15. Chapter 14

Chapter 14

I opt for an early night when I get back to my apartment, desperate for some much needed sleep.

Weekends are my favorite—no work, no responsibilities. I can just stay in bed if I want and watch reruns while eating snacks.

I manage to fall asleep easily which is a surprise. Under the blanket, I stay warm, my body buzzing happily as I dream peacefully.

It's the best sleep of my life, my body relaxed and content for once. When I wake, it's still dark, my eyes blinking sleepily as I fight back the obvious drowsiness. At first, I'm not entirely sure that I have woken up, I still feel relaxed and content. There's a warmth in my stomach, my heartbeat pounding throughout my body.

As I adjust to the darkness, I frown in confusion at the feeling, my conscious mind becoming alert.

It feels like there's a weight on me, securely fastening me to the bed. I go to move, but when something keeps a hold of me, I quickly realize it's not something—it's someone.

A hand is wrapped around my waist, a body pressed into my back. I stiffen, about to scream, when a voice shushes me.

"Sshh, Tempest."

The hand moves down to my thigh, repositioning my leg, and it's then that I feel it—the delirious pressure of being filled. He rolls his hips, confirming the fact that his cock is buried inside of me.

"What the fuck?" I yell, my voice hoarse as I try to spin around.

Jett tightens his hold on me, pinning me against his body as he slides his cock in and out of my pussy. My eyes roll back, temporarily lost to the feelings as I fight back the post-sleep waves.

"Settle," he says firmly from behind, fingers playing with my clit.

"What are you doing?" I breathe out, trying to find the feelings of ecstasy.

He squeezes me, arm pressed against my chest as he cups my breast through my shirt. I curse myself for only going to sleep in a shirt and my underwear, the fabric pulled aside to make room for him.

"Feeling you," he answers amused. "God, you feel so good." He thrusts into me deeper to emphasize his point, making me moan loudly.

Tracing patterns around my clit, my body can't fight off the pleasure in my tired state. I slump back against him, letting him roll into me from behind.

"That's it," he praises, gently tugging on my nipple. "Come for me, my good girl. I've been craving you on my cock again."

Against my will, my body reacts to his words, a powerful orgasm tipping me over the edge. I pulse around him, crying out as I hold his forearm against my chest.

I can hear him breathing raggedly, groaning in appreciation, before he thrusts harder and faster, the sound of our skin slapping against each other. Jett's lips find my neck, trailing hot kisses all over it as he keeps me pinned to him, until he stills, a low growl caught in his throat.

My eyes close as I urge my brain to wake up and seek reality now that it's over. I wait for his grip to loosen, and when it does, I shove his arms off me, springing up from the bed.

On my feet, I switch on the lamp next to bed, Jett gazing over at me with lazy eyes and a smirk on his face.

"What are you doing here?" I demand, folding my arms over my chest to protect myself. "How did you even get in?"

He smiles warmly. "I came to see you. As for the 'how', I let myself in through the front door."

I just stare at him, bewildered. "It was locked," I reply simply.

"Yes," he says casually. "I grabbed your spare key from Mom and Dad's house."

"How did you even know it was mine?" I growl.

Jett's smile fades slightly. "It's you. Always with a back-up plan. Plus it was labeled. Like everything else in this house… By the way, I like what you've done with the place."

I open my mouth to speak but he springs up from the bed, startling me. He strolls over, standing in front of me.

"Let me guess—going to call the cops?"

My eyes narrow angrily. "I should. This is breaking and entering."

"I do love a good B&E," he grins. "Bacon and eggs, as well. But in this case, surprising you. God, do you have any idea how you sound while you sleep?"

I flush at his words. "What does that mean?"

Jett brushes some of my hair off my face. "You moan so sweetly in your sleep. The moment I touched you, you sang so beautifully."

Slapping his hand away, I take a step back. "I do not moan."

"Oh, but you do," he laughs. "Anyway, I heard you were a bit jealous."

His eyes light up excitedly and I roll my eyes.

"I wasn't jealous. Get your facts straight. Whatever bullshit Hawk is dribbling needs some work."

Jett laughs again, sitting on the edge of the bed. He watches me carefully as I stand awkwardly in place, wondering what to do.

"Is that so? I'll be sure to pass on the message. He sends his best."

"Well, send my worst," I scoff, turning to head to the bathroom. "You can see yourself out since you know where the door is."

Turning on the shower faucet, I test the water temperature, waiting for the hot water to come through. Removing my clothes, I take a quick shower, washing myself harshly.

When I emerge from the bathroom, Jett is no longer on the bed. I wearily check the apartment but there's no sight of him. The door is closed and locked, and for a moment, I have to convince myself that I'm not losing my mind and hallucinating. Except I can still smell the faint lingering scent of his cologne in my bedroom.

Heading back to the bedroom, I stare at my messy bed for a few seconds, before ripping all the bedsheets off. I chuck them in the corner of the room, fetching clean sheets from my closet.

After I've made the bed, I grab some perfume, spraying everywhere to eliminate the traces of him that still linger, haunting me.

As I climb back into bed, I realize I'm wide awake again. Sighing, I know I wouldn't be able to sleep even if I was tired. He's got me all messed up and I hate him for that.

Flicking the television on, I curl up in bed, but I can't pay attention to anything. All I can think about is him. He's everywhere… and nowhere. And I can't keep up.

It's exhausting, draining… and partially liberating.

I make a mental note to call a therapist on Monday, preferably one that deals in family disputes. Hell, maybe I should just skip that and go straight to the asylum instead. I think I'm too far gone for therapy.

Finally, at some stage as early dawn light breaks over Phoenix, I fall asleep with the remote in my hand, but it's not the same peaceful sleep as before. It's tainted with hatred and pleasure, and my body still reacts, aching for Jett.

"How was Florida?" I ask Mom as I arrive for our usual Saturday dinner. "You'll have to tell me all about it."

I had half a mind to bail, but that would lead to questions. And judging by my breakdown when Margot cornered me, I can't risk that happening. I'm fairly confident I wouldn't blurt it out to my parents, but the last thing I need is for another welfare check. I wouldn't put it past my dad to turn up to check on me, and I'm convinced I can still smell Jett in my apartment. I'm terrified that Dad will too and that will lead to many questions I can't answer.

"It was beautiful," she says, puttering around the kitchen. "Lovely weather. And I made sure to stay away from any bodies of water."

"Smart choice," I laugh, giving her a hand as she rolls some pasta.

Mom looks over at me suspiciously, her hands kneading the dough. "How was your week? Has work been overwhelming again?"

"Why do you say that?" I ask casually.

She stops, turning to me. "The plants were a little dry. It's not like you to leave them like that."

"Oh," I still, embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I did water them but then things got hectic. I'm so sorry," I say again.

Mom's gaze softens and she continues with the food preparation. "It's okay. They will survive. What's been happening with work?"

I fill her in on Elijah's start, leaving out any details revolving around Hawk and Jett. I especially don't mention Tuesday, my eyes avoiding the staircase as flashbacks pop into my mind.

I had returned the gun to Dad's office, hoping he doesn't realize it was taken temporarily—or notice the smell of lemon from the cleaning products. Nothing looks out of place to the naked eye—but that's my eye. I don't live here anymore, so it's hard for me to know where every single little thing lives. Mom and Dad would be able to sense change immediately, but hopefully if they do, they just put it down to me watering their plants.

Dad walks into the kitchen, giving me a kiss on the cheek. "Hiya, kiddo. Good to see you."

"You too, Dad," I murmur, looking around for something else to help with. I glance at all the food, puzzled. "Mom, this is a lot of food. You must have worked up quite the appetite in Florida."

"You haven't told her yet," Dad laughs, giving Mom a quick kiss.

My nerves stand on end, like I can sense the calm before the storm. I turn around slowly, making sure my movements are calculated and unsuspecting.

"Tell me what?" I ask carefully.

Mom's eyes light up. "Your brothers are coming to dinner."

I drop the lemon in my hand in a fright. "What?" I squeak, quickly reaching down to collect it from the floor.

"Proper family dinner," Dad says casually, watching me with concern. "They are in town for work-related business. I'm surprised you didn't cross paths with them. They were watching the house for us as well."

I swallow, shaking my head. "Nope, didn't see them at all. So, they are coming? Like… tonight?" I ask wearily.

"Yes," a deep voice answers, making my head snap to the door. Hawk and Jett enter in, dressed casually in jeans and cotton shirts. I didn't even hear the door open, too distracted.

"Oh," I breathe out, eyes wide. I quickly correct my stance, trying to act unfazed. "That's… good."

Mom nods, putting down her stuff to free her hands. "Boys!" she yells happily, running over to embrace them in a hug. "You made it."

Hawk gives Mom a hug, watching me over her shoulder. "We sure did, Mumma Bear. It smells amazing already. But you already know that—you're the best cook we know."

I roll my eyes, folding my eyes but Mom just gushes, slapping his arm playfully. "You humble me."

"It's true," Jett grins, squeezing her and lifting her off the ground for a split second. "Made us big and strong."

I'm flabbergasted, but I can do nothing but watch in silence as Mom and Dad greet them happily. I'm in utter Hell, trapped for my crimes. If this isn't karma, then I don't know what is.

"Sis!" Jett yells to me happily, strolling over to pull me into a hug. I resist at first, not lifting my arms. But when I spot Mom and Dad watching, I begrudgingly hug him back.

"Jett," I respond sternly. "Hawk."

Hawk walks over, smirking at me once his face is out of sight of our parents. "Lovely to see you again, Rayne. You look well." He leans down, giving me a kiss on the cheek, my body tensing up.

"I am well," I answer confidently. "In fact, I am amazing."

I have no idea what the hell has come over me. They know very well I am not coping—because of them. But I still want to make them jealous, or taunt me. Wait… jealous?

"I love that for you," Hawk murmurs. "Work must be going well. You always were just as talented as Dad."

Dad laughs warmly behind us and I swear I can feel my eye twitching. I just nod, forcing a smile. "It's going great. I've recently gotten a raise actually."

"Have you?" Mom gasps. "That's wonderful. Because of the new responsibilities?"

"Yeah…" I answer quietly. "But thankfully I don't mind. Elijah is a really lovely man." I look at Hawk, silently challenging him. He doesn't react, merely turning away to head back to our parents.

"How can we help?" he asks, linking arms with Mom as they head back into the kitchen. "Put us to work. You know we love to get down and dirty."

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