Chapter 25
Classes drag by as I stare at the text from Cassandra. She expects me to arrive at the estate at six p.m. A text from my mother about needing to talk comes through next. Neither comes as a surprise, and both make me jittery. I denied my parents’ request but doubt they will give up. They can’t force me to do anything, which is reassuring. Yet, the nagging feeling persists.
All my anxiety vanishes when I lift my gaze from my phone and see Hunter leaning against the doorframe. I’m the only one left in class.
He pushes himself off the wall and strides toward me with purpose. “What’s wrong?” Even the way he walks with confident strides and an authoritative pose is sexy.
Lifting onto my toes, I lock my arms around his neck. “Everything is better now that you’re here.”
Excitement flickers in his eyes, making the silver pop before he takes my mouth in a long, passionate kiss that only leaves me hungry for more.
“How was the talk with your dad?” I ask as soon as I catch my breath. He slings my bag over his shoulder, the gesture caressing my heartstrings. As we leave the media department, I can’t stop staring at him.
Sometimes, I think this can’t be real—that we’re not together, and I’m dreaming. Those moments never last, growing more rare with each passing day. He always assures me it’s all so very real, like right now, when his fingers brush against mine before interlinking them. My small hand safely cradled in his larger one.
The sweet air, permeated by the scent of flowers and blooming trees, grazes my face, and I cuddle myself to his side, savoring this serene moment. Everything blossoms—not only around me but also inside of me. His body radiates so much warmth I want to submerge myself in him, living in permanent sunshine.
He exhales a long breath. “My dad got all emotional and blamed himself. I knew that would happen.”
“I’m very proud of you.”
I hope she’s trapped in hell, never knowing rest. I don’t regret killing her. I did it for Hunter but also for his mother—to vindicate her for someone taking advantage of him in her absence. If someone had done that to my child, I would have welcomed it, knowing they could never do it again.
“Then Celine and Mia came by with the guys.”
He gives me an intent look, and I giggle.
“But all I wanted was you to be there. Since you weren’t, I finished quickly to meet you.”
Is this the same guy who called me annoying and glared at me every chance he could get?
“You couldn’t withstand my charm for long,” I say, but I hear the uncertainty weaving through my voice.
“I felt something for you from the start. Wish I accepted that sooner so I could act on it.” He waggles his brows at me. The insinuation is not lost on me.
I laugh, loving to hear that. “We’re making up a lot for all that lost time.”
“And we’ll continue to do so, kitten.”
Just like that, there’s a throb between my thighs. It doesn’t matter that we’re in public. I can’t seem to get enough.
“I haven’t seen that prick Eric around,” he says, his name slipping through gritted teeth as his eyes scan the parking lot. It only now occurs to me that I hadn’t seen Eric in our classes today. I don’t want to talk about him. I’d rather focus on us, so I stay silent. After a moment, he lets it go.
As Hunter opens the door for me, I slide into the passenger seat. If I could live surrounded by his heady smell, I would.
“You’re the only one who doesn’t use her car as much as the rest of us. Why?”
“I don’t like driving. I have to pay attention, and I’d rather spend my time on my laptop.”
He chuckles, and then he leans into me. Our mouths are a breath apart from touching, so my lips automatically tingle. The anticipation has my stomach flipping.
“I’d love to be your designated driver from now on. I wish to be your every human thing possible, Bailey.”
My heartbeats reach a crescendo that dizzies me. “You are.”
“I’ve never thought I’d feel like this. Never thought I’d find you. Love, for me, was an unrealistic concept that made people weak. I was terrified to even consider it, but you don’t choose to fall in love. You simply do, and I am fortunate that the person I fell in love with is you.”
“Why?” I whisper, and he palms my cheeks, brushing his nose against mine before he erases the distance between our mouths. He kisses me so gently that goose bumps scatter on my skin, making it feverish yet soothing it at the same time. It’s always a cacophony of sensations with him.
“I’m safe with you, am I not? You’ll take care of my heart.”
I place my hand on his chest as if to imprint my intentions that I’d rather die than hurt him.
“That and so much more.” I say it like a vow—one I intend to keep.
He kisses my forehead tenderly, and I let out a shaky breath full of emotions. I never had a chance but to fall for him. I never hated him, even though he infuriated me. But I always saw something in him too. I observed him almost obsessively when he wasn’t looking, and my brokenness reacted to his; my deepest and secret desires resonated with him. I thought it was one-sided, but he was battling his own demons. Fortunately, my pull was stronger.
For someone who wasn’t into touch, I rejoice in these moments when he reaches for me, as though he can’t stop himself. Usually he initiates the contact, and I absolutely love it.
Rounding the car, he starts the engine, and his other hand finds mine, where it rests on my thigh. His palm settles over it as though he’s trying to cover as much of my skin as possible with a single touch.
“Training and then a movie night?” he inquires, his voice laced with tenderness, once we reach the house, parking in the allotted spot.
“I can’t. Cassandra called me.” I sigh, not wanting to lose a moment of us being together.
The easygoing moment vanishes as his brows furrow. “Should I go with you?”
I wish he could. “You know the rules.”
He scowls. “Fuck the rules. I’m going to bring you there and wait for you. I am sure it will do my father good to see me, to see us together. It’s as if at any moment he expects me to crack.”
“She didn’t break you.”
“No, only one woman has that power, and that is you. The one who has my heart. The one who my body is desperate for. The only one who brightens my life. Fuck, you are my life.”
A solitary tear rolls down my cheek. Emotions overwhelm me as his words echo inside me, resonating in my soul. “I was broken, Hunter. And you patched those parts inside of me, making me whole again. I was wandering, hollow and lost, just getting by.”
He brushes his thumb along my cheek, catching the drop, and then lifts it to his mouth, kissing it. “I love you just how you are. Whole, broken, happy, sad. I’ll love you through every day, every change, and every challenge we encounter.”
I close my eyes for a moment, wanting to memorize exactly how I feel right now: treasured. He brought warmth, passion, and love to my life. All the things I have yearned for. All the things I was so afraid I’d never experience that I preferred to say I didn’t even want them.
The house is empty when we walk inside, and he accompanies me to my room. A smile grazes my lips when his scent lingers there, just like a few of his clothes. We have been living together for months, but now that we share a room, it feels different, more intimate. I never want it any other way. I sleep better with him by my side. Waking up with him next to me is how I wish to begin all my days.
He places the bag down on my desk and plucks out my laptop. I go into my walk-in closet to change. I peer at him in the big mirror in front of me, his eyes heating me up as he urges me to remove my clothes.
Every time I undress, it’s like the first time. My fingers shake, and my breath hitches. It’s a heady sensation that leaves me breathless for a few moments as if my naked body is a work of art he can’t keep his eyes off.
I notice his Adam’s apple bob as I remain in just my bra. And then, I bend over, slowly slipping my pants down. A deep rumble vibrates in his throat, letting me know it’s the same for him—sweet torment.
In one swift move, he’s at my back, his finger grazing down my spine before he wraps his hand around my nape and pulls me to his chest.
Instantly, I am wet and needy, wanting what only he can give me, that passion consuming me.
He doesn’t loosen his grip, and the small squeeze makes me an even hotter mess. My nipples pebble, poking through the thin black material. It’s sheer lace and allows him to witness my body’s reaction to him as if he programmed me to his liking. He could do anything to me, and I’d take it.
“Do you have any idea how beautiful you are and what you do to me? You bewitch me. I amenchanted by you,” while his voice is firm, it’s also raspy and rings of desperation.
His knuckles caress along my neck down to the valley of my breasts before his hand spans over my stomach.
“So soft and delicate, Bailey…”
I like that he’s bigger, cocooning me. The way our bodies fit is just more proof we’re meant to be together. He continues the sensual yet torturous exploration as his hand skims down my lace thong, his fingers brushing over my folds. With every second, my arousal intensifies. I close my eyes, but he squeezes my neck.
“No, watch what I do to you.”
On command, I open them. He places his chin on my shoulder, his arm wrapped around my belly as our eyes lock in the mirror. It’s so intense and erotic, I could faint if it wasn’t for him holding my gaze, keeping me in place—anchoring me to him.
Two fingers dive inside my pussy, and I clench around them, a stuttered breath escaping my lips.
He doesn’t have to tell me again to keep watching because the sight hypnotizes me as he fucks me with his fingers. When his thumb comes into play, I don’t stand a chance. I am about to come apart in his arms when suddenly, he stops.
A sound of frustration tumbles out of my mouth.
“Shh, kitten, I have you. You’re going to come so hard. I promise. Patience.”
How can I be patient when he teased me with a release? I was so close. I’m so horny I can’t see straight.
He puts his fingers glistening with my wetness in my mouth, and then he kisses me—my juices mix with his minty taste, and another tremor breaks free.
As he lowers to his knees, he pulls my thong down, his teeth dragging from my ass cheeks down my thighs before he slaps them apart—fully trapped in a sexual trance. Even dazed, I know what he wants. I lift one leg, then the other, and he throws the panties aside. Standing up, he brushes his fingers up my thighs, heating my skin. Then, he unhooks my bra. I am naked—fully on display for him.
He flicks my nipples with one hand, and I hear him pulling his zipper down with the other. My belly clenches, the anticipation driving me insane. I am on edge, squirming in need of more, but he loves that because there’s a smirk curling those sinful lips of his.
He guides his cock between my thighs—big, veiny, and long. I gulp, knowing how good it will feel once he’s inside of me, but it always comes with a stretch—with a fullness that has me gasping for air.
He thrusts in and out of my folds, simulating what he will do to my pussy. I clutch his arm, but no intelligible words form. I don’t even know what I want from him—whether to keep going or to stop teasing me and just fuck me already, giving me that promised release.
He reads my body well because he says, “Such a good girl craving my cock…”
“Please.” I need him to fill me, or I’ll climb the walls in my desperation.
He finally does, freeing me from the sweet ache by shoving himself inside of me to the hilt, engulfing all my senses. I would have stumbled forward if it wasn’t for his tight hold on me.
Any trace of gentleness ends as he fucks me so hard I bite into his arm to muffle the sounds, even though I know he won’t like it.
A slap to my pussy has me lifting onto my toes and curling them at the same time.
“When I fuck my girl, I want to hear her. Am I clear?”
It’s a fight I would have lost anyway, so I give in, embracing the ecstasy, no longer caring if someone might hear me.
“Clear.” He’s the one pleasuring me, and if he wants me to scream, I will shout to the world how good he makes me feel.
As he rams into me, it could be my brain having trouble focusing, but I could swear every time he hits deeper inside of me, there’s a small bulge in my stomach. A shiver threatens to push me over the edge as he traces my pelvis.
His features pull taut with sheer delight. “That’s why I picked the mirror so you can see what my cock does to you.”
“Rearranging everything inside of me?” I ask with a moan.
An orgasm stirs to life, but it feels more like it will shatter me when it reaches its peak. My body pulls taut, and I squeeze him so hard he groans and bites into my neck. He comes a bit, too, and that is my breaking point. Frenzy overtakes me as I come on a long moan; it’s like I’m riding an endless wave.
Gripping my waist, I not only feel but see the prints of his fingers as he continues to fuck me. The veins in his neck throb as he pushes in and out of me. Sated, I am just a vessel for his pleasure. He takes whatever he needs from me. Sex between us is always so frenzied, so passionate that I don’t even know why it surprises me that it gets better and more intense.
He drags me down with him on the floor. I end up straddling his lap, still connected. While I grind on him, chasing another high, he takes charge while looking in the mirror. Out of curiosity, I look over my shoulder and see his hands splayed on my ass cheeks. He spreads them, and I catch sight of his cock nestled inside my pussy, cramming it full. The view is so erotic I can’t stop staring.
He brings his index finger to my mouth. “Suck.”
I wrap my lips around it, lulled by his deep voice.
“Good. We want it all lubed when it goes into your asshole.”
A delicious shiver runs down my spine.
“Every hole is mine and, love, they will all get fucked by my tongue, fingers, and dick.”
“It feels so good…” I would absolutely let him defile me.
He pulls his finger out of my mouth and rims my puckered hole before sliding inside, knuckle deep. I clutch his shoulders at the intrusion—I’m so full. His palm rests between my cheeks, keeping me open.
“Look at my girl taking my finger in her ass and my cock in her pussy,” he says in a low, reverent tone.
Filled from both sides, and with him taking my mouth in a fiery kiss, I come again.
Running his nose along my cheek, his forehead lowers to mine. “You’re breathtaking. I don’t stand a chance.”
With a low groan, he gets bigger inside of me, and then he erupts, painting my walls with the last of his cum. He stays inside of me until he deflates.
When he pulls out, I immediately feel empty. We both look between my thighs as the beautiful mess we made together slides down my legs and onto his thighs. My legs still tremble as he caresses down my back and peppers kisses along my neck and jaw.
“You did so well, my kitten. The more I have you, the more I want you.”
I hope it will never end.
With a smack on my ass, he says, “We’ve been in here for a while.”
Dazed, I look at my smartwatch, and my eyes bulge out. I don’t even have time for a shower.
“Get changed. My cum will stay where it’s supposed to be.” He smirks, wearing the expression proudly.
I shake my head at him. “You’re such a caveman.”
“I’m your caveman.”
What’s there to say to that? So I smile at him instead.
I pick out a green dress, black tights, and a pair of loafers. Not knowing what to do with my hair, I sigh, feeling the weight of indecision.
Cocking his head, he runs his thumb along his bottom lip. “Let it fall down your back. I love catching sight of it.”
I let it down to experience the awed look in his eyes.
Hurrying down the stairs, our friends are in the living room, deep in conversation. I catch something about going out or staying in and ordering tonight, but I excuse myself quickly.
While the girls grin at me, looking so happy for me, I can’t help but return the smile.
“Girls’ night tomorrow,” Abi says. After I nod, Hunter and I are out the door and into his car.
He taps his index finger on the wheel, casting a pensive look my way before redirecting his attention back to the road. “I still don’t get why she wants to talk to you alone.”
I don’t like it either, but you don’t say no to the matriarch, even though Cassandra could never compare to her mother. Grandmother was cold and distant—more an institution of authority than an actual person. And she despised me. Why? I never understood. It hasn’t been on my mind lately, but I wondered about her reason for most of my life. What did I do wrong in her eyes to deserve such harsh treatment? But what should I have expected when she treated her own granddaughter, Celine, even worse? She blamed her for her parents’ accident and sent her away.
There’s no comparison between Cassandra and Grandmother. While we must respect the rules, Cassandra gives us some leeway. She will remain the matriarch until Kaden takes over in a few years. I think this was her gift to us: more time to feel like regular students, start our adult lives, and enjoy it a while longer. After all she’s been through, we know she’s there for us, offering us all her support, and I appreciate that.
“I’ll tell you afterward,” I assure him.
That seems to appease him. When he parks in front of the estate, he kisses me, stealing the breath from my lungs but still wanting more. I remember where I am and hurry out of the car because we can’t be trusted once desire takes over.
I wave him goodbye, watching him park down the hill at his father’s place. Samuel opens the door for me, letting me in.
“Miss Fairchild, a pleasure having you here,” he welcomes me.
This house will never cease to impress me with its grandeur and sophistication. Its antique, regal style with precious art, hardwood floors, and crystal chandeliers is an architectural masterpiece from the inside out. The attention to detail is simply unmatched.
It’s really a waste of space, but we decided to share the estate once the time comes. Whenever we have family gatherings, we’ll spend some time together over the weekends here. We plan to redesign the first floor into four apartments. I don’t understand the sudden nostalgia, but my friends are my family. I don’t like knowing we’ll live separate lives, so this is a great compromise.
Snapping out of my funk, I follow Samuel, who leads me into the sitting room. It’s a small but intimate room with a beautiful view over the rose garden. It was also Grandmother’s favorite room. At least, that was what I heard; I had never been invited.
She stands in front of the window, appearing deep in thought, but when she turns to us, her expression is blank. Cassandra is very hard to read. She has a poker face that could rival all the best players in the world.
She dips her chin in acknowledgment. “That’s all. Thank you, Samuel.”
“Ma’am. Miss Fairchild,” he says, bowing his head and leaving us alone.
I see two cups of coffee and some pastries on the coffee table, but that’s not what catches my attention. It’s the papers next to them that make me uneasy, and my stomach knots.
“What I will tell you saddens me deeply, but I am by your side and here for you. As the matriarch, I don’t have favorites, nor am I biased. As a mother, it breaks my heart at the injustice you’ve faced.”
I sit down, guided more by instinct. I already know whatever she’s going to tell me will shatter my world.