Chapter 11
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Claire
Four weeks later…
I stir awake, cocooned in the warmth of Erik's embrace.
My back is fitted to his chest, and his breath is slow, even, against the curve of my neck. The morning sun, a gentle, golden glow, pours through the lofty windows, transforming the space into a warm, inviting haven.
For a few seconds, before memory rushes back, the world feels suspended. Safe.
Then his hand moves, slow and deliberate, down my waist.
“Morning, little one,” he murmurs, his voice still thick with sleep.
My breath catches because the moment he touches me, my body responds, full, sensitized, and warm. My breasts ache with a fullness that’s become part of my mornings now. And the way he touches me makes every nerve tremble in anticipation.
He rolls me gently onto my back, his thumb brushing the edge of my breast.
“That look,” he whispers, eyes darkening, “is my favorite part of waking up.”
Heat floods my cheeks. “What look?”
“Wanting,” he says simply.
ERIK
I pick her up again, this time settling her on my lap. I need more of her.
“I want to taste you everywhere.” Her eyes are dilated, and her legs spread. I roll her onto her back and pull up her hips slightly, placing a pillow under her round bottom, dipping between her silky thighs.
My morning stubble rasps against her leg as I drag my lips to the edge of her panties, already damp from her desire. I utter a curse in my native tongue as I yank them aside and plunge my face into her pussy.
Her fingers rip through my hair, pushing my head further, then gasping as she tries to drag it away. I slow my licking to gently circle her swollen clit, gripping her hips to tame her wild bucking.
God, she is responsive to my slightest touch. It is a miracle I don’t take for granted. She is so open and ready for me; my cock screams to have her right here and now. But when I glance up at her, the look on her face, mouth open and full of rapture, makes me want to hear her scream first.
I plunge my tongue deep inside her wet folds, in and out the way my cock longs to, stroking her slit and nibbling at her tender nub until her legs go tight around my shoulders and her breath expels in a high-pitched wheeze.
“Oh my God, Erik,” she cries, grasping at my hair. “Oh My God."
I chuckle, even though it seems like I was the one worshiping the moment. And still I keep lavishing her with attention and affection. Her hands go limp and lie at her sides, and I relent, nipping at her as I work my way up her belly to her mouth. I want to kiss her with her juices on my lips.
“Tell me you want more, Claire,” I command.
My hand slides between her thighs and cups her still-pulsing sex. She kisses me hard, panting from the orgasm I gave her.
“I want more, please, Sir… so much more.”
I grab her up and back us deeper into the bed, my fingers tight in her soft flesh, bursting to feel her skin against my palms. I can’t contain a groan of pleasure as I cup her sweet ass. Her arms tighten around my neck, her breath hitching as she frantically kisses me.
She wraps her legs around my waist and squeezes as if I’d ever let her go. “Erik,” she whispers, the heat of her breath making me hold her tighter.
“I won’t let go,” I promise, falling backward. She tumbles with me to land on my chest, and I roll us to the side.
“You’re my entire world,” she says as her innocent eyes search mine, and a smile wreathes her lovely face. I find I am excited for each upward tilt of her full lips, craving those smiles.
I run my fingers through her hair. My hand settles in between her thighs again, her soft moan making me harder.
“And you’re my entire world as well, little one," I affirm.
I hear her breathy intake as she feels my words sink in. I slip my fingers into her wet heat, then she smiles down at me.
“I love you,” she says with a sweet smile that has my cock pulsing. I drag my fingers out of her wet heat and grab her hips, sinking my fingers into the ample flesh as she sinks her body onto me.
My blissful groan has her looking smugly down at me, but I don’t mind her little bit of arrogance. It is well deserved, and I’ll be making her scream again soon enough.
She rides me hard, and I enjoy the view as her heavy breasts bounce and she throws her head back, allowing her hair to fall against the arching curve of her spine. My hands roam with a mind of their own as my cock greedily takes everything she gives.
I reach to tweak her taut nipples, running my hands down her sides to grip her waist. “I love you more, little one.” Leaning down, her nipples brush my chest and her lips drag from my jaw to my earlobe.
"God, you feel so good,” she breathes huskily. Pulling back, her cheeks are pink and her eyes wide, as if she can’t believe she said it.
I laugh even as my balls contract tight against her. “As do you, my love,” I say, flipping her easily onto her back. “It’s my turn now. " I come down smoothly between her lush thighs, my cock ramming deep into her. Both our moans mingle as our mouths collide.
Her tight channel locking around my shaft is the most delicious pain, transporting me in a way I don’t recognize. Who is this woman to make me feel such rapture?
As much as I want to take my pleasure from her perfect body, I have to see her come and watch those doe eyes roll back and those plump lips fall open as I make her lose control.
Her gasps punctuate my hard thrusts, and I ease back, sliding my fingers between us, never taking my eyes off her gorgeous face.
She blinks, focusing on me as I find her clit, and her legs tighten around my hips. “Oh yes, Erik,” she sighs. I live for those soft breaths. “Right there…” I watch her forget where she is, forget everything but the pure pleasure I coax with my fingertips.
Then I forget everything as her tight pussy clenches around my shaft, and her screams fill my ears. With another thrust, I am spent, filling her with my seed. I collapse against her, our sweat mingling.
She says something unintelligible, and I answer something just as inane. She buries her face in my neck as we both laugh. “Best man ever.” I am humbled by her words, surprised she transports me so easily from my problems, and glad I’d made her forget hers.
“My little one, you’re the best ever,” I say, gazing into her lust-filled eyes.
Claire
When we embrace, entwined in warmth and breath, he draws me nearer, his chest rising and falling as he tenderly caresses my hair. His aftercare is always slow, patient, and grounding, like he’s resetting both of us with every touch.
“Stay home today,” he murmurs against my temple. “Rest. Eat. Pump. I want your body calm.”
“I was planning to,” I whisper. “I’m feeling a little… drained.”
His hand slides to my hip, protective. Suddenly his phone buzzes. He reaches for his phone on the nightstand, still half-relaxed, until his brows slam together.
“What’s wrong?” I slowly sit up.
“A text from Bjorn.” His voice drops into command. “Warehouse alert. Motion sensors triggered at the Port of Houston location.”
My stomach tightens. “Is this SableCorp?”
“I’m going to find out.” He cups my cheek. “But you stay here. No bookstore today.”
“I was going to tell Leander,” I say. “I’ll text him now.”
He kisses me slowly, lingeringly, and almost too long for a man about to rush out the door. Then he leaves the bed, tugging on jeans and a polo shirt, his forehead still creased as he reads the text again.
I reach for my phone.
ME → LEANDER: Hey! I’m staying home today. Can you open and close? You can shut down at 1:30 pm. I’ll be near my phone if you need me.
Three dots appear almost instantly.
LEANDER: Yes, ma’am!! Already walking in. Go rest! Sven says hi.
I smile.
Erik finishes dressing and returns to the bed, leaning down to kiss me again, firmer this time.
“I’ll be there in an hour,” he promises.
“Two at most. If you need anything, our three guards are already clocked in for the day. They will drive you anywhere you need to go. You know the drill.” He eyes me with his stern look.
My chest tightens at the worry in his eyes.
About a month ago he decided to hire three men that his brother Leif had recommended.
They are friends of his close friend, who works for our local FBI office here in Houston.
I think they are lovely, but it’s still uncomfortable to have them following me around whenever I go to the bookstore or whenever I need to pick something up at the grocery store.
“I’ll stay at home,” I whisper.
He nods, touches his forehead to mine, and then leaves. The loft feels too quiet without him.
I tie my hair up, tug on a soft, oversized t-shirt, and shuffle to the kitchen to make scrambled eggs and fruit. The smell of butter fills the air. My stomach rumbles. Sheesh, breastfeeding has me eating more and more these days.
Halfway through making breakfast, my phone rings. DR. MADSEN'S OFFICE
I hesitate; my pulse spikes. After what happened with Dr. Rhys a month ago, we’ve done only virtual visits with Dr. M, where she profusely apologizes and assures us that she would only call if it was a needed in-person visit.
But Dr. Madsen herself sounds warm and steady when I answer.
“Claire? I’m so sorry for the late notice.
” Her voice is apologetic. “I reviewed your latest labs from when you got them done two weeks ago, and one of your electrolyte markers came back with conflicting results. It’s probably nothing, but since we’re adjusting your induction schedule, I’d feel better if I could retest in person. ”
My grip tightens on the phone. “Is Dr. Rhys there?”
A pause. Then, gently, “No. He’s been reassigned to a different clinic. It’s just me and our other partner, Dr. Monroe. She primarily sees all of our mothers-to-be. I wanted to tend to you personally.”
Relief floods me, but anxiety lingers. Can we do a virtual meeting and test later?” I ask.
“I wish we could.” She sighs. “But this one needs an immediate draw so I can ensure we’re not dealing with anything too serious. It’ll take ten minutes. I’ll have one of my nurses assist you. I recall you mentioning in our last virtual visit that you have three guards with you; is that correct?”
“Yes.”
You can have all three wait in the lobby or send one with us. What is your preference?”
I think for a moment and then let her know that Erik prefers two on the outside and one on the inside.
However, since there is narrow space in the back, I didn’t see a reason for anyone to come back, as we’ll only be a few minutes.
My conscience tugs. Erik wants me to rest. And I promised him I wouldn’t leave.
“Erik really wanted me to stay home today,” I say with a slight shake in my voice.
“Claire...” Her voice softens. “I just don’t want anything to jeopardize your progress.”
I exhale slowly. “Okay. I’ll come in after breakfast. It may take some time to set up arrangements. Is there a particular time you’d like for me to arrive by?”
“If you’d like additional privacy, you’re welcome to stop by around our lunch hour. Most of our staff is at lunch, and we usually have a nurse or nurse tech at the front desk that can assist you while I finish up with our last patient. And no rush, I’ll be waiting.”
I feel better knowing there isn’t a major rush and that she is trying to accommodate me. When I hang up, the anxiety remains sharp, but her words resonate with me. She’s never given me any reason not to trust her.
I scarf down my breakfast, clean up, and then proceed to shower and dress for my clinic visit. I text the leader of my three guards, Jerry, and make sure they are ready when I come downstairs.
Before I leave, I text Erik.
ME: Just got a quick call from Dr. Madsen. Minor retest. I’ll come right home. The guards are with me. I love you!
The message spins.
Sending… Sending… Failed to Deliver.
My brows knit. I try to send a text again.
Failed.
A prickle crawls across my skin. Maybe he’s in a dead zone…
I write a quick text to Grace instead.
Claire: Morning, sweetie! How’s our pregnant goddess feeling? And what are you up to today?
Grace responds within seconds.
Grace: Feeling huge now that the baby is measuring at twenty-three weeks! Baby kicks nonstop. I’m going to Dr. Madsen's and Dr. Monroe’s office today. I need to get some lab work done plus get an updated ultrasound picture because Bjorn is obsessed! What are you up to today?
A small knot of reassurance loosens.
Claire: Nice! I might see you at Dr. M let me ask if she’s heard from her yet. Little one, come here.”
I can hear movement in the background and wait impatiently as Bjorn addresses Grace.
“Sweetheart, have you spoken to Claire today?”
There is a moment of silence, and then she speaks.
“Yes, she texted me saying she was called into the clinic, and I told her I had an appointment there, so I’d try to wave hello to her.
I saw Uncle Erik's company car in the parking lot, where two of his guards were present, while another guard waited in the waiting room. It’s so strange, Daddy; I never once saw Claire in the back. ”
My chest constricts. Hard.
“She was supposed to be inside,” Grace says. “But… I didn’t see her at all. It was so weird, Daddy.”
Grace’s voice filters through the receiver, confused, soft, but clear.
My vision tunnels. “Something has happened,” I growl.
Bjorn inhales sharply. “Brother…” His voice cracks like splitting ice.
The world goes silent.
“FUCK!” I roar into the phone and then hang up as I hear Bjorn raising his voice on the other end.
I’m already running for the door, for the car, and for the only woman whose body, whose heart, and whose very breath are now in the hands of monsters.
And God help every soul involved because… I am coming for her.