Chapter 22
Nathan
I sat at my desk in my home office, pouring over the pack's financial reports. Numbers blurred on the screen as laughter echoed from the living room. I smiled. Krystal, Elle, and Bryce were battling it out on their favorite video game. Nothing filled my heart like the sound of my family's joy.
My mind wandered to Rissa, with her warm brown eyes and silky black hair.
I couldn't get her out of my head. She was so beautiful, inside and out.
Part of me longed to explore what we could be together.
But my rational side held back, unwilling to risk more heartache.
I had loved and lost too deeply with Mira.
Yet, Rissa made me feel again. She made me want to fall in love again.
The ringing of my cell phone jolted me out of my musings. I glanced at the screen and saw Rissa’s name. Worry jolted through me as I answered. "Rissa? Is everything okay?"
Her silvery laugh eased my fears. "Everything's fine. Gavin's at work, and I was thinking... Why don't you come over?"
I hesitated for only a moment, desire and duty warring within me. "I'll be there soon."
Excitement thrummed through my veins as I hung up. I knew I was playing with fire but couldn't resist the pull between us. Rissa understood me like no one else. When I was with her, the heavy mantle of leadership fell away. I felt alive again.
I shut down my computer. Pack business could wait until tomorrow. Tonight, I would answer the call of my heart, even if only for a stolen moment.
Stepping out of my home office, I entered the living room where Krystal and the kids were engrossed in their video game. Laughter and electronic beeps filled the air. I paused, drinking in the sight of my little family, happy and carefree.
"Hey Krystal, I need to go take care of something," I said, grabbing my truck keys off the hook by the door. "I shouldn't be too long."
Krystal waved me off, her attention never leaving the TV screen. "No worries. We'll be fine here. Though you're missing out—I'm totally kicking Bryce's butt at Mario Kart."
Bryce groaned in mock outrage as Krystal's kart sailed past him on screen. "Hey, no fair! I was distracted!"
"Excuses, excuses," Elle teased, elbowing her cousin.
I chuckled, shaking my head fondly at their antics. "Alright, you hooligans. Don't get into too much trouble. I'll see you later."
A chorus of, "Bye," followed me out the door. My wolf stirred restlessly beneath my skin, eager to be near Rissa.
The drive to Gavin's house was short. Before I knew it, I was standing on their front stoop, my heart pounding an erratic rhythm. I raised my hand to knock.
The door swung open, revealing Rissa wrapped in nothing but a short, pink, silk robe. The delicate material clung to her curves, leaving little to the imagination. Desire slammed into me like a freight train, derailing any doubts.
Rissa's eyes widened at the sight of me, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. Her long, dark hair tumbled around her shoulders in tousled waves. She looked irresistible like a fantasy come to life.
I didn't say a word. I couldn't. Rendered mute by the strength of my need, I stepped forward, shutting the door firmly behind me. Then I took her face between my hands and captured her lips in a searing kiss.
Rissa groaned against my mouth, winding her arms around my neck and pressing the entire length of her body to mine. I deepened the kiss, my tongue tangling with hers in a sensual dance that left me aching for more. Her fingers threaded through my hair, tugging me even closer.
Lost in a haze of desire, I scooped Rissa into my arms, cradling her against my chest. She let out a surprised gasp that quickly turned into a moan as I carried her down the hallway toward her bedroom.
Kicking the door shut behind us, I crossed the room in a few long strides and lowered Rissa gently onto the bed. She looked up at me with heavy-lidded eyes, her robe falling open to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of smooth, golden skin.
Fuck, she was gorgeous.
I swallowed hard, my pulse thundering in my ears. It had been so long since I'd allowed myself to feel this way, to want someone with such intensity. But with Rissa, it felt right. Inevitable, even.
Settling my weight over her, I trailed my lips along the elegant column of her throat, savoring the warmth of her skin and the sweet, feminine scent that was uniquely hers. Rissa sighed, arching into my touch, her nails raking lightly down my back.
"Nathan," she breathed, my name a plea on her lips. "I need you."
Those words were my undoing. With a low growl, I claimed her mouth again, pouring all the pent-up longing and desire into the kiss. There was no going back now. I was lost to her, heart and soul.
I slowly peeled her robe the rest of the way, revealing the lush curves of her body.
My dick hardened even more at the sight of her, so perfect and so mine.
I worshiped every inch of her with my lips and tongue, starting at the delicate curve of her collarbone and working my way down.
Rissa's moans spurred me on, and her hips rolled beneath me like she had an ache only I could soothe.
When I finally reached the apex of her thighs, I buried my face between her legs and feasted on her sweetness. Rissa's cries of pleasure spiraled around the room, her hands fisting in the sheets.
I slid two fingers inside her as I teased her clit with my tongue. "Come now, Rissa.”
Rissa
Nathan’s lips and tongue were like fire, sparking a blaze that spread through my veins, igniting every nerve ending. I arched my back, offering myself up to him, consumed by the need for more.
His talented mouth and magic fingers left me trembling, on the brink of orgasm.
When he slid his fingers inside me and teased my clit with his tongue, I lost control, crying out his name as the world exploded around me.
Wave after wave of ecstasy crashed over me, taking me higher than I'd ever thought possible.
I marveled at the raw power that was Nathan Gallagher. He was a sight to behold. And mine.
Moments later, he stood and removed his clothes.
Climbing on the bed, he settled between my legs again.
With one powerful thrust, he filled me. Stretched me in the best way possible.
Our gazes locked, and in those chocolate depths, I found a connection I'd never experienced before.
We moved together, our bodies melding into a symphony of gasps and moans. This was right.
I tossed my head back, surrendering to the sensations coursing through me. "Nathan," I groaned.
"Fuck yeah," he growled against my neck, thrusting harder. And then we were both crying out each other's names as we came together in a shattering climax that left us shaking with pleasure.
We collapsed onto the bed, our hearts pounding in tandem, our breathing ragged. I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt so alive, so complete. Nathan's arms around me felt like home. A sanctuary I never knew I needed.
He shifted so that we were spooning, his chest pressed against my back, his warmth enveloping me. I could have fallen asleep like that, but Nathan had other plans. "I won't be able to stop thinking about you now," he whispered.
I turned to face him, a smile tugging at my lips. "Good, because I don't plan on letting you.
He grinned at me. “Shower?”
“Sure.”
Before I could get up, Nathan lifted me into his arms. He carried me into the bathroom, where he lowered me to my feet.
Then he turned on the shower. Moments later, steam billowed around us as we stepped under the hot spray.
Nathan's hands were everywhere, igniting my skin and stoking the fire within me.
Before I knew it, I was pressed against the cool tiles with my legs wrapping around his waist as he entered me in one smooth thrust. The contrast between the cold wall and his hot body ignited the wildfire inside me even more.
We moved together, the water cascading over us, our moans echoing in the small space.
The intensity built quickly, our bodies already primed from our previous lovemaking. With a few more deep strokes, we both tumbled over the edge, our cries of ecstasy intermingling with the sound of the rushing water.
We took our time washing each other, savoring the intimacy of the moment. But eventually, the water turned tepid, and we knew our time was up. Nathan stepped out first, drying off and getting dressed while I slipped into my comfy pajamas.
I walked him to the door, a bittersweet feeling settling in my chest. I didn't want him to leave, but I knew he had to. We shared one last kiss, pouring all our unspoken emotions into it.
"Goodnight, Rissa," he whispered against my lips.
"Goodnight, Nathan," I replied, my voice thick with emotion.
The door clicked shut behind him. I leaned against it for a moment, closing my eyes and replaying the night's events in my mind. A smile crept onto my face. This was actually working.