Chapter 18
As the morning light filters in, I stand in the living room, watching Blake from behind the window. He’s still in his car, where he stayed all night. I wonder why he can’t sleep. I want to wrap him in my arms, soothe every tortured part of him, and never let him go.
“Is that boy still there?” my father asks.
I offer a small nod. Knowing Blake is so close feeds the side of me that is starved for his attention.
“He’s persistent. But I guess you don’t mind.” He sees right through me.
I feel my cheeks heat, but denying it wouldn’t make it any less true.
“Dad…”
“Invite him in for breakfast,” he says in a gruff voice, unable to stop what’s happening between Blake and me, even if he wanted to.
I kiss Dad’s cheek in gratitude and walk outside. Blake cocks his head, watching me approach him. The intensity behind his eyes almost makes me stumble.
He gets out, and we meet halfway.
“Did you have a good night?”
He cocks his head, a frown digging between his brows, but in the next moment, his features soften. “I only have those when I am with you.”
A flutter caresses along my ribcage, making me giddy. Not knowing how to respond, I say, “You must be hungry.”
He rakes his eyes over me, sending a heat wave through my system. “I am. You offering?”
Every particle in my body electrifies, inflaming me––a furnace in the middle of winter. Only he can do that.
My father opens the door, putting a stop to the heated moment, and lets us in.
“Sir.”
“Blake.”
When we’re in the kitchen, Blake and I move in sync as I prepare an omelet and a cheese and salami charcuterie board. He helps by setting the table and cutting the bread. There’s a comfortable silence wrapping us in a bubble as if we’re the only people on the planet.
Blake’s arm brushes against mine when he takes a plate, and he kisses the corner of my mouth.
“My dad is next door.”
“Must have slipped my mind,” he says with a boyish grin that melts me.
Just thrust your hand into my chest and pull out my heart—it’s already yours.
My father clears his throat, and I jump, putting some space between us. A muscle tics in Blake’s jaw as we carry the plates to the table.
“So, Blake, what are your plans?”
“In general or regarding your daughter?”
I almost choke on the bread and pinch his thigh under the table. I don’t know what he’s doing, but Blake holds my father’s gaze.
Dad shakes his head slightly and says, “Both.”
“I have little choice, considering my birthright, do I?”
“So you’ll lead the pharmaceutical company?”
“Yes.”
“How similar would you say you are to your father?”
Blake grips the fork. It’s a miracle it doesn’t break. “There are no similarities, sir.”
“Good.”
“And regarding your daughter, you’ll see,” he says, winking at me.
Suddenly, it’s so hot that it takes everything in me to suppress the need to fan myself. I bite my tongue so hard to avoid telling him I’d like to know as well.
While we eat in silence, I ponder Blake’s words and steal glances at him. He’s all refined muscles and sharp edges, but he carries a certain elegance. His Adam’s apple bobs as he chews—even that simple gesture is sexy. A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth; he knows I am watching him.
I return to my breakfast, but I can barely eat with all the butterflies swarming in my belly. It all feels surreal, him being here with me, us eating breakfast with my father.
I don’t know what to make of this anymore, but my heart can’t handle the distance, the way we clash, the cold and warm treatment—the agonizing back-and-forth.
We need to talk, but first, we have that emergency meeting with Cassandra.
Once we finish breakfast, we say our goodbyes to my father. I give him my keys and ask him to make sure my car is returned to campus. Walking outside, Blake opens the door to the passenger side of his car, and the gesture makes me even more of an emotional and confused mess than I already am.
When I get in, I am instantly hit by his heady scent mixed with leather. That’s some potent aphrodisiac. Clenching my legs, I bite my lip, trying to get a grip.
I should focus more on the threat to my life, but Blake’s presence shoves that to the side. All my life, it appears I have been in hiding. Hiding my true identity, setting aside what I want to get my family to where they are now.
Blake has been the one selfish thing I wanted for myself. I’ve wanted him with every fiber of my being, fueled by romantic fantasy. Why? I don’t know, but something realigned inside me once our eyes met. My heart was like, There you are—I have been waiting for you. I read about those things happening, but I never believed in love at first sight. It still feels far-fetched to have a connection to a virtual stranger. Yet, he never felt like one.
That’s why his leaving left a crater in my chest––a gaping and pulsing wound that hasn’t healed. I should protect my heart better, but how can I when it’s already his?
“You’re quiet,” Blake says, pulling me out of my thoughts. With his brows drawn together and his sharp jaw set in a hard line, it’s obvious he doesn’t like that.
“Was deep in thought… Thought I’d give you a break from my constant blabber,” I say to lighten the mood.
“Share them with me. I love to hear you talk.” Care threads through his voice, and honesty pours out of me.
“It’s just so much going on at the moment…”
“Don’t be afraid, Mia. I can handle anything but that.”
“I am not. Not of that, anyway.”
He turns my palm up on my thigh and places his hand on mine. Intertwining our fingers, every frayed nerve calms down, and every erratic heartbeat slows to a softer rhythm.
Once we arrive at the estate and Samuel lets us in, he leads us to Cassandra’s office. We’re the first to arrive. Cassandra sits in the velvet chair fit for a matriarch behind the mahogany desktop, a solid and intricate wooden work of art. Dressed in a blue and cream suit and pearls, she radiates strength and authority. A long couch and a set of armchairs rest in the middle of the imposing-looking room with hardwood floors and golden lamps.
She must be one hell of a strong woman, not only after what she went through but also having to function in such a dysfunctional family. One thing I learned is that the Family’s well-being comes first, and that comes with sacrifices.
“We found the student who took the picture,” she says.
“And?” Blake asks, impatience ringing in his voice.
“He doesn’t know anything we can use.”
I slump in the armchair and Blake’s entire body tenses.
“So no leads. You know why I came back. Give me something or I am turning this continent on its head until I find them.”
The tension between them is palpable. Cassandra and Blake stare each other down until the door opens and the rest of the group piles in.
“What happened?” Kaden asks.
Cassandra recounts what she told us, and Blake walks over to the window, his body taut with tension.
“I am thinking of relocating you all,” Cassandra says.
That sounds extreme.
“So the intel on the Family’s members found nothing?” Kaden asks.
“Not concrete proof…”
“Caleb and Felix couldn’t escape on their own,” Hunter grumbles.
“I am aware of that,” Cassandra retorts.
“So you don’t have it under control,” Dane says.
“Voice and tone,” Cassandra tells him, but Dane is not known to measure himself, especially now when he knows Abi might be in danger, too.
“Felix will target Abigail. We should split up,” Dane suggests.
“No,” Kaden says. “That’s what he wants.”
“Kaden’s right,” Blake says.
“Well, we should show him we’re not intimidated by his tactics,” Celine says.
“He wants to chase us out of our home,” Abi adds, “He wants us, let him come.”
“We’re used to fighting,” I give.
Lines stretch the corners of Cassandra’s eyes. “You’re the future of the Family––a future both of them are determined to destroy.”
We all nod, but none of us backs down.
“Let them try,” Kaden says. “The Family’s legacy has always come with a battle.”
Blake puts his arm around my shoulder, pulling me to his side, and everything in me calms. He must wield some magic I stand no chance of fighting off.
“I want to show you something,” Blake says, kissing the top of my head.
Giddiness spreads through me as we get into his car, and he drives down a small road through the forest. When he parks and gets out, I follow him, inhaling the fresh scent of moss and pine while the icy air tickles my nostrils.
He grabs my hand, tugging me to him. In his arms, I feel like nothing bad could happen to me.
We keep walking when I ask, “Where are we going?”
“To my place.”
Just then, I spot a wooden and glass house tucked in the middle of a meadow . It has a lodge-like design that seamlessly blends luxury with nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the entire house, while rich, polished wood makes up the rest, giving it the appearance of being part of the forest. A tranquil pond nearby adds to the home’s fairy-tale charm, and with a thin layer of snow covering the ground, it appears like a magical realm.
He scratches his neck, watching me intently. “Do you like it?”
“It’s amazing.”
“No one is allowed here. I wanted something just for myself.”
“Why are you sharing it with me, then?” I whisper.
He sits down on the top stair of the porch, elbows on his thighs.
“Who else would I share it with, if not you?”
“That’s a question, not an answer,” I say.
“Come on, let’s go inside.”
As soon as we step through the door, I’m struck by the interior. It’s a spectacular blend of a traditional lodge aesthetic with a modern twist: polished floors, hardwood columns and arches mixed with modern touches like black lighting and a green sofa and rug. The design suits him perfectly. The open- concept layout allows me to see the spacious dark brown kitchen—a dream come true for a culinary enthusiast like me. I love how the windows span the entire area, offering the perfect view of the forest from every angle.
“The glass is double-glazed and bulletproof.”
“Are you kidnapping me? Because I would gladly live here of my own free will.”
“Don’t give me any ideas,” he grins, but that dark undertone simmers just beneath the surface.
“What are you going to do to me now?”
“Fuck, Mia.”
He grabs me by my neck and pulls me onto his lap on the sofa. With his palms on my ass, I grind against him on pure instinct. He’s hard, and I am needy––a combination that will get me fucked.
With his fingers digging into my ass cheeks, I nibble on his earlobe. A shudder rocks through him, and it gives me an incredible surge of power to see him so affected by me.
His arm snakes up the front of my body, and he holds me by my throat, looking me straight in the eyes.
“If we’re doing this, you’re mine. No more fucking dates, no more kissing anyone other than me.”
“That was on you. The only guy I ever wanted to kiss was you.”
“Good.”
“But are you mine, Blake?”
“Just yours,” but he shuts his eyes, hiding from me once again.
This is a huge step, and I don’t want to push him beyond his limit; instead I opt for some levity.
“So will you date me instead?”
“I’ll date you.”
“Hold my hand?”
“That is implied.”
“Am I your girlfriend, then?”
“Who else’s if not mine? I’ll be whatever you want for as long as we have.”
What he doesn’t say speaks volumes: there’s an expiration date. Always has been, but I shove that to the back of my mind. I can’t deny him, even knowing the consequences.
“Can I fuck you now, Silver?”
“You’re asking? That’s an improvement.”
“Your pussy has been wet for me. I can smell your need for my cock. Your body speaks to me, even when you try to ignore me.”
He places me on the sofa, undressing me leisurely. It’s always been fast and hard before, but now he’s taking his time, and I love it. I am left wearing only my bra and thong, and sheer hunger shines in his eyes.
“You’re so damn beautiful it makes me ache everywhere.”
He traces a finger from my neck down the valley of my breasts, which get heavier with his touch.
“So soft, so delicate, making me want to claim you, possess you, so that it’s only me for you.”
A shiver runs down my spine, and he slips his thumb through the strip of my thong, pulling it down.
“I can’t stop thinking about this perfect cunt. I want to devour and fuck it until it’s red and swollen.”
I might combust any moment now. His touch and dirty talk shoot up my veins like a potent drug, awakening my desire and making me ravenous for more.
He crouches in front of me and slaps my thighs open. I spread myself for him, hypnotized under the spell of his touch.
“Good girl, let me see what’s mine.” His eyes darken, his black pupils swallowing the forest green of eyes.
Every word feels like praise, calling out the seductress in me.
“Are you going to look at my pussy all day or do something with it?”
He smirks and slides his finger through my wet folds. “I can do whatever the fuck I want with what’s mine.”
His possessiveness drives me mad with desire.
Dipping his head, he flattens his tongue and laps at me. The groaning sounds he makes in the back of his throat are so erotic. I buck up the moment he bites into my clit, but he splays his hand on my stomach, holding me in place. I don’t want to go anywhere but to the land of blissful euphoria.
He feasts on me, sucking greedily as if he’s famished, and I am his favorite meal, nibbling until my entire body convulses with an orgasm. My release is so potent it leaves me trembling and gasping for breath.
He places kisses on my thigh and pats my pussy. “Such a responsive cunt…”
“For you.”
“Only for me,” he says and slaps my pussy, which sends a tremor through me. I writhe under him, wanting more, and he delivers, caressing up and down my slit. “Good girl.”
The praise inflames my passion.
Pulling me up, he guides me to the large window, which reflects like a mirror at night. My heavy breathing instantly fogs the glass.
He unbuckles his pants and pulls his dick out, and I feel him hard at my back. He strokes himself, and I see the hunger spreading over his expression.
And then he slips his cock inside of me, inch by inch––thick, long, and hard. He doesn’t stop until I take all of him. Instinctively, I rise on my tiptoes.
“Shh, accept me. Let me in,” he says, one hand digging into my waist, the other caressing along my side.
I don’t know why I get the impression he’s implying more than just what’s happening between us right now. I’ll show him I’ll accept every part of him, take him just as he is—in and out of the bedroom.
His finger plays with my clit as I lower my heels back to the ground. He’s so big, but I am addicted to that pinch of pain that comes with a wave of pleasure.
“Just like that, your pussy welcomes me. Accepting all of me, knowing it’s made for me.”
I palm the window, moaning when he fills me to the brim, stretching me beyond my capacity.
Eyes locked through the glass, I’d give this man every piece of me. Right now, he looks at me like I am the wonder of his life. I’ve never seen that expression on him before—a combination of awe, surrender, and contentment.
“You feel like paradise—my personal slice of heaven.”
I tilt my head, giving in to a sensual kiss while he slowly pushes in and out as if preparing me for what’s coming.
“I need you.” His voice is laced with a mix of urgency and desperation.
“Take me like you need, Blake. Never ask, just take.”
“I’ll never deserve you, baby, but it’s too late now.”
I start to say I don’t care, but he silences me with an unyielding thrust. The movement smashes my chest against the window as he fucks me with wild abandon.
This savage part of him has me losing my damn mind. Every time he thrusts, making me take all of him until I gasp for air, it amplifies the pleasure. It’s a symphony of sensual sensation, and he’s the conductor. I let go, crying out his name as I let myself fall into the arms of euphoria.
“Yeah, let me hear you.”
“God, this feels so…”
“God, huh?”
“You’re so full of yourself.”
“No, baby. You’re the one who’s full.”
He fists his hand in my hair and tugs my head back. Kissing me hard enough to forget my own name, he pounds into me without restraint. I moan so long and loud that my throat dries. He doesn’t stop until we both come, his cum mixed with my juices drips down my thighs.
Kneeling behind me, he traces our release back to my sensitive pussy and trails kisses up my leg until he reaches my ass cheeks. He bites into one hard enough I know he left a mark.
And then comes my other favorite part, his tending to me after an intense fucking. Scooping me up, he carries me up the stairs.
My mouth drops in awe of the bedroom, which is decorated in creams and blacks. A king-sized bed offers a stunning view of the forest and pond, and a large oval bathtub and a walk-in closet round out the room.
He places me down, and I walk naked toward the window. I doubt I will ever tire of seeing such an ethereal view.
He turns on the water, and as the tub fills, he wraps his arms around me and places his chin on my shoulder.
“I’m dreaming. I must be dreaming. There’s no other explanation.”
“No, you’re not, Silver.”
“Please don’t let me wake up.”