Chapter 24
Karina
Last night, Vulcan and I had sex to the point that calling out of work was my only option. And this is my first time in years calling out. I overslept, and then there were the marks all over my body on my neck, collarbone, breasts, thighs… Marks beyond the help of concealer.
Despite the soreness and bruises, I can’t help but smile at the memory of our passionate night together.
He actually let me do most of the work and now I get to gloat that I fucked him to sleep.
Because after the third round, he was out like a light.
Yet even as I savor this small victory, a thought persists: maybe he surrendered control so easily because there’s something else he’s keeping from me.
I know I shouldn’t think this way because this man has been nothing but loving and supportive since I moved in with him. Yet my brain is still trying to find the catch, the ulterior motive. I close my eyes, willing myself to stop overthinking and just enjoy this unexpected day off.
I roll over on my side, wincing slightly at the pleasant ache between my thighs.
The penthouse is quiet without Vulcan, who left this morning to visit Valkyrie at work.
Something about showing his face with her new client.
Maybe I can get a few more hours of shut-eye, and just as I’m about to drift back to sleep, Cassie calls.
I slide my finger across the screen, bringing the phone to my ear.
“Hey, girl!” Cassie’s bubbly voice chirps through the phone. “I’m outside.”
“Umm, you’re at Vulcan’s penthouse?” I sit up, putting the phone on speaker.
“I guess so. You called out, and I called out. Which means we should hang out. It’s been forever since we saw each other out of scrubs! Tell this man to let me up. Your building security is heavier than Fort Knox.”
“How did you know where I was?”
“I’ve got your location, remember? Now tell him to let me up.” The line goes dead, and I groan. This girl never fails to surprise me. With a sigh, I call down to security and give them the okay to let her up. Might as well make the most of the day.
While I wait for Cassie to arrive, I drag myself out of bed and throw on one of Vulcan’s FDNY hoodies and a pair of his sweatpants. I hear the doorbell ring and shuffle over, wincing slightly with each step.
“Well, well, well,” she says, bursting into the entryway and eyeing me up and down with a knowing smirk. “Someone had a good night.”
I feel my cheeks flush as I close the door behind her. “Is it that obvious?”
Cassie laughs, linking her arm through mine. “Rina, you’re wearing his clothes, walking like you saved a horse and rode a cowboy, and I can see at least three hickeys from here. It’s more than obvious.”
She drops my arm and twirls around the living room, taking in the space. “Damn, this is nice. Who would’ve thought Hephaestus was loaded like this? Please tell me he has an equally rich brother stashed away somewhere.”
“Sorry to burst your bubble, but he only has a sister. And it’s Vulcan.”
Cassie plops down on the couch, her eyes still roaming the penthouse. “Vulcan, Hephaestus—same difference. Both hot gods, right?” She winks at me. “So, spill. Is he as good in bed as he looks?”
My face burns even hotter. “I’m not going to give you any details. When you tell your friends how good your man is in bed, things go south.”
“Oh, come on! I don’t want to sleep with him.” She pouts dramatically. “I’m living vicariously through you here. At least tell me if he lives up to that firefighter fantasy.”
I smile, remembering last night. “Let’s just say… he definitely knows how to handle his hose.”
Cassie squeals with delight, clapping her hands. “I knew it! God, I’m so jealous. Is his sister into girls? I mean, the apple shouldn’t fall too far from the tree, right?”
“Cass, you’re not sexually attracted to women.”
“I know, but I am sexually attracted to money, and if she’s anything like her older brother, I don’t mind swinging that way for a night or two.”
“Sorry to disappoint, but I believe she is strictly dickly.”
Cassie sighs dramatically, standing up. “Figures. You going to give me a tour? Is Vulcan sleeping? Should I come back later?”
“No. He left to visit his sister at work this morning,” I say. “But sure, I’ll show you around. He shouldn’t be back for a while, so we’ll have it to ourselves.”
I show Cassie all the different rooms and amenities. She oohs and aahs at everything, especially when we arrive at Vulcan’s home gym. This is the first time I’ve stepped inside; I loathe anything gym related. My body does enough working out at the hospital.
“Wow,” she says, running her hand over the expensive equipment. “This is nicer than any gym I’ve ever been to. Have you two fucked in here?”
I playfully roll my eyes. “Do you always have to make things about sex?”
“Honey, you’re dating a man who looks like that, do you blame me?” Cassie grins, hopping onto one of the weight benches. “So, do you two get nasty in here?”
“Not yet.”
I spin around to the doorway where Vulcan stands. My heart leaps into my throat at the sight of him. He leans against the doorframe, arms crossed over his broad chest, a smirk playing on his lips. His eyes, dark and intense, lock onto mine.
“But we can remedy that situation any time you’d like,” he adds.
Cassie lets out a low whistle. “The man, the myth, the legend!” She hops off the bench. “Good to see you again. I’ve heard nothing but good things since you locked our girl down.” She tilts her head toward me, a smirk on her face.
Vulcan’s gaze flicks to her briefly before returning to me. “Is that right?”
I cut in, finally finding my voice. “I thought you were visiting Val?”
He shrugs nonchalantly, stepping into the room. “I did, but she had a last-minute client booking. So, here I am.” His eyes scan over my body, still draped in his clothing. “But it looks like I’m interrupting.”
“I hope that’s okay?” I say, moving closer to him.
“This is your home, too. Anyone is welcome. Well, excluding any men.” He flashes an easy smile, but his possessive tone sends shivers down my spine.
I let out a nervous laugh, the glint in his eyes telling me he’s not entirely joking. Does he seriously think I would dare bring another man around?
Cassie clears her throat dramatically. “As much as I’d love to stay and watch you two eye-fuck each other, I think that’s my cue.” She winks at me. “Thanks for the tour. Vulcan, it was a pleasure. Take good care of this one, yeah?”
“Always.” He nods. “But you should stay. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” His eyes never leave mine. “I’m sure you two have plenty to catch up on. I’ll be in our room.”
I bite my lip, torn between wanting Cassie to stay and craving some alone time with Vulcan.
“No, no,” she says with a dismissive wave. “I’ve monopolized enough of her time. You two lovebirds enjoy yourselves.” She gives me a quick hug and whispers in my ear, “Call me later with all the juicy details.”
“Let me walk you to the door,” I tell her, looping my arm through hers.
“Girl, you’ve got it bad,” she whispers, nudging me with her elbow as we make our way down the hall. “And that man? He looks at you like he wants to devour you whole while giving you the entire world. I pray that kind of love finds me.”
I shush her, but I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. We reach the door, and I pull her into a tight hug. “Thanks for coming by. I’m sorry it got cut short. You’re still down for going to his sister’s get-together this weekend, yeah?”
“Of course, I will never turn down free food or liquor,” she says, pulling back to look me in the eye. “Now, go be with your man, you deserve a day in bed.”
With a final wink, she’s gone, the door clicking shut behind her. I take a deep breath before turning back to face Vulcan. He’s leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching me with a ferocity that makes me weak in the knees.
“So,” he says, his voice all gravel. “Where were we?”
“I believe you were saying something about who is and isn’t allowed in this penthouse?”
He pushes off the wall, stalking toward me with that predatory grace. “No man will ever touch what’s mine.”
My breath catches as he reaches me, his large hands coming to rest on my hips. “And am I yours, Vulcan?”
His grip tightens, pulling me flush against him.
“Every. Fucking. Inch.” He captures my lips in a kiss and I melt into his embrace, my hands sliding up his chest to tangle in his hair.
Vulcan’s hands roam possessively over my curves, igniting sparks wherever they touch. I’m screwed when it comes to this man.
Physical touch and words of affirmation are what I crave, and dio mios, he’s providing both.
We finally break apart and I look up into his smoldering eyes. “I need to eat first.”
“All right,” he concedes as he leads me to the kitchen, his hand on the small of my back.
“Do you think I can’t cook?” I ask as he ushers me to sit down then moves to the fridge. Since I’ve moved in with him, he cooks all the time. I know he’s out of work for a while still, but even when I’ve had a day off, he’s insisted.
Vulcan chuckles. “You lived by yourself for a while, I’d be concerned if you didn’t. Unless you’re a takeout kind of person.”
“I know the basics.”
Vulcan closes the fridge door and looks at me. “It’s okay, you can be honest. I can teach you.”
I feel my cheeks flush hot with embarrassment. “I… I can make cereal. Baked ziti…” I mumble, avoiding his gaze. “And I’m really good at ordering takeout.”
“This might be a touchy subject, but did your mother not teach you? I mean, all the Hispanic people I know have a wide range of family recipes passed down to them.” He places the egg carton on the counter and begins to move toward me.
As if he knows I’m going to need him for what I’m about to share.