18. Maddy
Chapter 18
Maddy
I had walked around the house three full times, trying to find something to pass the time. I was bored out of my mind more and more these days.
The nights were easy, as Niko kept me deliciously busy, and the early mornings were spent sleeping in, most days.
But today, Niko was holed up in his office, having told me that he had to finish the ledgers before he could do anything else. Maybe Jax was free. I made my way down the long hall towards his office-slash-tech cave room, knocking on the door loudly.
“Come in!” His voice hollered from deep within the room.
“Hey, Jax. You busy?” I asked after opening the door, leaning against the door frame.
“Kind of. But if you need something, I can try to help.” His eyes never lifted from his screen, and I knew my efforts were wasted here.
“Nevermind. It’s no big deal,” I shrugged, closing the door once more and wondering what to do with myself. Sully and Deacon were working in the garage, elbow-deep in their latest project. That car part had finally come in, and apparently, it was crunch time for all four of them, leaving me to my own devices — and utter boredom.
Feeling completely deflated, I walked back towards Niko’s office, knocking on the door softly.
“Come in,” he called out. I opened the door and walked in. “Hey, Maddy. Everything okay?” He clicked his mouse a few times before looking up, but when his eyes met mine, there was nothing but a smile on his face.
“Not really,” I sighed heavily, walking across the room and flopping into the chair opposite of him with a thud and a heavy sigh.
“What’s wrong?” His brow furrowed as he spoke, concern etched on his face.
“I’m bored. There is nothing to do around here, and I can’t keep doing this,” I griped. I knew I was pouting, but I didn’t care.
“I’m pretty sure I keep you fairly entertained.” He wagged his eyebrows suggestively, and I rolled my eyes.
“That’s not what I’m talking about, Niko. During the day, you all have your work. But I have nothing. Nothing to work on, or keep myself entertained. It has to stop. I’m going to go crazy sitting around all day.”
“You could read a book,” he suggested, but that only made me more frustrated.
“Niko, I’ve read multiple books since I got here. I need to do something else. Hell, I even went for a run this morning! But I need to busy myself with something . I need a computer or a phone. I won’t talk to anyone, or even log into my accounts. I just need something to entertain me,” I pouted, pulling my feet up into the chair and wrapping my arms around my knees.
“Are you having trouble without your precious Facebook?”
“Ew, Facebook is so 2001. What are you even talking about? My God, you really are old, aren’t you?”
“I’m not that much older than you, you know.”
“I highly doubt that. Get with the times, buddy. But seriously, I just need something to do. Something to fill my time. YouTube, or Netflix, or something. Hell, even Instagram would work at this point. So, unless you can find a solution, I don’t really want to hear a word out of you.”
“Honestly, I think I can do you one better,” he said after a moment. God, that smile did things to me.
“Oh, you think so?” I teased, wanting to find peace and happiness in the witty banter we had, instead of the feeling that kept swirling in the pit of my stomach.
“Yeah, I do. The question is, are you up for an adventure?” His eyes narrowed on mine, a glint of mischief and mayhem playing in those sapphire depths.
“You bet your ass, I am.” I met his gaze with one of my own, ready and willing to go anywhere he was willing to take me. Anything to get out of this damn house.
“Good. Go change your clothes and meet me back down here. We’ll go on an adventure.” There was a twinkle in his eye, a sense of mischief that had my excitement rising to a fever pitch.
“Change my clothes?” I asked, looking down at the simple dress I was currently wearing. “Into what?”
“You’re going to need pants, socks, shoes, and something you don’t mind getting dirty,” he said with a smirk. As soon as the words were out of his mouth, I nodded, bolting from my seat and racing to my room to change. Whatever he had planned sounded a hell of a lot more exciting than sitting around this bachelor pad for yet another afternoon.
It only took me about ten minutes to get back down to his office, ready to go. It would have taken me even less time, but my hair would not cooperate. I tried to braid it twice, and the curls just would not listen to me. The frizz on humid days like this was just unavoidable, so a simple ponytail had to suffice.
Niko was bent over in front of his desk, shoving some items into two large backpacks.
“What are those for?” I asked, nearly skipping into the room in my excitement.
“For our trip.”
“Wait, trip? We’re leaving the property?! Really!!??” I squealed, jumping up and down. “Where are we going?”
“Slow your roll, Rambo. We aren’t leaving the property.” Immediately, my excitement waned, my shoulders slumping as I pouted.
“But you said—”
“I know what I said. And yes, we are going on a trip.”
“If we’re going on a trip that requires packing, that means leaving the property, Niko.”
“No, it doesn’t.”
“Any drive we’d take on the property would take minutes. So what the hell?”
“Who said we were driving?” He zipped up both backpacks, not uttering another word as he helped me sling one of them over my shoulders, spinning me to snap the buckle across my chest and hips to help distribute weight.
“Wait, what?” I sputtered. He simply laughed, taking me by the hand and leading me out of the office and straight out of the house. It wasn’t until then that I noticed he had changed clothes, too.
Gone were the traditional slacks and button-ups he wore. Instead, he was wearing a pair of black cargo shorts and a polo. I’d never seen him in such casual clothing. Honestly, I think the man could have worn a burlap sack and looked good, but perhaps I was biased. After all, I knew what lay beneath the clothing he wore. That sleek, tattooed body could work magic more potent than any Voodoo priest could have ever imagined.
We made our way out into the yard, heading towards the treeline.
“Are you really not going to tell me where we are going?” I huffed.
“Nope.”
“And we’re walking there?”
“Yup.”
“Are you capable of giving more than a one-word answer?”
“Yup.”
The fucking dick.
I resigned myself — begrudgingly — to whatever fate Niko had decided for me today. It couldn’t be worse than doing absolutely nothing.
I followed him as we reached the treeline at the edge of the yard that surrounded the house. What I hadn’t noticed before was the entrance to a small dirt path between the thick, densely packed trees that lined the property on three sides. Niko headed down the path without hesitation, obviously confident in where he was going. I followed him closely, albeit a bit more cautiously.
In what seemed like only seconds, it felt like we were in the middle of absolutely nowhere. The house was out of sight around a bend in the path, and as the sounds of wildlife echoed through the thick trunks, I picked up my pace to make sure Niko didn’t leave me behind. I didn’t really think he would do that, but one can never be too sure.
“Hiking through the woods? That’s your idea of an adventure? I didn’t even put on any bug spray!” I said peevishly. Honestly, who did he think I was, Daniel Boone?
“Right chest strap in the zipper pocket, princess.” He said over his shoulder, “And yes, I do think this will be quite the adventure. Now, why don’t you try not whining like a little baby, and attempt to enjoy the great outdoors for a bit? Or… are you not strong enough to handle a little physical exertion?”
I didn’t miss the devious little smirk in his voice, but his goading worked. I would be damned if I couldn’t keep up with him, hike or no hike. Growling in defiant brattiness, I reached up to my backpack strap and found the pocket he indicated. Sure enough, there was a small spray bottle of insect repellant in it. I quickly applied it to myself, annoyed that he had so easily anticipated my complaint.
We walked in a somewhat peaceful silence for a few minutes, and I couldn’t help but take in the natural beauty around me. Despite the hot stillness of the air beneath the tree canopy, these woods were quite lovely. Birds chirped and sang as they flitted from tree to tree, and squirrels darted along branches and up trunks, chittering angrily at us when we got too close to their territory.
“Watch your step here, Maddy. We’re headed up this incline, and it gets a little rocky.” Niko said about thirty minutes into our hike, indicating a hill in front of us. I could see the path rising at an angle along the slope. About halfway up, I could see rock formations jutting out of the hillside, making fantastic shapes that almost reminded me of fortress walls. The path seemed to cut between them, growing somewhat narrow in a few places.
“Come on, Niko, isn’t it time we turned back? I’m getting all sticky and sweaty. I’ll admit the woods are pretty, but in the middle of summer, it’s like being in a sauna.” I knew I was whining like a spoiled brat, but I didn’t care. I hadn’t done this much physical exercise in I didn’t even know how long, and my legs were already complaining at me. Niko turned and saw me stopped at the bottom of the hill, and crooked a finger at me expectantly.
“Come on, princess. It’s just a bit further, I promise. Or are you going to admit that you can’t keep up?” He raised his eyebrows, adopting a fake look of concern. “Does the little baby need a nap before she can go any further?”
“Like hell, I do, buddy . I can hike every bit as long as you can. You just watch.” With renewed vigor, I marched right up that hill and passed him, not even deigning to spare a glance in his direction. His low, triumphant chuckle only served to spur me on even faster. Had he successfully goaded me into continuing once again? Sure. Was I going to admit it to him? Not on your fucking life.
I hiked doggedly up the hill, passing between the rock formations without even really noticing them. Niko called out after me. “Maddy, wait up! You should really let me lead, you don’t even know where — Maddy!” I ignored him, marching straight up the path.
“What, little boy can’t keep up?” It was my turn to goad him for a change. See how he liked it. I smiled to myself as I heard him growl from behind me.
Niko caught up to me right as I crested the top of the hill, and grabbed my backpack from behind, halting me in my tracks. Not that I needed the help. I stood stock-still, my jaw dropping open for a moment as I took in the sight that greeted me.
Spread out below me was a scene straight off of a postcard. This side of the hill ended about five feet ahead of me in a cliff face about twenty feet high, although I could see the path winding down to the left where the cliff tapered off. At the bottom of the cliff was a pool of water about fifty feet across, and so clear I could see all the way to the bottom. It was surrounded on two sides by the cliff and hillside, and on the other two sides by smooth, time-worn rocks down at water level. I could see a stream exiting the pool on the far side from where we stood, disappearing off into the woods out of sight. All in all, it was one of the most beautiful places I’d ever seen.
Silently, allowing me to take in the majesty of this place, Niko led me down the path and around to where the rocks edged the water. All I could do was stare as I saw from this vantage point that the water had carved its way under the cliffs a bit, making a shaded overhang along that edge. It was magical, like something out of a story.
“Now, tell me this isn’t better than your stupid Instagram feed,” he said, throwing his backpack on the ground and arching his back to stretch tight muscles. I felt the same urge, but stretching was the furthest thing from my mind as I took in the gorgeous little lagoon of a swimming hole set amongst rock outcroppings.
“Niko…” I trailed off, feeling the prick of tears sting my eyes as I took in the sight.
“It’s something else, isn’t it?” He asked. There was no arrogance, only pride in the property he owned. “Definitely better than Instagram,” he chuckled.
“Obviously you have never seen my Instafeed, but whatever. Yeah… it’s pretty,” I shrugged off with feigned nonchalance.
“It’s one of my favorite places on the property. The pool is fed by a spring, so it’s nice and cold, even in the middle of summer.” He sat down on a nearby rock, pulling his backpack with him and grabbing a water bottle from the side pocket before tossing it my way. “Heads up!”
I caught it with ease, immediately opening it to take long, chugging gulps. I was thirsty beyond belief.
“It’s so hot today,” I complained, feeling the sweat pool at the small of my back and bead against my forehead as I ran the cold bottle over my skin to cool me down.
“It wouldn’t be so hot if it weren’t for the humidity,” he shrugged.
“Spoken like a true Missourian,” I scoffed with a roll of my eyes.
I plucked at my shirt after removing my own backpack, feeling the fabric stick to my skin in a sweaty, almost sickening way. Then I got the most brilliant stroke of genius.
Crossing my arms in front of me, I pulled my tank over my head, followed quickly by my sports bra.
“What the—? Maddy, are you really doing this again?” he whined.
“Hush.” It was a command, one I knew he would not obey, but I paid him no mind. I was a woman on a mission. I tugged at my leggings, pulling them down my legs along with my underwear as I kicked my shoes off. Once all of my clothing was removed, I made a run for it.
“Maddy!” He shouted, but I was long gone by the time the words left his lips. I dashed along a flat rock that jutted a few feet into the water and took a running leap off the edge, hitting the water in a cannonball.
The water was perfectly clear, and cold enough that it almost took my breath away. Where I’d landed was deep enough that when I came back up to the surface and put my feet down, I was submerged to the chest .
“What are you doing?” he shouted from the bank.
“Swimming. What does it look like?” I shot right back, tipping my head back to let my hair splay out behind me as I bobbed in the perfect water.
“We didn’t bring suits,” he lamented.
“Does it look like that stopped me? Come join me!” I urged, waving him over.
“I just said I didn’t bring a suit.” Was he pouting? From where I stood wading in the water, it certainly looked like it.
“Aw, is pretty boy afraid of a little skinny dipping?” I teased, wading closer to him before rearing my arm back and pushing my open palm forward against the water’s glassy surface, dousing him with a huge spray of water.
“You little minx! You’ll pay for that!” he cried out.
“No, I won’t. You’re too afraid to get naked and swim with me, so it looks like I’m in the clear.” I tossed back in a sing-song voice of pure bratty joy.
“You’ll have to get out sometime.” He stood there, clothes half wet, with his arms crossed over his chest and his brow furrowed into a deep frown. But even from this distance, I could see the smile toying at the corners of his mouth, threatening to give away his own delight at our little moment.
“No, I don’t. I’ll just stay here until the coast is clear and I can go home.”
“You WILL get out of that pool, princess.”
“Nope,” I shot back, making sure to pop the p of the word loudly and with great sass.
“Oh, yes, you will! Even if I have to drag you out of there myself!”
“But that would mean you’d have to get in the water first, wouldn’t it?” I asked rhetorically, tapping my finger against my chin.
“You fucking little…” he trailed off as I turned my back to him, wading out deeper into the water. It was just deep enough that I had to stand on my tiptoes to stay above water.
The sound of splashing behind me let me know I had been crowned the victor of this particular battle. I realized my error a moment later as powerful arms wrapped around me like bands of steel, pulling me under the water with more force than I could ever hope to resist. I had just enough time to take a gulp of air before he pulled me under.
I broke through the surface, sputtering and coughing as he cackled behind me. I spun around to tell him off, only to slip on the slick rocks underfoot, falling back underneath the water. I rose again, this time finding more secure footing before I scowled at him, hands on hips, though he couldn’t see that easily beneath the water’s surface.
“What the hell, Niko?” I seethed, water dripping into my eyes from my now thoroughly bedraggled hair.
“Excuse me, princess, but I think you mispronounced my name. Try again.”
I shook my head defiantly, unwilling to give in to his demands so easily.
“Come on, princess. You can do it,” he teased, his hands wrapping around my waist and pulling me closer to him.
His hands slid down over my hips to my thighs, hoisting me up enough to wrap my legs around his trim waist.
“Say it, princess,” he goaded, kissing the tip of my nose.
“Make me.” I was feeling bratty after the long hike, and this was shaping up to be far too fun to quit now. I leaned in, pressing my lips to his before taking his lower lip between my own and biting down — hard.
“Ow! Fuck!” he swore, pulling away as I slipped my legs off of his hips and found my footing on the floor of the pool. As soon as I was stable, I swiped at his legs with one of my own, sending him crashing into the water. My hands found the top of his head, pressing him down.
I swam away quickly as he popped his head back up out of the water, sputtering and cursing my name.
“You little bitch,” he shouted, laughing as he wiped water from his eyes.
“Takes one to know one, buddy,” I giggled, lifting my legs up and floating on the water’s surface.
“But damn, you’re a fucking gorgeous little bitch.” He whistled low. I didn’t even turn my head to see his face, but I knew he was admiring my body as I floated along, relaxing in the juxtaposition of the hot sun burning down on me and the cool water cradling me from below.
I felt his presence before I saw him, the ripples of the water shifting as he swam closer. Strong hands touched along my back, beneath the water, tracing the lines of my body.
“Come here, princess,” he muttered, pulling me back upright and to him. My legs wrapped around his waist once more, my arms winding around his neck.
His hand moved over my curves as our lips met. My hands clutched at the back of his neck as he deepened the kiss, his hips grinding against my own. The head of his cock slid against my pussy, finding its way between my folds, teasing me mercilessly.
“I want you,” I muttered against his lips, one hand finding its way up into his hair, playing with the soft, wet strands. His own hand mirrored my own, pulling the elastic from my hair and letting it tumble down my back. His fingers wound through the wet curls, tugging my head back as his lips peppered open-mouthed kisses down the length of my neck.
“You feel like sin and silk in my arms,” he muttered against my pulse point, his hands rocking my hips against him as he ground his cock against my slit.
“Then slip inside and find heaven,” I groaned, swiveling my hips until the head of his cock slipped between my folds, nudging against my clit.
With a growl, he shifted slightly, lining himself up and sliding inside of me in one easy thrust as his teeth bit down against the soft space where my neck met my shoulder.
“Sir!” I cried out, the sound echoing against the rocky outcroppings. Birds scattered from the nearby trees, but I paid them no mind, all my attention solely centered on the way Niko’s cock thrust in and out of me.
The water made me feel weightless in his arms, and the enveloping coolness was a stark contrast to the burning heat in my core. Grunts and moans mingled in the warm summer air as he fucked me, but I knew we were truly alone out here, so I didn’t restrain myself.
I rocked my hips back and forth in time with his thrusts as I neared my climax. My moans grew louder and more insistent, and I could feel his cock twitching inside me, signaling that he was close as well. Finally, I could hold back no longer, and my orgasm exploded through my body like lightning, setting every nerve on fire with pleasure and sensation.
“S-sir! Yes! Oh, fuck, I’m cumming!” I screamed to the heavens.
“Mine,” he growled, his nails raking down my back as I came around him, my head falling forward against his shoulder. I opened my mouth, the salty taste of his skin making me feel primal and needy as I bit into the same spot on his shoulder.
He grunted, cumming inside of me as we bobbed in the water, the gentle waves lapping around us.
We clung together for long moments after, just feeling each other. Hands touched, lips kissed, and time seemed to stand still. Finally, after what felt like an eternity and yet somehow still too soon, Niko spoke.
“We should head back to shore and get dressed if we’re going to make it back before supper,” he murmured against my shoulder, kissing the spot he had bitten earlier.
I simply nodded, slipping out of his grasp as we swam for shore.
In no time, our clothes were back on, and we were dry again. I was thankful that he had thought to pack towels in our backpacks, along with water bottles and some survival gear, “just in case”, according to him. He had truly thought of everything, it seemed .
“Let me help you,” he said, holding my backpack out for me. I turned around, slipping it over my arms before turning back around. He fastened the buckle across my chest, tugging it sharply as I stumbled back into his arms.
“Hey,” I pouted for all of two seconds before his lips claimed mine, the scruff of his stubble scratching at my chin.
“Would you look at that?” he whispered.
“What?”
His fingers trailed over the bite mark he’d left on my skin. My eyes immediately fell to the mark I’d left on his.
“Matching marks.”
“Mine,” he growled, kissing me again.
For just a second, just a blip of a moment, I felt like I truly was.