Red Dreams (The Reaper Duet #2)

27. Layla

1 Week Later

When I wake up, Kaden's side of the bed is cold, but the bruises he left behind still burn like promises. His pillow still holds the indentation of his head, and I stroke my hand over it and smile.

Rubbing sleep from my eyes, I sit up, pulling the duvet around my naked form.

I spot Kaden standing in front of the circular window, his muscular frame carved out against the pale dawn light. He's watching the lighthouse, as he does every morning, ensuring that there’s a small golden light indicating that Cassie’s still there. That she’s staying.

I pad across the room, the duvet trailing behind me like a regal cape. Kaden doesn't turn, but I know he senses my approach. I press myself against his back, my breasts flattening against his hot, bare skin.

Snaking my arms around his waist, I place a tender kiss between his shoulder blades.

“Come back to bed,” I murmur, my lips brushing against his spine.

Kaden spins, pinning me against the cool glass. His large hand encircles my throat, applying just enough pressure to remind me of his strength, his control.

“Or we can just stay here,” he says with a growl—and a grin.

His mouth crashes against mine, claiming me with a hard kiss. I melt into him, surrendering to his dominance, the duvet falling off my shoulders and pooling at our feet. Kaden nudges my legs apart, but I stop him with a hand on his sculpted chest. “Wait.”

Kaden pulls back with an arched brow that stretches his scar. “That’s a dangerous request, Wraithling.”

“Well, I-I kind of … want to try something new.”

“Oh?”

I bite my lower lip. The sight of it makes his cock jump against my stomach, and his chest rumbles with a warning that my wait time is almost up.

“Do you, um, do you think you can wear your mask?” I ask.

His lips curve into a wicked smile as he regards me, his eyes scorching a path down my body.

“Wait here,” he commands.

He strides across the room to the antique armoire, the muscles of his back rippling with each step. Anticipation coils tight in my belly as he retrieves something from the top drawer. When he turns back to face me, he's holding his sleek gunmetal mask, simple yet undeniably menacing.

With deliberate slowness, Kaden slips it over his face. It molds perfectly to his chiseled features, leaving only his piercing blue eyes exposed. He doesn’t turn on the neon-green night vision.

The effect of a mask on top and nothing but a sexy, masculine, hard body underneath is striking and reckless. My pulse quickens, desire pooling hot and heavy between my thighs.

In three long strides, he's on me, slamming me back against the window. The cold glass bites into my bare skin.

“Is this what you wanted, Wraithling?” he asks quietly. “To be fucked by a dangerous man in a mask?”

“No,” I breathe, aching for his touch. “I want the Scythe to fuck me.”

Kaden laughs darkly beneath the mask. His hands skim down my sides, his fingers digging into my flesh. With a sharp tug, he hoists me up, urging me to wrap my legs around his waist. I comply eagerly, locking my ankles at the small of his back.

He thrusts his hips, grinding the thick ridge of his erection against my slick folds. I moan, biting my lip.

“You're mine,” he warns. “You'll always be mine. No matter what mask I wear.”

“Yours,” I gasp as he positions himself at my entrance. “Only yours.”

But he holds me there, suspended in anticipation. “Beg for it.”

“Please,” I whimper. “Please fuck me. Take what belongs to you.”

A deep, rumbling growl emanates from beneath the mask. “You want the Scythe to take you hard and rough against this window? Where anyone could see what a wanton little thing you are for me?”

“Yes,” I practically wail. “Take me. Use me. I’m yours.”

With a feral grunt, he slams into me, burying himself. I cry out, my walls clenching around his thick length.

“Is this what you wanted?” he snarls, punctuating each word with a sharp snap of his hips. “To be fucked raw by a monster in a mask?”

“You're my monster,” I gasp out between moans. “You're mine. My protector, my lover, my?—”

He sets a punishing pace, slamming into me over and over, the force of his thrusts rattling the window at my back.

“Look at you,” he snarls. “So desperate for a madman.”

“Yes,” I keen, the degradation only heightening my arousal. “Keep using me. Ruin me for anyone else.”

Kaden drives into me relentlessly, his masked face a terrifying, thrilling sight above me as I'm pinned and ravaged against the window.

“You're a twisted little thing, aren't you? Getting off on being taken by a masked killer.”

“Only for you,” I husk out. “I want you in any form. Monster or man.”

His pace turns savage, each ruthless thrust shoving me up the glass. The cold press of it against my heated skin makes me shiver and clench around him.

“Fuck, just like that,” he grunts. “Take it all, greedy girl.”

I'm lost to the brutal rhythm, my world narrowed to the ferocious pleasure ripping through me with every thrust. Kaden shifts, angling his hips to hit that perfect spot inside me. I cry out, my legs tightening around him.

One hand moves to my throat, squeezing just hard enough to make my head swim with euphoric lightheadedness. His other hand snakes between our sweat-slicked bodies to find my clit. He rubs the sensitive nub in harsh, merciless circles that have me seeing heaven.

“Kaden,” I say, my inner muscles fluttering around his length. “I’m going to?—”

“Not yet.” He fists my hair, pulling my head back. “You come when I allow it.”

He rewards me with a particularly deep thrust, grinding against my clit. My body bows into his. I writhe against him, chasing my release. The rough scars and old burns on his chest rub deliciously against my sensitive nipples, the dual sensations pushing me closer to the edge.

“Come for me,” he commands, his voice a dark rasp. “Milk my cock like the good girl you are.”

His words send me hurtling over the edge. My orgasm crashes over me in shuddering waves as my pussy spasms almost violently around him. With a final snap of his hips, he spills himself deep inside me, marking me from the inside out as his.

We stay joined for a long moment, both struggling to catch our breath.

Kaden reaches up and removes the mask, tossing it carelessly to the side. He cups my face in his large hands, his touch almost unbearably tender after the brutal fucking.

“I love you, Layla,” he says solemnly. “You're my whole fucking world. Never forget that.”

I place my hands over his. “I love you, too. All of you. With or without the mask.”

Foreign emotion ripples across his scarred, jaded face before he lets his head fall forward to rest his forehead against mine. “Even when the darkest parts of myself want you for their own, you always obey me.”

We stand there, wrapped in each other, as the rising sun bathes us in its warm golden glow.

A loud honk shatters the moment. I jerk away from Kaden, peering out the window to see a familiar sedan pulling up the gravel drive.

Kaden stills, his body going rigid against mine.

“Expecting someone?” he asks, his tone dangerously calm.

I shake my head, panting. “No, I—” The realization hits me. “Oh God. It's Ethan.”

Kaden's eyes narrow to slits. “And what is he doing here at this very moment when I plan to fuck you again?”

“He mentioned coming by to say goodbye. He's leaving Greycliff, remember? Starting his new job in Millhaven next week.”

Kaden mutters a curse under his breath. For a moment, he looks like he might march out there naked, cock still hard and ready, and physically remove Ethan from the property. But then he glances down at me, his gaze softening imperceptibly.

After a few more bonus strokes of his perfect cock inside me, Kaden slips out with a reluctant hiss. “Let’s go say farewell, then.”

I hastily throw on a robe while Kaden pulls on a pair of low-slung sweatpants, not bothering with a shirt. We head downstairs to the kitchen, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee permeates the air.

Ethan waits by the front door, shifting his weight from foot to foot. He looks up as we approach, his hazel eyes widening slightly at the sight of Kaden's imposing figure despite seeing it many times.

“Hey, E.” I greet him with a smile. “Come on in.”

He steps inside hesitantly, his gaze darting between Kaden and me. “I don't mean to intrude. I just wanted to come by and say goodbye before I head out.”

Kaden remains silent and unmoving, his usual default setting.

I usher Ethan into the kitchen, where Cassie is already seated at the table, nursing a mug of black coffee while Reaper laps at a small bowl of milk beside her. Cassie looks up as we enter.

“Well, isn't this cozy,” she says. “The whole gang together again.”

I bristle at her tone, but Ethan just offers her a tight smile and gives Reaper a long stroke from head to tail. She arches into it with a happy purr.

Ethan and I settle around the table while Kaden remains standing, arms crossed over his broad chest.

I clear my throat. “So, Ethan, you're all set for Millhaven?”

He nods, his fingers fidgeting with the handle of a coffee mug Cassie filled and pushed toward him. “Yeah, I start at the new firm next Monday. It's a good opportunity.”

“I'm happy for you,” I say with sincerity. “You deserve a fresh start after everything that's happened.”

Cassie snorts. “Running away from your problems won't solve anything.”

“I'm not running away,” Ethan retorts, a hint of steel in his voice. “I'm choosing to move on. To build a life that's not defined by violence and death.”

Ethan pales, his eyes darting to Kaden before dropping to the table as if worried Kaden will retaliate for snapping at Cassie.

Kaden shifts, drawing everyone's attention.

“We've all done things we regret,” he says quietly. “What matters is what we do going forward.”

“I just ... I can't stay here anymore,” Ethan admits.

Guilt twists at my insides as I regard Ethan and how much he’s changed since I entered his life. How much he fights the darkness rather than accepts it. It’s the decent, moral thing to do, a natural rejection of evil. And while I’ll miss him desperately, I’m certain he doesn’t belong in this world. My new world that will forever include violence and death.

So I nod in understanding. “And the job? You’ll be doing IT work for a software company, right?”

A glimmer of his old enthusiasm sparks in his eyes. “Yeah, it's a good opportunity. A chance to do something normal, you know? Something that doesn't involve ... well, all of this.”

Cassie leans back in her chair, eyeing Ethan with a mix of disdain and grudging respect. “Well, look at you, Rutledge. Finally growing a pair and striking out on your own. Never thought I'd see the day.”

Ethan's jaw tightens, but he doesn't rise to her bait. Instead, he turns to me, his expression softening. “I'm going to miss you, Layla. You've been a true friend through all of this insanity. I don't know how I would have survived without you.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “I'm going to miss you too, E. But I'm so proud of you for doing what's best for you. You deserve happiness and peace.”

“We all do,” he says quietly, his gaze encompassing Kaden and Cassie as well. “I hope you find yours in whatever form it takes.”

Kaden clears his throat, drawing our attention. “Millhaven isn't that far. Don't be a stranger. You're welcome here anytime.”

Ethan blinks in surprise at the unprecedented invitation. “I ... thanks. That means a lot.”

The hint of a smile tugs at the corner of Kaden's mouth before his expression turns serious again. “I owe you for everything you've done for Layla. If you ever need anything, say the word.”

Ethan nods, swallowing hard. “I appreciate that.”

An awkward silence descends until Cassie abruptly stands, her chair scraping against the floor.

“Well, this has been touching, really. But some of us have actual work to do.” She drains the last of her coffee and sets the mug in the sink with a clatter. “I'll be at the lighthouse if anyone needs me. Try not to.”

She stalks out without a backward glance, Reaper trotting at her heels. Ethan sighs, pushing back from the table as well.

“I should get going too. I have a long drive ahead of me.” He hesitates, then pulls me into a tight hug. “Take care of yourself, okay? And him.” He nods toward Kaden.

“I will,” I promise, my voice muffled against his shoulder. “You take care of yourself too. And keep in touch.”

“I will.” Ethan pulls back, swiping surreptitiously at his eyes. He extends a hand to Kaden. “Mr. Black.”

Kaden clasps his hand firmly. “Drive safe. Remember what I said.”

“If it’s all the same to you, I hope I never need your kind of help,” Ethan replies.

Kaden’s lips twitch into an almost smile in response.

“Now go,” I say to Ethan, shooing him before I really do cry. “Live a good life. Find a nice, normal girl and fall stupidly in love. You deserve that happiness.”

Ethan huffs a quiet laugh. With a final squeeze of my hand, he walks out the door and down the steps to his car. I watch until the vehicle disappears down the fog-shrouded drive, an odd mix of sadness and relief swirling inside me.

Strong arms wrap around my waist from behind, pulling my back flush against a solid wall of muscle. Kaden nuzzles into my neck.

“You're not having second thoughts, are you, Wraithling?” he murmurs, a hint of tension beneath his seemingly casual tone.

I turn in his embrace, looping my arms around his neck. “Never. You're stuck with me, Mr. Black. For better or worse.”

His eyes search mine intently before he crushes me to him, his mouth commanding mine.

When he finally pulls back, we're both panting.

“Your black heart is mine,” I say.

He kisses me again, more gently this time, a silent seal of our dark covenant. Then he takes my hand, lacing our fingers together. “Let's go back to bed.”

I grin at him, mischief sparking in my mind. “Race you.”

I take off running, laughing as I hear Kaden's growl of outrage behind me. I make it halfway up the stairs before strong arms scoop me up. Kaden tosses me over his shoulder like a sack of flour, giving my ass a stinging smack.

“Brat,” he scolds.

He carries me into our bedroom and tosses me onto the bed. I bounce once before he's on me, caging me beneath his much larger body.

“It looks like I've captured a naughty little Wraithling,” he rumbles, nipping at my bottom lip. “Whatever should I do with her?”

I squirm beneath him, rubbing wantonly against the thick ridge of his erection through his sweats. “Whatever you want.”

“Careful, love,” he warns, his voice a dark purr. “You know I'll take you at your word. And I have very wicked things in mind for you.”

“Do your worst,” I challenge, my core already slick and aching for him.

“First, I think some punishment is in order for that little stunt you pulled.”

He flips me onto my stomach, yanking my hips up and tossing the bottom half of my robe over my back so my bare ass is in the air.

I yelp at the sudden change in position, my fingers clutching at the sheets.

The first smack of his hand against my rear makes me jolt. The sting quickly melts into a warmth that spreads through my blood. The second blow wrings a whimper from my lips. By the fifth, I'm writhing and mewling, shameless in my need.

“Look at you,” Kaden marvels, massaging my reddened cheeks. “Taking your punishment so beautifully. Ass in the air for me like a proper lady ready to be put in her place.”

“Yes,” I gasp out, arching into his touch. “I love it. I love you.”

He rewards me by keeping his eyes locked on mine while he lowers himself until I can’t see him anymore. Then he slowly, deliberately licks a broad stripe up my slit.

My hips buck off the bed, but he pins them down with a forearm across the backs of my calves, then seals his mouth over my aching sex, his tongue delving and swirling as he devours me like a man starved.

I fist the sheets and moan while on all fours, my thighs quaking, lost to the decadent pleasure of his mouth.

He adds two fingers, pumping them in time with his lapping tongue.

“That's it,” he coaxes as my walls begin to flutter. “Come on my tongue. Soak my face with it.”

After a few more skillful flicks, I'm shattering, my orgasm hitting me like a freight train. I scream his name as I come, my vision whiting out at the edges.

Kaden works me through it, stroking me through the release until I'm boneless and whimpering from the intensity. Only then does he raise his head, his lips and chin glistening obscenely.

He peels my robe away before pushing me down on all fours again and shrugging out of his sweatpants. Kaden’s erection springs free, the tip glistening. He kisses his way down my spine, his stubble rasping deliciously against my sensitive skin.

“Always so wet for me,” he marvels. “Such a good pussy.”

He presses the tip of his finger into my entrance, teasing me with shallow thrusts. I try to push back against him, but a large hand at the small of my back holds me in place.

“Ah, ah,” he chides. “Naughty girls who don't wait their turn get punished, remember?”

I still beneath him, trembling with the effort of holding back. “Please, Kaden...”

He hums, considering. “Since you asked so nicely...”

The blunt head of his cock nudges against my entrance. With one smooth thrust, he sheaths himself.

“Fuck, I’ll never get tired of this,” he groans.

Kaden pounds into me from behind, the slap of skin against skin filling the room and mingling with my wanton cries.

He reaches around, finding my clit and rubbing merciless circles, and commands me to milk him dry.

“Come on my cock,” he orders.

His filthy command is my undoing. My orgasm crashes over me.

With a guttural groan, Kaden stills, spilling himself deep inside me.

We collapse onto the bed, our limbs tangled and sweat-slicked. Kaden rolls to the side, pulling me against his chest.

We lie like that for a long while, basking in the afterglow and the quiet intimacy of the moment. The golden light of late morning spills through the windows, painting our entwined bodies in a soft, honeyed glow.

Eventually, Kaden breaks the comfortable silence.

“Marry me,” he says, his voice a low rumble against my cheek.

I still. Slowly, I lift my head. His blue eyes are earnest and unwavering as they hold mine.

“What?” I whisper, hardly daring to believe what I heard.

He cups my face in his large, calloused hand. “Marry me, Layla. Be mine, in every way, forever.”

Kaden’s arms come around me, crushing me to his chest as if he can absorb me into himself and make us as one in body as we are in spirit.

They say monsters don't get happy endings. But as Kaden's hold tightens, I realize they never met a monster worth loving.

I say into the warmth of his skin, “Yes.”