Chapter 5
GIA
T he howling wind jolts me awake, its eerie wail setting my nerves on edge. Something's wrong. My eyes dart around the dimly lit room, searching for Bella's familiar shape.
Empty.
Panic claws at my chest.
"Bella?" I call out, my voice shaky. "Bella, where are you, girl?"
I scramble out of bed, nearly tripping over the sheets, my heart racing as I peek under the bed. No sign of Bella.
"Come on, sweetie. This isn't funny," I call out, searching the closet filled with paint-stained clothes. Then I saw the door slightly ajar. Panic wells up inside me.
"Gia? What's going on?" Lucian's sleepy voice cuts through my thoughts. I turned to him, taking in his disheveled, yet handsome appearance.
"It's Bella," I gasped. "She's missing!"
His eyes widen, and he's instantly alert. “We’ll find her,” he assures me. "When did you last see her?"
"I think before bed. What if she got out?" I point to the door.
Lucian steadies me with his hands on my shoulders. "Deep breaths. We'll search everywhere. She can't have gone far."
"Okay. Where should we start?"
"Let's split up," he suggests. "I'll check downstairs; you search up here."
As he turns to go, I catch his arm. "Lucian?" Our eyes locked, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just us. "Thank you."
He gives me a soft smile that makes my heart flutter. "Always."
With renewed determination, I turn back to my search. Hold on, Bella. We're coming for you.
I tear through the common areas like a whirlwind, my heart pounding in my ears. "Bella!" I call out, dropping to my knees to peer under furniture and dark corners. “Come here, girl!”
The silence is deafening, broken only by Lucian’s voice downstairs, mingling with the storm outside. I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror—wild-eyed and disheveled. I barely recognize the panicked woman staring back at me.
"Where are you, sweetie?" I whispered, fighting tears for Bella out in the storm. Suddenly, Cooper's familiar bark cuts through the fear. I raced downstairs and nearly collided with Lucian.
"Any luck?" he asks, steadying me with a hand on my waist. I shake my head. "Nothing. But I heard Cooper?—"
Cooper's frantic barking leads us to the kitchen, where he paws at the pantry door. Lucian kneels beside him. "What is it? You smell Bella?"
With a sinking heart, I watch Lucian open the door, it's empty. "Oh God, Lucian, what if she's outside?"
Cooper whimpers, pressing against me. Lucian’s brow furrows. "Let’s not jump to conclusions. We’ll find her, Gia, I promise."
I want to believe him, but dread tightens in my chest. "We need to check outside. Bella could be scared and alone."
His eyes widen, concerned etching his features. "It's dangerous out there, Gia. The wind's howling like a freight train."
"I know, but..." I bit my lip, picturing my sweet Bella shivering in the cold. "I can't leave her out there. I just can't."
Lucian studies me for a moment, then nods. "Alright. Let's gear up."
We race to bundle up, pulling on layers of warm clothes. I wrap my vibrant scarf around my neck, tugging a knit hat over my unruly waves. Lucian looks impossibly handsome, even in his practical winter gear. Focus, Gia .
"Ready?" he asks, handing me a flashlight.
"As I'll ever be."
We step out into a world of swirling white. The wind hits like a physical force, nearly knocking me off my feet. Lucian's hand steadies me, warm even through our gloves.
"Bella!" I call, my voice lost in the storm. We trudge through knee-deep snow, our breath clouding in the frigid air. My legs ache, but I press on, sweeping my flashlight across the landscape.
"Be careful," Lucian warns, his voice barely audible over the wind.
"Where are you, Bella?" I call again, desperation creeping in. The storm rages on, indifferent to our search.
My heart sinks as we continue with no sign of her. The howling wind feels mocking, and I can't shake the feeling I've failed her. "Bella, please!"
Lucian senses my distress and takes my hand, grounding me. "Gia, you're an amazing dog owner. Bella is lucky to have you."
I blink back tears. "But what if?—"
"No 'what ifs,'" he interrupts, squeezing my hand. "We'll find her. You're doing everything right."
His words wrap around me like a warm blanket, and I manage a wobbly smile. "Thanks, Lucian. I just... I can't lose her."
"We won't," he assures me, his eyes intense even in the dim light. "Bella's smart, like her owner. She'll be okay."
Suddenly, Cooper's excited bark cuts through the storm. He's sniffing frantically at the ground, tail wagging despite the cold.
"Cooper?" I ask, hope surging. "What is it, boy?"
He barks again, more urgently this time, and starts pulling on his leash.
Lucian's eyes widen. "I think he's got something. Come on!"
We follow Cooper's lead, our steps quickening. Could it be? Has he picked up Bella's scent? My heart races, a mix of fear and hope as we push through the blizzard, trusting in Cooper's instincts to guide us home.
The wind howls, but Cooper’s determined barks cut through the storm like a beacon of hope. My heart pounds so hard I can barely think straight. Then, through the swirling snow, I spotted a small, dilapidated shed, barely visible beneath its thick blanket of white.
"Look!" I gasp, pointing. "Lucian, over there!"
Cooper lunged forward, scratching frantically at the shed's weathered door. My breath catches in my throat. Could it be?
Lucian's already there, his strong hands gripping the icy handle. "Stand back," he warns, then throws his shoulder against the stubborn wood.
The door creaks open with a groan, and I peer inside, squinting through the darkness. "Bella?" I whisper, afraid to hope.
A soft whimper answers me, and suddenly, there is my sweet girl, huddled in the corner, shivering but alive.
"Oh, Bella!" I cry, scooping her into my arms. She's so cold, but her tail wags weakly against me. Tears of relief streamed down my face, mixing with melting snowflakes. "You're okay, baby. You're okay."
I feel Lucian's arms encircle us both, his warmth enveloping us like a protective shield. "You found her, Gia," he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. "I knew you would."
I look up at him, overwhelmed by the tenderness in his eyes. At this moment, with Bella safe in my arms and Lucian holding us close, I feel a connection so powerful it takes my breath away.
"We found her," I correct him softly. "I couldn't have done this without you."
As the wind howls around us, I feel Bella's warmth against my chest. Lucian's hand on my back steadies me.
"You know," I say, my voice muffled, "I think Bella might be an escape artist."
Lucian chuckles. "Maybe we should get her a Houdini costume for Halloween."
Reaching the bed and breakfast, warm air rushes in, making me dizzy with relief. I set Bella down, and she immediately started playing with Cooper, filling the room with joy.
"They're ridiculous," I say, shaking my head fondly.
Lucian steps closer, his eyes sparkling. "I think I might be a little crazy about you, Gia."
My heart races. "Oh yeah? Prove it."
His lips meet mine, and the world narrows to just this moment. I tangle my fingers in his hair as the kiss deepens, making me feel like I'm falling and flying all at once.
We break apart, both breathless and I grin up at him, feeling playful and alive. "You know, for a guy who claims to be all logic and spreadsheets, you're pretty good at sweeping a girl off her feet," I whisper, looking up into his deep brown eyes. "You. Us. It's like... finding a masterpiece hidden in an attic."
Lucian's lips curve into a soft smile. "An engineering metaphor might be more my style, but I think I prefer your artistic one," he murmurs, pulling me closer. "You've completely rewired my world, Gia."
I can't help but giggle. "There's the nerdy guy I'm falling for."
"I mean it, though. I've always been so focused on logic, on plans. But you... you make me want to embrace the unknown."
My breath catches. "Lucian, I?—"
"Shh," he says gently, pressing a finger to my lips. "Let me finish. I promise to always be there for you, Gia. Through blizzards and sunny days, through artistic breakthroughs and creative blocks. You and me, okay?"
Tears prick my eyes. "And Bella and Cooper," I add with a watery laugh.
"Of course," Lucian chuckles. "Our little mismatched family."
As if on cue, Bella and Cooper pad over to the bed, their tails wagging. They hop up, curling at our feet. The storm still howls outside, but here, at this moment, I've never felt safer or more loved.
"I promise too," I whisper, snuggling closer to Lucian. "Always."
As sleep begins to claim us, I think about how sometimes, home isn't a place. It's a feeling, a person, a connection. And right here, right now, I'm finally home.
"Gia," he whispers as the sun is still rising. "I need you." I feel his hardness press against my thigh and a surge of heat pools between my legs.
I grind against him, eliciting a low groan from his lips.
"Fuck, Gia," he curses, his grip tightening on my ass.
I smirk, loving the power I hold over him. "What do you need, Lucian?" I tease.
He growls, flipping me onto my back. His hands roam my body, squeezing my breasts, pinching my nipples until they're hard peaks. "I need to be inside you, Gia," he grunts, his mouth descending onto mine, his tongue invading, claiming.
I moan into his mouth, my hips bucking against him. I can feel his cock, thick and heavy, pressed against my stomach. I reach between us, grasping him through his boxers. He's hot and hard, pulsing in my hand. I stroke him, feeling his length, his thickness. He breaks away from our kiss, his breath ragged. "Gia," he gasps, his head dropping to my shoulder. "Your touch..."
I grin wickedly, pushing him onto his back. I straddle him, grinding my pussy against his cock. His hips lift off the bed, meeting my thrusts. I can feel his cock straining against his boxers, desperate to be free. I grind harder, faster, my clit rubbing against him, sending jolts of pleasure through me.
"Goddamn it, Gia," he growls, his hands moving to my tits, squeezing them roughly. "Let me fuck you."
I lean back, giving him better access. He takes advantage, his fingers finding my nipples, pinching and rolling them until I'm writhing on top of him. I can feel my arousal coating his boxers, making them damp. I grind down harder, chasing the friction, the pleasure.
"Look at you," he rasps, his gaze locked between my legs. "So wet for me."
I blush, but the embarrassment is quickly replaced by a surge of confidence. I love that I turn him on this much. I reach behind me, grabbing his cock through his boxers again. I squeeze, making him hiss. I spring his cock free, slapping it against his stomach, leaving a glistening trail of pre-cum. I lick my lips, eager to taste him. But first, I want to drive him wild.
I lean down, my breath hot on his ear. "You want me to ride your cock, Lucian? To take every inch of you inside my tight little pussy?"
"Yes, Gia. Yes."
I sit up, positioning myself over him. I rub the head of his cock against my slit, coating it with my arousal.
He watches me, his eyes dark with lust, his jaw clenched. "Fuck, Gia," he hisses as I lower myself onto him, taking just the tip inside. I swirl my hips, teasing him, making him groan. "Stop playing games, Gia. Take it all."
"Or what, Lucian?" I challenge, bouncing gently, taking another inch. "What will you do?"
He growls, his hands flying to my hips. In one swift motion, he lifts me and slams me down, impaling me on his cock. I cry out, my nails digging into his chest. "Fuck!" I scream, my pussy stretching to accommodate his size.
He doesn't give me time to adjust, instead pulling me down harder, filling me. "Goddamn, you're so fucking tight," he grunts, his fingers digging into my flesh. I start to move, riding him, my body adjusting to his thickness. He meets my thrusts, his hips lifting off the bed, driving into me with force. Our bodies slap together, the sound of our fucking filling the room.
"You feel so good." I whimper.
He reaches up, grabs my breasts, squeezing them roughly. His thumbs brush against my nipples, sending electric shocks straight to my core. I moan, throwing my head back, my hair cascading down my shoulders. “Look at me, Gia," he demands, his voice harsh.
I obey, locking eyes with him.
"I want to see your face when I make you come."
I bite my lip, my hips moving faster, chasing the orgasm building inside me. He sits up, wrapping his arms around me, pulling me flush against him. His mouth finds my nipple, sucking, biting, sending waves of pleasure coursing through me. I can feel my pussy clenching around his cock. "Ah, Lucian," I gasp, my nails raking down his back. "I'm close." I had no idea this handsome nerd could be such a beast in the bedroom.
He growls, his hands gripping my ass, slamming me down onto him harder, faster. "Come for me, Gia," he commands. "Come all over my cock."
His dirty words push me over the edge. I scream, my body convulsing as my orgasm rips through me. Stars explode behind my eyes, my vision blurring.
Lucian's grip on my ass tightens, his fingers digging into my flesh as he continues to pound into me, drawing out another orgasm.
I clench my muscles, squeezing him, wanting to feel him come undone. "Give it to me, Lucian," I pant, my voice ragged. "Fill me up with your cum." My words seem to unleash something primal within him.
His thrusts become relentless, his cock hammering into me with such force that the bed shakes beneath us.
"Yes," I scream, my tits bouncing wildly.
"Take it, Gia," he grunts, his eyes locked onto mine. “Take every fucking inch of my cock." His hips piston forward, burying himself balls-deep inside me.
I whimper, my body trembling as he hits that sweet spot inside me. "Right there, Lucian!”
Quickly, we both fall over the edge and then lie entwined, our bodies slick with sweat, our breaths ragged. I can feel his heart pounding against my chest, matching the rhythm of my own. I trace lazy patterns on his chest, my fingertips dancing over his warm skin as we drift in and out of sleep.
The soft glow of afternoon sunlight streams through the curtains, painting Lucian’s face in a warm, golden hue. I can’t help but trace the contours of his jaw with my fingertips, marveling at how different he looks in this light—softer, more vulnerable.
His eyes flutter open, a slow smile spreading across his face as he focuses on me. “Good afternoon, beautiful.”
"Afternoon, handsome," I reply, my heart doing a little flip. "Sleep well?"
Lucian pulls me closer, nuzzling into my neck. "Better than I have in years. You're like my personal dream catcher."
I laugh, playfully swatting his arm. "Careful, Mr. Hart. Your inner poet is showing."
"Must be your influence," he teases, pressing a soft kiss to my collarbone.
As we lie there, tangled in each other's arms, I can't help but think about how drastically my life has changed in just a few days. I came to Evergreen feeling lost, and now...
"Penny for your thoughts?" Lucian asks, breaking into my reverie.
I take a deep breath. "I'm just... I never expected this, you know? To find something so special in the middle of a blizzard."
Lucian's eyes soften. "Me neither. But I'm incredibly grateful we did."
We share a tender kiss, and I feel like my heart might burst with happiness. But as much as I'd love to stay in this cozy cocoon forever, real life is calling.
"We should probably get up," I sigh reluctantly. "Face the day and all that responsible adult stuff."
Lucian chuckles. "I suppose you're right. Though I much prefer facing it with you by my side."
As we untangle ourselves and start our routines, there's a newfound ease between us. We move around each other like we've been doing this dance for years, not days.
While brushing my teeth, I catch Lucian's eye in the mirror. "So, what's the plan for today?" I ask, words slightly garbled by toothpaste.
He grins, reaching around me for his toothbrush. "Well, I was thinking we could check out that little art gallery in town. Maybe grab a hot meal afterward?"
My heart swells. How thoughtful of him. "That sounds perfect," I beam, rinsing my mouth. "And maybe we can take the dogs for a walk in the snow later?"
"It's a date," Lucian agrees, pulling me in for a minty-fresh kiss.
As we finish getting ready, I realize that for the first time in a long time, I'm not just facing the day—I'm excited about it. With Lucian by my side, even the ordinary feels extraordinary.
The End.