Chapter 5
CHAPTER FIVE
WRAITH
Athena lets me guide her to the car I’ve been driving the last few days. Not many of us at Wicked Riders own cars, AKA, cages, but they come in handy sometimes. Like when I’m stalking someone and want to remain quiet and unnoticed.
I have the urge to buckle her seatbelt and kiss her forehead, but I know it would be too much. Calm the hell down, I remind myself. I’m going to scare her away with my intensity if I’m not careful.
We pull into the parking lot of the nicest hotel in town, though with a population of four thousand people, that’s not saying a whole lot. Still, it’s leagues above the shitstain of a motel she was kicked out of this morning.
“Oh,” Athena whispers, her eyes widening as she looks up at the building. “I, uh… Well, you probably guessed I’m a little tight on funds right now,” she says, trying to make a self-deprecating joke. I see right through her. One day, she won’t feel the need to lie to me, but for now, I understand.
“We can’t go back to the place you were at last night. It might be compromised. Besides, I’m paying. Don’t worry, I’ll add it to your tab.”
She rolls her eyes but ultimately nods, accepting my answer. It’s not a lie, plus, it’s the only thing I could think of that would get her to agree to me paying.
We head inside and up to the third floor.
I specifically asked for a room on the top floor because they’re harder to break into.
I don’t truly think Jackson can haul his fat ass through a window, whether it’s on the first floor or the fiftieth, but when it comes to Athena, I’ll take every precaution available.
Athena hops in the shower as soon as we step inside, which makes sense. My girl has had a rough go of it. I made sure to hand her some of my clean clothes for her to change into, knowing she likely hasn’t done laundry since leaving West Virginia.
I sit at the small dining table next to the window, trying not to think about rivulets of hot water streaming down her body, the water beading on her soft skin and dripping from her nipples…
Jesus, my thoughts are so inappropriate, especially knowing what the last few days have been like for her.
I would never want to make her uncomfortable or push her into anything, and it would make sense if she took a bit of time to warm up to me.
One day, I hope she can trust me enough to surrender every part of her soul, mind, and body. For now, I can wait. I think.
My curvy little goddess steps out of the bathroom in a pair of my sweatpants and a t-shirt.
Both are far too big, making her look too fucking adorable for her own good.
Athena’s wet hair is neatly brushed and hanging over one shoulder, while her skin practically glows from the warm shower and higher-quality soap than at her previous motels.
“Hey,” I greet, slowly standing and making my way toward her. I’m aware of my intimidating size, and while I normally use that to my advantage, no part of me wants to scare this woman. Athena may project sarcasm and a hard outer shell, but I know she’s one breath away from falling apart.
“Hi.” She twists her hands in front of her and shifts her weight from foot to foot in a nervous gesture.
“So, uh, thanks. For covering me at the gas station, and for all this.” Athena gestures around the room and then waves her hands up and down her body, referring to the change of clothes.
“I’ll pay you back when I get a job. I can do that as soon as my father goes away, and then… ”
“Let’s not worry about all of that right now, okay? It’s enough that you’re here and you’re safe. I’m not worried about the money.” What I don’t say is that I’m not worried because soon we’ll be sharing a last name and a bank account, but it’s true nonetheless.
“You say that now, but what about tomorrow? Or next week? It might take me a little bit to find something within walking distance to my home… which I’m just realizing I don’t have.
So, okay, I’ll…” Her eyes gloss over and she stares into the distance, calculating how to save every penny.
“... first paycheck will go to a deposit for a lease… maybe we can work out a payment plan…” Athena isn’t talking to me so much as she’s spiraling out loud.
“Athena, look at me,” I say with a commanding yet soft voice. She does as I say, those emerald eyes coming back into focus. “That’s it. Can I touch your hand?” I ask.
Athena offers me her right hand without hesitation, her eyes never leaving mine.
I gently guide it to my chest, resting the palm of her hand over my heart.
I cover her much smaller hand with mine, pressing it against my warmth.
Athena’s fingers curl into my shirt, and she pulls me closer.
I gladly oblige, stepping into her personal space. I’ll be whatever she needs.
“I’m so exhausted,” she whispers, swaying toward me.
I gather her up in my arms, relieved when she melts against me.
“Not just physically, but like… soul-tired. Does that make any sense? I don’t belong anywhere, but I keep running, hoping to find…
something. I don’t know anymore. I don’t have a home or a family or, or, or… ”
“I’ve got you,” I murmur against the top of her head before tucking it under my chin.
My hand spreads out over her back, stroking her spine up and down in what I hope is a comforting gesture.
“You can rest now, Athena. You’ve earned peace and quiet, and you deserve to feel safe and wanted.
Always. I’m sorry life hasn’t been very kind to you. ”
Her tears soak through my shirt as she clings to me. My trembling goddess lets out years of built-up heartbreak, anger, and injustice as she trembles and sobs in my arms. I scoop her up and sit on the mattress with her in my lap.
“That’s it,” I whisper, my lips grazing the shell of her ear. “I’ll hold you through it all. Don’t fight it, precious girl. Feel whatever you need to feel.”
Gut-twisting sobs wrack her body, and she fists my shirt as she buries her face into the side of my neck. My woman lets out every suppressed emotion while I cradle her against my chest, holding all the pieces of her broken heart together.
Eventually, Athena cries herself out. I lean back slightly, just enough to see her tear-stained cheeks and red, puffy eyes.
I can’t stop myself from brushing her tears away and pressing my lips to her forehead.
I wish I could take all of her trauma away, but I’ll have to settle for filling the rest of her life with so much light and love, the darkness will be a thing of the past.
I gently untangle Athena from my arms and encourage her to climb into bed. She does, pulling the covers up to her chin. I smile and run to the bathroom to wet down a washcloth. When I get back, I sit on the edge of the mattress and tenderly clean the tears from her face.
I’m about to grab the extra blanket and pillow from the closet and stretch out on the floor, but then something incredible happens. Athena pulls the covers back and pats the spot next to her in bed.
Slowly, I sit on the edge of the bed, careful not to jostle her too much.
“Are you sure, Athena?” I ask, taking her hand in mine.
I brush the pad of my thumb over her knuckles, admiring her silky smooth skin.
“Despite my alleged stalking, I’d never truly violate your space.
” She nods. “I would never take what you don’t freely offer, and I will never, ever treat you the way your father did. ”
“I know,” she whispers. “That’s why I’m sure. I want you next to me.” The sweet moment stretches between us, and I feel closer to her than I have with anyone. Ever. “Besides, you earned it, stalker boy,” she teases.
I grin and join her under the covers, giving Athena plenty of space. Just because she said I could sleep next to her doesn’t necessarily mean she wants me to cuddle her. Though, Jesus, I really want to hold her all night.
“You’re so far away,” Athena points out. Even in the darkness of the room, I can see her adorable little pouty lip.
“Just don’t want to crowd your space,” I explain.
“Can I crowd yours?”
I snap my head in her direction, locking eyes with my beautiful woman. “You don’t have to do–”
Athena scoots over and rests her head on my shoulder, looking up at me as if to ask if this is okay.
I nod and open my arm up, encouraging her to snuggle up against my chest. The bright, giddy smile on her face heals all of the cracks in my heart, and I vow to make her smile like that at least once a day.
As soon as her head hits my chest, Athena’s eyes close and her body relaxes. She’s asleep before I even pull the covers over us.
I slowly blink my eyes open, unsure what woke me. The first golden rays of morning sunlight peek through the edges of the curtains, letting me know it’s still early.
More awareness floods my body, and I look down to see the most gorgeous sight.
Athena is sound asleep and wrapped around me like a spider monkey.
I’m on my back while she’s draped over my chest, her head tucked under my chin.
My dick springs to life when I realize she’s straddling me, her hips gently rocking up and down.
Jesus Christ. This is all I’ve wanted since I first saw Athena storm through that auction house. My cock twitches, growing harder by the second. I’m about to adjust her so I don’t scare her away by being a creep, but then I hear the sweetest, sexiest little moan fall from her lips.
“Wraith,” she whimpers, her thighs tightening around my hips.
I tip my head back, swallowing down a growl.
Athena rubs her pussy against me, burying her head into the side of my neck.
She’s still asleep, but fuck, she’s having a sexy dream about me.
That thought has the fucker in my pants leaking precum like a faucet.
I want to do so many things to her soft, curvy little body, but I’d never take advantage of her, especially after everything she’s been through.
My fists clench at my sides, shaking with the need to touch her. It physically hurts not to grab her hips and grind her hot little cunt against my cock or tangle my fingers in her dark hair and tilt her head up so I can claim her lips.
But this is about her comfort and pleasure.
I bite the side of my cheek and take measured breaths as this sexy as hell woman rubs herself against me, moaning softly in her sleep while she uses me to get off.
Fucking hell, my muscles tense and my whole body trembles, the need to flip her over on her back and sink into her eager pussy nearly choking me.
My aching dick swells up even more when Athena scrapes her teeth down my throat and moans loudly. I feel her damp heat through the fabric of my thin cotton boxers. I can tell the only thing she has on is her oversized sleep shirt. No underwear.
My hips jerk, thrusting up on their own when I feel her pussy lips spread around my thickness. Athena whimpers as she grinds down on my barely covered cock. She’s fucking soaking the material with her juices.
I fist the sheets in my hands, bowing my back off the mattress, the pain of restraint jacking up my heartbeat and making me sweat.
“Wraith,” she moans again, her fingernails digging into my sides for leverage as she grinds herself on top of me. “Yes, yes, Wraith, Wraith…” Her whimpers grow louder, more desperate as she reaches her peak.
Right before her orgasm hits, Athena’s eyes flash open, searing me with her lust. She looks surprised, confused, and so fucking turned on it hurts.
“Come for me, sweet goddess,” I whisper.
Athena leans forward, her lips meeting mine in a frantic kiss. I slip my tongue inside her mouth, tasting her sweetness. Her body grows tight, her muscles taut and trembling. I nip at her lips, pulling her bottom one through my teeth before diving back in for another taste.
Athena unravels so beautifully for me, gasping and moaning her ecstasy into my mouth as she rolls her body on top of mine. Unable to hold back any longer, I slide my hands up her smooth thighs, gripping her hips and holding her still as I grind against her, scraping her clit with each thrust.
My girl tears her mouth away from mine, arching her back as she comes again, her climax devastating her gorgeous body, making her generous breasts and thick thighs tremble. I hold her close as aftershocks rattle through her, whispering soothing things into her ear before kissing her cheek.
Finally, Athena goes limp in my arms. I love feeling the weight of her body on top of me, her soft curves melting into the hard slats of my muscles, her shallow breaths tickling my skin.
“Oh my God, I’m… I’m so sorry, I don’t know what came over me,” Athena says after she’s fully awake.
“Shh, there’s nothing to apologize for,” I assure her, running my hand through her hair and letting the silky strands fall from my fingers. “You’re so beautiful, Athena. That was the best way to wake up.”
She pops her head up from my chest, giving me an uncharacteristically shy smile.
Her cheeks are stained red, partially from her orgasms and partially from embarrassment.
I kiss the tip of her nose, making her laugh.
Closing my eyes, I savor the sound. From what I know about Athena, I don’t think she’s allowed herself to laugh in a long time.
She hasn’t felt safe enough to let her guard down.
I know we have a long way to go still, but this morning was the sweetest, most precious gift she could have given me.
Athena leans forward, giving me the barest hint of a kiss before curling up on my chest once more. “Thank you,” she whispers. I know she’s thanking me for more than just this morning.
“You never have to thank me for taking care of you, little siren.”
“Am I a goddess or a siren?” Athena asks before letting out an adorable yawn.
“Both,” I murmur as I kiss the top of her head. “You’re pure magic. Otherworldly. I can’t believe you’re right here in my arms.”
My woman blinks up at me, sleep tugging at her eyelids and making it hard for her to keep them open. “Really? I always knew you’d catch me.”
I grin while Athena snuggles against me. “Why is that?”
She nods against my chest. “Because I let you.”
The adorable, sexy, feisty woman next to me falls asleep, her quiet snores reaching my ears in seconds. Athena is going to keep me on my toes… and I’m going to sweep her off hers every chance I get.