the driveway. I lean onto my tip toes and kiss his cheek as I tuck my hair behind my ears.

"Yeah, now I am," I can feel the blush taking over my cheeks as he quirks a grin and heads in to grab my bags. We load up his truck and take off. We are silent for a beat, but my nerves are kicking in, and I find myself rambling random shit. I'm not sure why, but this is what I do, what I've always done. Half of the time, the things that come out of my mouth when I'm anxious are foolish and make little sense.

"Human teeth are the only part of the body that cannot heal themselves." I blurt out matter-of-factly—Ander peers my way, arching an eyebrow. Unfortunately, my mouth won't stop moving.

"Oh-Oh, did you know that a newborn kangaroo is the size of a lima bean?! Yes, a little tiny lima bean, Ander!"

"Anddd The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows! Poor woman."

Ander chuckles, "No, I can't say I knew either of those things."

"I missed the deer."

Ander chuckles again.

"I hope I can feed them."

Ander nods.

"You've got to be shitting me," I hear The Ramones Blitzkrieg Bop come on over the radio, and I crank it up, singing along to every word. Jamming like my life depends on it. Ander looks me over now and then with a smug ass grin on his face; that sexy smug ass grin. I can tell he's trying not to laugh, and he's holding his composure together by a thread, so I start poking at his side, edging him to sing along, and finally, he does.

It feels like old times when life was much simpler. We used to jam to old music, dance together, and flail like fools, and the world felt lighter.

After the song ends, I'm still giggling, and I'm not sure why, but my rambling starts back up.

Fuck me and my stupid brain.

"I wonder if I should cook breakfast?" I turn to him, "You know I'm not the best cook. I hope they don't want me to cook real food. If they do, they'll be disappointed. Although, I do make some bomb-ass blueberry muffins. Fuck eggs, though. I hate making eggs. I always screw them up."

"Breakfast?" Ander lets out a small laugh, arching an eyebrow my way.

"Yeah, you know, the meal before lunch," I reply sarcastically.

"V, what's going on?"

"They remember who I am, right?" I blurt out immediately.

Ander scoffs. His brows narrow, his nose scrunches, and he flashes a pathetic grin my way as if he's saying "duh" with his face without actually having to say it.

"Do they… You know. Hate me?" My face is soft, begging for reassurance.

"They could never hate you, Rosie. They've all missed you." He squeezes my hand, and the softness on his face gives me the reassurance I need.

With that, I finally shut the fuck up and relax. Hand in hand with Ander as we drive for me to re-meet his family.

The drive to the ranch isn't as long as I remember it being when we were kids. As we pull down the gravel road leading up to the expansive property and drive through the oak trees that perfectly line the gravel drive, the huge main ranch home comes into view. I gulp. It's just as big, beautiful, and breathtaking as I remember. It's a log-style cabin, but it's enormous. It's like something you'd see in a Southern Living magazine.

As we inch closer and quickly, a knot forms in my stomach. Ander says they've missed me, but what if. . .

Before I have time to finish that worry, Mrs. Kristen, Anders' mom, is running out of the front door and down the porch steps. She's waving anxiously as she softly jumps up and down on the balls of her feet.

As soon as the truck comes to a stop, she swings the door of the truck open before I get a chance to. I quickly unbuckle and hop down to her. She puts her hand on my shoulders, keeping me at arm's length as she looks me over with watery eyes.

"Oh, Via!" she exclaims, tears welling up in her eyes. She pulls me into a tight hug. She smells like patchouli, instantly reminding me of my mom, and only brings tears to my eyes.

She grips her hands on my shoulders, looking me over again as the tears now stream freely down her cheeks.

"Look at you! How did you manage to get even more gorgeous?"

I smile and let out a small laugh, "Hey, Mrs. Kristen. It's so good to see you!" These people had become my family over the years, and I've genuinely missed them all.

Ander walks up with a proud smile plastered across his face as he drapes an arm over my shoulder, pulling me into him slightly. I look at his gaze and flash a soft smile that says, " Okay, you were right. This won't be so bad ."

Just as I look away from him, I hear my name coming off the porch, "Via," the woman's voice calls in a sing-song tone. I fix my eyes on the porch steps to see a beautiful teenage girl running my way. Her long, wavy, ashy blonde hair flies in every direction as her tall frame approaches me, jumping into my arms.

"Oh my god, Abbie!" I exclaim. I'm utterly shocked at how much she's grown. I know it's been quite a few years, but for some reason, in my mind, she was still that young girl. She is around the same age that Natty would be. Seeing her all grown up is an instant reminder that Natty isn't here anymore. I quickly tug those tears back in and push those emotions down. I'm entirely too happy to see her to let anything ruin this.

Abbie was like another sister to me; I'd always cared for her. She's stunning.

Still clinging to me, Abbie starts, "You have no idea how good it is to see you! My brother has been a miserable prick the past few years, hopefully now—" She laughs as Ander shoves her, and Mrs. Kristen cuts her off with a stern look, embarrassment covering her cheeks for her son.

"Abigail!"

"What," Abbie laughs, "It's only screwed up if it's a lie, and we all know it's not. He's been such a jerk for all of these years." She laughs as she shoves Ander back. Then, without missing a beat, like no time has passed, she links her arm in mine like she used to when we were younger, and she drags me toward the front door of the house and starts catching me up on her life. She hasn't changed much; she's still the bubbly, smart-ass little firecracker I remember. I love her for it. So much that I can't stop my smile as I watch her talk, fascinated, letting it sink in that I'm here with them right now.

We make it three steps into the house when I hear a distinct, familiar, raspy voice call out. "Hey there, beautiful, you've been missed!" Jettson . Oh, Jett, he's always been like the big brother I never had, along with Izzy's brother Kasten. He plows his way over to me, picking me up and swinging me in a circle, then sets me back upright on my feet, patting my head like a dog. "Girl, it sure is good to see you. You look great!"

"It's good to see you too! How's life treating you?"

"Oh, it's good. I'm still here; my house is on the back of the property. I've been helping dad with the ranch now that he's retired. . . Since dipshit here abandoned us for the beach life, someone had to pick us up his slack." He swats at Ander's arm playfully, but Ander shoots him a warning look as if he is saying to tread carefully.

One thing I've always loved about their family, like Izzy's, is that they speak my love language—a language my own family was never able to understand. They can pick, tease, roast, and annoy each other, all in good fun. Things with them always seem light. My family was always very intense. Granted, I miss them tremendously. I can't help but wish my memories of them were different ones, better ones. I know that a lot of it had to do with Liam and the eggshells we were all made to walk on, but it doesn't make me less resentful.

Ander mentioned his dad's retirement, which he took early due to health concerns. I can't help but look around and wonder where he is. Ander didn't make it sound too serious. Before I finish the thought, I see him round the corner of the kitchen wall, and his face lights up. He smiles from ear to ear when his eyes land on mine.

"Hey, Mr. Cade!" I call out, offering a wave his way. I'm not sure if I should go in for a hug. He was never much of a hugger, but before I knew it, he was in front of me, and he leaned down, giving me a quick squeeze and a firm pat on the back before releasing me.

"Olivia Foley! Boy, I haven't been able to say that name in a while!" He flashes a soft, welcoming smile my way, and I return it.

Everyone stands around the kitchen island and begins small talk, reminiscing. I try to keep up, but I can't help but get lost in my thoughts. I miss the feeling of family, although I never had this feeling with my family. I think I grieve what I never had more than I do what I had. I feel so guilty for that, but I know now that I can't change it, and I'm learning to accept it.

As if he can sense I'm drifting off in thought, Ander steps closer to my side, his arm wrapped around my waist protectively. I look up to meet his eyes, and he gives me a look that says, "I'm here if you need me."

I appreciate him for that. I knew coming here would be challenging, but not for the reasons I thought.

I was worried that coming here would be cold; they'd reject me after I pushed them away and ignored them for so long. I thought they would barely remember me. I thought they'd hold some form of resentment towards me.

I thought so wrong.

They're as I remember them, and they're so welcoming. It's hard because I'm seeing exactly what I never had. After losing a loved one, you fall into this false reality; it's as if your brain tries to protect you from more pain, and you try to forget the flaws, the negatives, and the hardships. You focus on the good so hard that you even make up happy moments and memories to help yourself cope.

I don't know if it's like that for everyone, but that's how it is for me. Being here will be hard, and it's a hard I'm willing to go through.

The conversations are dwindling, and Mrs. Kristen says, "I hope you guys are hungry!"

I'm unsure what she's cooked, but the delicious aroma hit my senses before I stepped out of the truck.

"Starving," I say with a smile.

"Ander," I rasp out breathlessly. "We can't do anything here, it would be—"

"Oh baby, you're so mistaken." He says as he holds on tight to my waist and thrusts up into me, pinning me against the wall. "We are going to do everything here, and you and that pussy are going to enjoy every minute of it." I can feel his growing erection pressing against my core through the clothing that's separating us. He leans in closer, kissing up and down my neck and nipping at my skin every so often.

We spent the night with his family and are now tucked away in our private cabin. Once we entered the cabin, he wasted no time. He instantly backed me against the wall and kissed me so hard that he had my pussy clinching and begging for him.

There's one thing I've learned quickly: Ander likes to have control during sex, and I love it. I never mind submitting to him because he always makes it worth it. He worships me and my body and always leaves me completely satisfied, yet always wanting more, but I've also never tried to turn the tables on him.

I can't help but be curious how he'd react to me taking the lead.

I giggle at the thought, causing him to back away slightly. He towers over me, looking down at me with those gorgeous 'fuck me' eyes of his.

I am so far gone for this man .

"Is something funny, baby?" He asks, with a smug expression and that devilish smirk that rowls me up every single time. "Care to share with the class?" He tightens his grasp on my hips and thrusts into me hard.

"Oh, Ander," I moan out, panting as my head falls back, needy for more.

He chuckles darkly, releasing one of his hands from my hip and coursing it down to my center, rubbing me firmly over my jeans. The feel of the fabric brushing against my needy clit has it throbbing, begging for more of the friction. "Save your breath, baby. Soon, you will be screaming my name, not just moaning it. I bet that tight little pussy is soaked for me already, isn't it?"

Deciding to seize the moment and take over, I lock in on his eyes and slowly push at his chest. He looks at me with confusion etched all over his face but doesn't speak.

Holding his gaze, I slowly run my hands down my body provocatively. Taking my time, I make sure to trace over every curve that I know drives him fucking wild. Ander bites down on his lip and hums in appreciation.

There was once a time when I felt self-conscious about my body. For so long, I've used clothing as a shield and hid behind it as if it were my armor to protect me from the world. Not with him. Never with him. My body is far from perfect; It's curvier than I'd like. My tummy is softer than most women. I'm not always proud of it, but Ander worships every inch of me like it's the most incredible thing he's ever seen.

When my hands make their way down to my jeans, I make a show out of unbuttoning them, then slowly pulling them down to the floor before I kick them away.

Running my fingers across the top hem around the front of my thong, teasing him, I finally speak up.

"If you're so curious about how wet I am for you, get down on your knees and find out."

"Mmm," Ander groans as he bites down on his lip. His eyes go dark, and I can see the need for more pouring out of him.

"Now," I say firmly, but I can't help the slight smirk that plays across the corners of my mouth.

"Oh, yes, ma'am." There's no sense of play in his tone. He's all business; if I know him as well as I think I do, he's about to go feral.

I'm so fucking ready.

Bring it on, baby.

Not wasting a second, he bends to his knees and looks up at me with such heat in his eyes for me. My core clenches at the sight of him waiting hungrily for more.

Impatiently, Ander runs his hands up and down my legs, taking in every inch of me as he peppers kisses along my inner thighs. He is slowly working his way up toward my center.

"Is this what you want? You want to take control? You want my mouth on that greedy cunt?"

"Oh, fuck!" I moan out on an exhale as my head falls back.

Fuck control at this point. The man turns me into putty in his hands, and I want him to ravage me in all the best ways.

"Words! Use your damn words!" His voice is deep and husky, and that sexy roughness to it is on full display as he follows it with a firm smack to my ass that has me nearly coming apart already.

"Ander. . ." I say on a pant, needing and wanting so much more. "Touch me!"

He backs away with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. One hand is trailing circles on my ass. The feel of his rough hands against my bare ass feels so good. His other hand makes its way to my clit, rubbing it firmly over my panties before pulling them down and tossing them aside.

"Ahhh," I moan out, unable to contain it.

"You forgot something, baby. I run this fucking show."

Before I can process his words, he's up on his feet, snatching me by the waist and turning me to the ground until I'm safely placed on all fours in front of him.

"Oh my god!" I cry out breathlessly.

Ander chuckles darkly behind me. I can feel him closing in on me, and my body quivers with anticipation to feel his giant, strong cock inside me.

Impatiently, I brave a look over my shoulder to see him now completely naked behind me, stroking his lengthy erection as he looks over my body. My center clinches hard at the sight of him appreciating what he sees.

He smirks at me seductively, and I can feel the warmth pooling between my legs. I am so ready for him.

"Mmmm, so fucking perfect." His voice is raspier than usual, coming out as barely a whisper. He traces his cock along my wet center, moving it back and forth along my slit.

"Fuck me!" I demand breathlessly.

Ander responds with another firm smack to my ass that has me yelping.

"Ahhh"

"Ask nicely."

He aligns his tip with my entrance and moves it around in circular motions, taking extreme care not to enter me.

The asshole is teasing me .

"Please fuck me. Please. I want you. I need to— Mmm, feel you."

Without another word spoken between us, Ander grabs onto my hips and, with one fluid motion, sinks himself to the hilt. Leaving me screaming out below him. His cock is the largest I've ever taken, and he's a lot to take in. The feel of him filling me so wholly has my body humming with need.

Once he can sense I've adjusted to his welcomed intrusion, he begins to pump in and out. I love taking him from behind; that perfect cock lines up just right with my G-spot, and it feels otherwordly.

"Mmm, that tight little cunt feels so good wrapped around me."

"Yessss," I scream out with a moan.

Ander releases his hold on my hips and grabs for my wrists, pulling me back into him as he continues to slam into me, sinking himself to the hilt on each quick-paced thrust.

"Tell me you're mine. Tell me this beautiful body is mine to ravage." He commands.

"Oh god. Yours! Only yours! Always yours!" I'm screaming, unable to contain myself as I'm on the crest of my orgasm.

"Mmm," He groans. "Feeling this greedy little pussy squeeze my cock feels so fucking good, baby. You feel so fucking good."

He lets go of my wrists, and I lean back onto my forearms, backing up into him with each thrust and meeting him movement for movement.

"Yes, milk that cock. Clench hard, baby; let me feel how bad you want to cum."

Damn, the words that come out of that filthy mouth just do something to me.

I follow his directions because it feels too damn good not to. I stop backing up into him, letting him do all the work, and I focus on clinching down, enjoying the sensation of each thrust.

"Such a good fucking girl." He growls out breathlessly, each word sounding strained.

As his orgasm builds, each thrust becomes erratic, and he's fucking me like there's no tomorrow. This isn't soft and loving; this is all about need, and fuck, I'm here for it.

"Ahh- Ander! I'm so close!"

One of his hands releases its grasp from my hip and snakes around my front to rub my clit with force. He's skilled as fuck and continues to pump inside of me ferociously, and it's every bit delicious.

The hand he had on my hip wrapped around my chest, and he pulled me into him as he continued to pound me into oblivion.

"Oh-Ohhh. Holy shit." I cry out as I feel the heat of his breath on my neck right before I feel his teeth sink into my flesh.

Ander nibbles at my ear, filling all my senses with him. He's everywhere, and it's perfection.

"Ander— I'm about to, ohhhh."

"Come!" He demands breathlessly as he growls into my ear. "I feel that pussy pulsing. Let go and come with me, baby. Now!"

"Mmmm," Simultaneously, I moan, scream, and claw down on his arm that's currently palming my breast as my orgasm surges through me, leaving my body trembling with pleasure in its wake.

"Fuckkkk." His movements become slower and more robust. I can feel his cock pulsing with his orgasm as he comes apart with me.

Our bodies are both spent and shaking with pleasure; we fall to the floor together, tangled in one another. Ander atop my back, still inside of me. He pulls me into him as we turn to our sides; somehow, his excessively long cock stays inside of me.

In complete contrast to the hot and heavy pounding he just delivered, he tenderly runs his hands along the curves of my waist down to my hips as he plants soft kisses along my shoulders.

In all the years I've gone without him, I've never forgotten how remarkable he makes me feel. It's a feeling only he's capable of providing. It comes from the depths of his heart, and his love for me pours out of him tenfold.

His warm breath dances across my neck right before he places a kiss below my ear.

"I love you so damn much, woman. You are everything to me."

I feel his erection already growing as he remains seated inside of me. This man is ravenous; unlike me, he requires no downtime in between.

"I love you too. I can quite literally feel your love for me, baby. It's currently growing as we speak." I can't help but giggle, and he chuckles darkly behind me.

"You're damn right it is!" He flips me onto my back and hovers over me, locking my gaze.

"That was amazing. Now, I want to show you how truly loved you are." His words linger in the air as he trails kisses between both of my breasts, then slowly down my stomach.

Once he makes his way down to my center, my heart is already picking up its place in my chest. Ander places one hand on my lower belly and blows out a sharp breath, fanning over my clit, and the sensation sends goose bumps erupting across my entire body.

"Mmm," he groans in appreciation as he looks me over with a smug, seductive grin. Once our eyes lock, I melt even more for him.

"Hold on, baby. You're about to really feel my love for you. I'm going to worship and praise this body all night long."

Next thing I know, he's buried his face in me. His tongue begins its magic and moves over my clit, licking and flicking in perfect rhythm to the pulsing beat of my throbbing bud. He drags his teeth along my clit, nibbling softly. Just enough to pull a scream out of me. Before I know it, he's soothing it over as he sucks it into his mouth expertly.

He wasn't lying; he truly does make my body feel worshipped. Most importantly, he makes me feel wanted. It feels so damn good.

We are a sweaty mess of moans, grunts, panting, need, and love.

So much love.