Chapter 10
Summer
With Patrick’s recent foray into photography, Nick asked me to do more training sessions. To accommodate his Monday and Wednesday teaching schedule, we’ll meet on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Once I talk to Jake, I meet the guys out back. E and Seb are harvesting from the garden while Nick and I train. We go for a quick run, then he begins to train me in Krav Maga. He’s patient but firm with me, as always. Apparently, the basics will only take months to learn, but it’s very effective.
By the time we've both showered, E has supper ready for us. We enjoy a meal together, then move to the living room to relax.
“How did the talk with Alex go?” I ask. We didn’t mention it at school, but Reesa was still wearing the ring.
“He’s at least talking to us again,” Seb shrugs. “I don’t think he’s decided what to do yet, but said he doesn’t want to be engaged.”
“He’ll stay engaged,” Nick says, seeming sure.
“I hope not. That boy needs to straighten out,” I reply, shaking my head. How have I ended up with two wealthy friends who are being molded by their families and letting it happen?
“Whatever you talked about has him thinking Summer, so that’s something,” E offers.
We settle in to watch a movie. After it’s over, I get ready for bed, but Nick does the same. “Are you staying, Grumpy?”
He nods in response. I check him over to determine if he’s overly tired, but he doesn’t seem to be. There are no bags under his eyes, and he’s not fidgeting. “Do you need me?”
Nick looks up at me, searching my face, and I have my answer before he says anything. “I’ll be right back.” Walking into my room, I find Seb and E chatting on the bed. “Guys, Nick needs me tonight. He’s staying. Are you okay in here? I’ll join you tomorrow night.”
“Go ahead, Sunshine. We’re fine,” Seb says, as E gives me a nod.
I wish them goodnight, grabbing pajamas before going into the bathroom. Once I complete my nightly routine, I return to the guest room. Nick is in bed with his laptop on his legs. Crawling to the far side, I snuggle up beside him. “What are we watching tonight?” I ask.
“Depends,” he responds.
“On what?” I ask, looking up into his eyes.
I have a moment to register the scorching heat before Nick attacks my mouth with a searing, punishing kiss.
The soft give of the pillow cushions my head as he pushes me back, the scent of his cologne sharp and intoxicating.
Our tongues tangle in a frantic dance. A deep groan rumbles in his chest as he pulls away to set the laptop on the nightstand.
He’s back in an instant, dragging me flat, his weight warm and solid settling against me.
My arms and legs wind around him as his kisses deepen, both passionate and urgent.
My heart pounds a frantic rhythm against my ribs until I’m sure he can feel it trying to beat out of my chest.
My hips start to roll, a smooth rocking motion against his tall frame, but he’s so tall I’m rubbing against his stomach, which doesn’t give me the friction I crave.
Nick’s powerful arms gently roll us to our sides.
His fingers, long and calloused, slip beneath my panties and shorts, finding their target with practiced ease.
I bite my bottom lip to keep quiet as the pleasure builds, burying my face in the comforting scent of his chest. Nick’s body tilts back, pulling my shirt up over my chest, his lips finding my nipple with a searing pull.
A muffled moan escapes as he slides his finger lower, one thick digit invading my heat while his thumb traces hypnotic circles against my clit. “Nick,” I pant, grabbing his man bun.
“Let go, Shortie,” he growls before biting my breast.
I fly over the precipice, wave upon wave flowing over my body as I ride through my orgasm.
Nick is as intense as his appearance suggests.
With a powerful physique and eyes that blaze with passion, his strength is undeniable.
He approaches everything with an unrelenting intensity.
I collapse in a daze afterwards, my gaze landing on Nick sucking my juices from his finger.
Resting on his side, he tenderly runs the tip of his index finger in circles around my nipple, giving me a moment to recuperate.
Once my heart rate has settled, I reach out to rub him through his shorts. “Do you want me on my knees again?” I ask boldly.
Nick groans from deep in his chest with approval. “Fuck yes, shirt off, Shortie.”
I happily get up and pull my camisole off before getting onto my knees at the side of the bed.
The heat in Nick’s eyes goes molten. “Perfect,” he whispers before sliding to the edge of the bed and dropping his shorts.
I quickly lick up his huge shaft and suck on his tip before wrapping my hand around his length.
He lets me play for a few minutes, then gathers my hair, wrapping it around his fist. “Lean forward like I showed you,” he says, so I do as asked, stretching out my neck.
Nick gently starts to fuck my mouth until I figure out my breathing again.
He pushes deeper, the solid warmth a welcome pressure, reminding me to swallow.
A few deep, rhythmic pumps later, I softly squeeze and pull his balls while rubbing the skin behind them with a finger.
A guttural grunt escapes him as he explodes, a hot thick rush filling my mouth.
The salty tang of his cum, slightly sweet, floods my senses.
Some dribbles out, a warm trickle down my chin.
We’re both breathless, chests heaving when he pulls out.
I swipe the cum from my face onto my thumb, licking it clean.
Nick groans at the sight before flopping back on the bed.
Patting his knee, I get up to pee and brush my teeth before going back to bed.
Nick is still sprawled on his back, shorts bunched around his ankles, a tanned arm thrown carelessly over his eyes.
He’s such a magnificent specimen. Sculpted muscles, sun-kissed skin, and intricate tattoos.
Never had I envisioned myself with a “bad boy,” yet he has an undeniable allure.
The surprising tenderness and safety from him steals my breath away.
I slide under the covers on the far side. “You okay?” I ask.
Nick moves his arm and looks over at me. “Where the fuck did you learn that?” He asks.
“I like research,” I shrug.
“Fuck,” he mutters, sitting up to pull his shorts back on and getting into bed beside me. He wraps an arm behind my head as I lean into his chest. “I like your research,” he says, kissing the top of my head.
“Noted,” I smile. “Now talk to me. What’s bothering you?” I ask.
“Worried about Patrick. He’s quiet.”
“Well, he sent the note and the pictures to us,” I say as I trace my finger over his chest.
“Yeah, but that’s unusual. He’s all action. Subtle threats aren’t his style.”
“I imagine he's adjusted his strategy since being thrown into prison. Has your friend found anything else out?”
“Not much. He’s running drugs with a crew. Fawx thinks he’s working for someone.”
“That’s more information than we had before, Grumpy. What about tracking his phone, like he’s doing to us?”
“No, burner phones. He’s planning something, Shortie, and whatever it is, it’s bad.”
“Whatever it is, we will deal with it, Grumpy. Together.”
“I don’t want you anywhere near this, Shortie. You could get hurt,” Nick says, pulling me tighter into him.
“Maybe, but we don’t know that. Besides, you’re gonna turn me into a ninja soon enough, aren’t you?” I ask, tickling his side.
Nick grunts, but I get on top of him before he can roll me over. I mercilessly tickle him, my fingers dancing across his sides, as he wiggles and squirms below me.
I actually get a full, hearty laugh out of him, a deep, clear baritone with no growl that shakes his whole body, before he rolls me onto my back.
I lay there, stunned. His laugh's a precious gem that resonated in the air.
“Your laugh is beautiful. It lights up your entire face.” I breathe.
He has never been more handsome to me than now.
“Don’t get used to it,” his signature scowl reforms on his face.
“I’ll make you laugh like that again,” I smile up at him. “Come on, let’s get some sleep, Grumpy. We have school in the morning.”
Nick bends down and gives me a gentle, passionate kiss before rolling over and bringing me with him. I snuggle into his side and fall asleep quickly.