Chapter Nine
Lavinia
The sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, elastic bands of gold stretching across the white sheets on our bed. I drew in a breath and let it out slowly, the rise and fall of my chest almost rhythmic. I didn’t often wake this early, but I hadn’t slept quite as well last night. Now, in the early morning light, I felt completely at peace.
I tilted my head and gazed at the man who’d somehow become my everything. I stretched out against him, my head resting against his shoulder. Cotton’s blondish red hair stuck out at odd angles, but he must have trimmed his beard recently because the coarse hairs were a bit shorter. I studied his rugged good looks, admiring the hard planes of his face. Even now, his eyes shut tight, I knew they were a magnificent shade of green. He’d fought the sheets during the night, leaving our bed mostly bare. I thought back to how I’d ended up here, with this amazing man, and I wondered what I’d done to deserve him.
Life hadn’t exactly been kind. I’d been in survival mode for so long I’d forgotten what it was like to just be and feel. Now that I had Cotton and the stability he offered, I wondered how I’d gotten through those months. And how was I supposed to thank him for the happiness he’d given me? All he’d asked of me was to start over with him and the Hades Abyss.
Why such an amazing, sexy man would want me made no sense. What did I have to offer him? And yet, it hadn’t stopped me from grasping onto this chance at happiness. I’d fallen completely in love with him. I’d never said the words, but I wondered if he felt the same. Maybe if I got brave enough, I’d get the courage to ask.
He smiled and cracked open his eyes. “How long you been watchin’ me sleep?”
I ducked my head and averted my gaze. “I haven’t been awake long.”
“Sure, you haven’t.” One arm snaked around my waist, and he tugged me until I rested more fully on top of him. “I don’t mind. I like knowin’ you’re enjoyin’ yourself and feelin’ safe enough to let me wrap you up and keep you warm.”
Resting my head against his chest, I felt the steady thump of his heart. I wished I had the words to express how much he did for me, more than he’d ever realized. I hated that it pretty much all centered around my fear, and the fact I felt safe with him. Cotton meant so much more to me than just a man who had agreed to protect me and my baby.
I nuzzled his chest and began placing kisses along his skin. I needed more from him right now. Cotton had given so much already. It was time I gave him something in return. If I made sure he knew I wanted him, and I desired him, then maybe he’d feel reassured.
When I rubbed the side of my cheek along his chest, I half expected him to roll me over and tell me we’d do this later. He froze, then his hands slowly trailed up and down my back. When I gave him a light bite to his pec, he groaned, and the sound went straight to my core, making me wetter than I already was. The man had ways of making me melt with a touch, a simple word.
“Lavinia, what are you doin’?”
Doing my best to keep my caress as light and soothing as possible, I skimmed my fingers over his cheekbone and down to his beard. His green eyes flashed with awareness, even if they were a bit dazed. Before either of us could second-guess the moment, I tilted my head and got as close as I could. I wouldn’t mind if he took over, but I had to be the one to initiate this time. It was important to me. Being with Cotton wasn’t something I wanted to take for granted.
Rubbing my nose along his, I let my breath tease his lips. I traced his lips with my tongue. The more I tasted him, the less I held back. Cotton’s hands gripped my hips, testing to see what I wanted. It gave me the confidence I needed to drag my lips over his pecs, and when his fingers dug into my skin, I knew I was on the right track.
The longer he let me touch him, the bolder I grew. As I licked his abs, I felt his cock press against my hip. I squirmed lower until my fingers brushed his hardness, then wrapped my hand around him. He inhaled sharply.
The light filtering through the blinds gave the room a cozy feel. Morning sex wasn’t something Cotton had indulged in yet. Not with me anyway. From the heat in his eyes, I didn’t think he’d mind making it a habit. With a slow, steady stroke, I worked his cock until a bead of pre-cum appeared at the tip. My mouth watered, and I ducked my head and swirled my tongue around the head. I took as much of him into my mouth as I could.
His hands went to my hair, and I smiled at his tortured groan. It made me feel powerful, knowing I’d brought him to this point. I sucked him in deeper, taking as much as I could before pulling back. I bobbed my head up and down, listening to the sounds he made. Cotton’s hips rocked, and he gripped me harder. I thought he’d flip me onto my back, but after I’d chosen my own pace, he suddenly pulled me up. I whimpered, not wanting to let him go.
The fire in his eyes said he wouldn’t let me get away with toying with his body. I swore his cock got thicker and longer in my hold. Anticipation made me shiver. Cotton forced me onto my knees, pushing my legs apart with his. He stabbed his fingers through my hair and yanked hard enough I arched my back. His mouth claimed mine in a kiss that made me forget to breathe. When he released me, I saw the need in his eyes. I stared at him, wondering if he saw the same thing in mine.
Cotton’s hands skimmed down my sides, making all the nerve endings beneath my skin sizzle. If he didn’t take me soon, I was going to lose my mind. I needed him more than I’d ever needed anything in my life.
When I thought he’d roll away from me, he shifted until he was behind me, his body pressed against mine. The moment his cock slid through my folds and sank deep, I cried out, and my eyes rolled back. I didn’t mind it was fast. This morning, I wanted him more than I could say. I squeezed my eyes shut and let my head fall to the side. Every move he made sent sparks through my veins.
His mouth closed over my shoulder, and he bit down. The sting only added to the pleasure. I writhed against him, pushing back and rolling my hips. His low groan was music to my ears. While I didn’t mind slow and steady, this morning, I needed fast and hard. He growled again, and the sound sent shivers down my spine.
My pussy tightened around him, squeezing him like a vise. Pleasure built within me, making me thrash against him. Cotton slipped a hand between my legs, flicking my clit. I screamed as my orgasm tore through me. His body tensed, and I felt him coming inside me. It was perfect.
I wanted to remain this way forever. Cotton held me close. I’d never needed anyone, but I wanted Cotton. His head lay on my shoulder, and I felt his breath on my neck. I felt his beard against my skin.
He’d given me everything I could have asked for and then some. I didn’t know being close to him could make me feel treasured and safe. When we were in the shadows and the rest of the world was locked out, I felt Cotton open up to me. I liked seeing the man beneath the tough exterior. Even though I was no match for his strength, I sometimes felt I had the upper hand. He’d never know it, but I swore I sometimes heard his heart gallop when we lay next to each other in bed.
Cotton wrapped me in his arms, his hand stroking down my side, and his lips skimming my shoulder. Our breathing slowed, and he pulled me back against his chest. I sighed in contentment, my heart full.
Cotton nuzzled my hair, and I would have happily stayed like this forever. Our legs tangled together. The atmosphere felt cozy, the light coming through the blinds casting a soft glow around us. The house was quiet.
I’d never felt so content in my life. My eyes fluttered shut, and I felt the most relaxed I’d ever been since we met. Maybe even in my entire life. I rubbed my cheek over his chest.
“You’re amazing,” I murmured and licked my lips. “I just wanted you to know. What you do for me, it means the world, Cotton. I don’t have the words to tell you how much I appreciate everything.”
The corner of his mouth kicked up. “Like I said when Tyler came after you the first time. I take care of mine. You’re my old lady and my wife. Now you’re the mother of my child. No one will hurt you, Lavinia. Not on my watch.”
It didn’t matter that he spoke in short sentences. Or that he wasn’t quick to say he loved me. His actions spoke volumes. I mattered to him, and I’d never make the mistake of doubting who I was to him.
“You want to share anything else?” he asked. “Like what you were thinking about this morning?”
I nibbled on my lower lip. If we’d been anywhere else, my shyness would have kept me quiet. But while we lay in our bed, I could tell him anything. Everything. “I’m worried I’ll be a bad mom. I never discussed it before now, but my parents weren’t as kind to me as they should have been. They didn’t smack me around or anything. Most of the time they acted like I wasn’t there.” I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced myself to continue. “I don’t remember my dad ever being kind to me. My mom took care of me, but there were times she left me to fend for myself. Even when she was home. After they died, I lived with my grandmother.”
I closed my eyes and took a breath. When I felt I could continue, I blinked and looked at Cotton. “When she passed, they put me in foster care. I ran away and took care of myself until I could go to college. I’d been lucky enough to get a scholarship that covered my tuition and housing, but I hadn’t been able to stay longer than one year. When I met Tyler, well, I didn’t really believe he loved me, but he was kind to me.” I scoffed. “Or I thought he was.”
He hooked a finger under my chin and tilted my face back. “What kind of family do you want? For us?”
I let my heart lead me. This wasn’t the time to hide, and we’d never build a life together if I kept too many secrets. “I want you to make love to me. I want a family. One where we love and care for each other, like Fox and Raven. If at all possible, I’d like the love to go both ways.”
“Love, hmm?” He rubbed his jaw. “I have to say, I’m starting to feel that way myself. Since you’re a sweet and sexy woman, I wouldn’t mind falling in love with you, Lavinia. Better than what I thought might happen in my life.”
My brow furrowed. “Why?”
“I had a feeling I wouldn’t find any woman willing to be mine and still accept me. I’d all but given up.” He kissed my temple and stroked my back. “We’ll have that family, Lavinia. Might even have more than one kid. Not something I’d have thought of before, but with you… it seems possible.”
Not only had he accepted this baby as his own, but Cotton also gave me his heart. I knew it as easily as I knew my own name. Things were changing. For both of us.
“I feel that way too.” I propped my chin on my hand and gazed down at him. “I never thought someone as amazing as you would choose to love me.”
He gave me a grin. “So? How long do you think you can last in bed with me, hmm? Think you can take me one more round?”
“I think I’ll do whatever it takes to feel you inside me again. When you hold me, I know I can face anything.”
His eyes darkened, and his hand came around to cup the back of my neck. As he rolled me to my back, he loomed above me. His lips brushed mine, and he gave me a devastating smile. “I liked you being on top, but I think I want control this time.”
I chuckled. “Whatever you want, Cotton.”
“Is it better for you on top?” he asked.
I hesitated a moment and nodded.
“Darlin’, take me again. Can’t wait for you to show me how much you adore your man.”
He never asked me to prove anything. Yet the words seemed romantic in a way, and a part of me responded. I licked my lips as his gaze grew even more hooded. I rolled him beneath me, straddling his hips. Heady power raced through me, making me feel like more than I was.
The emotions he made me feel gave me strength. For the first time since we met, I realized I had what it took to love and protect my child. It was all because of the man who’d chosen me. And now I’d chosen him too. I spent the next hour pleasing him, and he gave me so many orgasms I lost count. I cuddled against his side, my palm over his heart.
His breathing grew heavier, and I knew he’d fallen asleep. I closed my eyes, feeling the same pull. Maybe I’d rest a little while longer. Then again, with this man holding me, falling back asleep wouldn’t be difficult.
I’d tell him whatever he wanted to hear if it meant more moments like this. I had my family, and Cotton would ensure all three of us were safe. When my eyes drifted shut, I let out a content sigh, happier than I’d ever been.
The warmth of Cotton’s embrace was like a cozy blanket shielding me from the harsh realities of the outside world. I’d memorized the beat of his heart and found it soothing. As I lay there, listening to the slow and steady thump, my thoughts wandered. Everything had changed so much over the last few weeks. When I thought about my life now, it felt like I was a different person.
I’d been so isolated and alone. Now? Cotton made sure I had everything I needed. I wouldn’t look like I’d stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine. We lived in a small town and my clothes were definitely more suited for that type of life. When I’d started to put on some weight and my jeans had been tight, he’d brought me some pants that were comfortable and wouldn’t cut off circulation in my belly.
No matter how much he’d given me, all the things he’d provided, it wasn’t what I was the most grateful for. His support meant the world to me. Being pregnant scared the daylights out of me, but I felt like I could do it if he was by my side. Or maybe it was more the part that came later… giving birth and being responsible for a child. He regularly told me things weren’t just mine to do. There were late nights, diaper blowouts, spittle, and a whole lot of other gross things in my near future. He’d made sure I knew I wasn’t dealing with any of it by myself.
My eyes teared up as I thought about how much I loved this man. He’d always say or do something when I was stressed that made me feel cherished. The caress of his breath on my forehead, and the strength in his arms, made me feel safe. I burrowed a little deeper into him, wanting to feel the heat of his body. In his arms, I’d never be unwanted or uncared for ever again.
Cotton had been a gift from the universe. I didn’t want to think about my life without him, and I had no plans to leave his side. There’d never be a man better than him. His arms squeezed me a bit, and I smiled. If he wanted me to move, he was out of luck.
“Love you,” I whispered.
He pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Love you too, princess.”
We had no idea what the future held in store for us, but it wouldn’t matter. As long as I had Cotton, and he had me, we’d be just fine.
* * *
Cotton
Things had been quieter these days. Too quiet. And yet, despite all of us being on high alert, Tyler still managed to get the drop on us.
A thunderous explosion shattered the stillness. The ground trembled beneath my feet, and the gates of the Hades Abyss compound flew off their hinges. Debris and dust filled the air. My ears rang from the blast. Someone must have used C4. As seconds passed, the acrid scent of smoke hit my nose, but it was the rapid gunfire that had me diving for cover.
I hit the ground, rolling behind a stack of tires. As I drew my gun, I searched my surroundings. Where the fuck was Lavinia? She’d been walking toward our house just before the blast. The thought of her getting hurt had my heart pounding harder than the adrenaline flooding my veins. I peeked out from behind the tires and spotted her near the clubhouse, but a man was charging for her.
Hell no!
I bolted toward her, but before I made it five steps, a bullet hit my arm. I raised the gun in my good hand and squeezed off two shots before ducking behind a truck.
“Stay down!” I yelled to Lavinia.
I frantically searched for her again and saw two of my brothers down. Fangs had a bullet in his thigh, and Carlos, one of our Prospects, was clutching a bloody shoulder. His arm didn’t look any better. Fuck me.
I scanned the compound for Lavinia again, getting to my feet. Just as I took a step, Tyler raised his gun and fired. The bullet creased my ear, and I hit the ground. Biting back the pain, I crawled far enough to take cover behind another vehicle. My heart pounded as I curled my hand against my side.
Lavinia screamed and I peeked around the corner in time to see the guy who’d made my woman cry drag her away. Every time I tried to reach her, more bullets whizzed past me. Tyler fired on me again and again, joined by another man. No matter what, I couldn’t fucking move.
The gunfire stopped, and I looked around enough to see what was happening. Tyler and his friend were reloading. I raised my gun and fired at the man beside him. The bullet hit the first man center mass and he collapsed. Tyler flinched. Then I sighted him in my line of fire. He tried to dodge, but my bullet grazed him.
Two more men opened fire, with my brothers fighting back. I worried Lavinia might get caught in the crossfire. I saw the man forcing her out of the compound, then down the street. Biting back a curse, I ducked as low as I could and took cover.
The bullets stopped flying, and I waited. When I didn’t hear anything for several minutes, I carefully climbed to my feet. Tyler and his men were gone, and they’d taken Lavinia. Rocket groaned, and I noticed he’d taken a bullet to the shoulder. Fox had been grazed, but otherwise seemed fine.
Dread looked around at all of us. Probably taking stock of what he’d need. Without a word, Dread ran for his house to grab his supplies. The man was a legit doctor, and I was glad to have him here with us.
“Everyone inside,” Fox said. “Except you, Hornet. Make sure no one can get through the gates until we can get a new one put up. We’ll have to reinforce the fence while we’re at it.”
I followed the others into the clubhouse. Dread set up a makeshift infirmary in some of the unused rooms. We’d used them for guests during events, but otherwise, they stayed empty. Now each one held an injured brother or two.
Dread made his rounds and patched up Rocket first. Then he came to my room and got to work on my arm. He didn’t waste time with any pleasantries. No, he cleaned out the wound, dug out the bullet, and stitched me up. Not much he could do for my ear except disinfect and patch it.
“It’s going to leave an ugly scar,” Dread said. “But you’re damn lucky. You’ll live.”
I nodded. I could live with a scar. As long as Lavinia was okay, I didn’t fucking care. When he finished up, I rolled my shoulder, testing the stitches and the range of motion. I’d be sore for a bit, but at least I could still function.
After everyone else had been treated, I headed into the main room. Fox clicked off his phone and looked over at me. I stopped in front of him.
“I’m going after her.” Once I found her, I’d kill every one of the bastards.
Fox shook his head. “You’ll wait. If you go off half-cocked, you’ll get yourself killed. We don’t even know where Tyler took her. We need to track them down first.”
I dragged my hand through my hair. “So you expect me to just sit here while they do God knows what to Lavinia?”
“Yes! I know you’re worried about her, but I won’t let you rush off and get yourself caught or killed. You’re no good to Lavinia if you’re dead. We’ll find her. You have my word.”
He faced the rest of the club, and I knew he was getting ready to make a speech. I quickly looked around, but didn’t spot Ryan. Where the hell had he run off to? The fact he wasn’t here right now was both a good and bad thing. He wouldn’t hear Fox’s plans, but I had to wonder if he’d run off to help Tyler again.
“We’re taking a day to recover and lick our wounds. Spend time with your families, because tomorrow it’s all hands on deck to find Lavinia and bring her home. Cotton’s going to be ready to fight, and I’ll need each of you at your best. Don’t come back without her. Understood?”
Everyone nodded.
“Cotton, you’re with Dread until we find her. Or you can stay with Bear. Your choice.” Fox stared me down, and I knew he meant business. Four of our guys had been hurt, not including myself, but Lavinia was the only one taken. I’d failed my woman, and if I didn’t get her back, I’d never be able to live with myself.
“I don’t like it,” I said.
“I don’t care,” Fox said. “You can rest up, and we’ll spring into action soon as we can.”
I looked at him. “No more than one day. I mean it, Fox. I won’t wait longer than that. Plan or no plan, I’ll go after her.”
He gave a sharp look. “You’ll do what I tell you, or you stay behind.”
I’d follow his orders if it meant getting Lavinia back. But if I thought he was taking too long, or might get her killed, then I’d go with or without permission. Everything spun, and I nearly fell over. One of the Prospects placed my arm over his shoulder.
“You sure you’re not concussed?” Dread asked.
“Adrenaline is wearing off,” I muttered.
“Right. And tell me how you were planning to get your woman back when you can barely stand.”
I didn’t answer. Didn’t have to. We both knew it was impossible. He helped me into one of the club trucks. Somehow, this one didn’t have any damage. The other two were full of bullet holes. I wasn’t sure how Fox would explain that one to the insurance company. Dread got behind the wheel and drove us to his house.
Dread showed me to the spare bedroom and forced me to sit on the bed. He clicked on the TV and handed me the remote. I toed off my boots and stretched out.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” Dread said. “Get some rest.”
I growled and nodded. Once he left, I closed my eyes. No matter what I had to do, I’d get my woman back. Even if I had to kill every single person who dared lay a hand on her. She’d come home if it was the last thing I ever did.
I couldn’t sleep. No amount of tossing and turning would help. My mind kept racing. Even the background noise of the TV couldn’t distract me from my thoughts.
My heart twisted in my chest. She had to have been gone for a few hours. Each moment I sat here, she got further from me. Anything could be happening to her right now. I’d never forgive myself if she was hurt. It would be my fault. I’d failed her. Tears burned my eyes and I looked up at the ceiling. I hadn’t cried in years.
As I shifted in the bed again, I felt something in my pocket. Reaching in, I pulled out one of Lavinia’s hair ties. I squeezed it tight. She’d been standing too far away when Tyler and his men showed up. I’d tried to reach her. Failed. I’d promised her everything would be fine, and I’d protect her, but I hadn’t been able to do a damn thing. Her screams haunted me. I didn’t know what they’d do to her, and didn’t want to imagine it. How had I let this happen? She’d trusted me, and this was how I repaid that faith.
I squeezed the hair tie again, and more tears burned my eyes. I hadn’t realized I cared for her so much. Not until it was too late. Once I found them, Tyler would never know what hit him. I’d kill him if it was the last thing I ever did.