Chapter 8
EIGHT
“I’m afraid I’m still full from lunch,” Wren said as Elias pulled up in front of his house. The truck’s tires crunched over gravel and the engine rumbled quietly before Elias turned the key. Silence settled around them.
Elias leaned back in his seat and looked at her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Maybe we can think of something to work up another appetite?”
Wren rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the giggle that bubbled up. “Your pickup lines are terrible, you know that?”
“Still got you to giggle. That’s another point for me,” he said with a triumphant grin.
Wren pretended to pout. “I forgot to keep score today.”
“Oh don’t worry, I still am. And I’m way ahead of you,” Elias teased.
Wren cocked her head, a playful challenge in her eyes. “Somehow, I don’t believe you.”
Elias chuckled as he unbuckled his seatbelt.
“Ha! Point for me,” Wren declared, unbuckling her seatbelt. “We’re tied.”
Elias narrowed his eyes “I thought you weren’t keeping score?”
“So, new rule. Default tie if I forget to keep score.”
“Oh, who’s not playing fair now?”
Before Wren could respond, Elias lunged across the seat, catching her by surprise. He reached for her, pulled her close, and she yelped in mock protest as his lips found hers. The kiss was warm and lingering, filled with the promise of more to come. Wren’s heart skipped a beat as she melted into him.
When they finally broke apart, Elias left her breathless, her pulse thrumming in her ears. The spark of mischief in Elias’ eyes sent a thrill through her.
He went in for a second kiss, this time also pulling her on top of his lap.
Sharp pain ripped through her upper back. Wren yelped and broke off the kiss.
“What did I do?” Elias looked distraught as he studied her for injuries.
“Not you, promise.” Wren grimaced. “It’s just my shoulder. Nice time for it to act up.”
“Which one?”
“Both, but the left one is barking at me right now.” She waved him off. “It’s okay. Sorry.”
“It’s not okay.” He tentatively ran his hand over her shoulder to her back. “Don’t ever apologize for hurting,” he said. “How long has this been going on?”
“Since I broke a wheel on my rolling camera bag and had to switch to carrying my equipment. I’m dumb for not replacing it right away, I know.”
“Hey.” Elias frowned. “Don’t ever call yourself dumb.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “We should get your bags and head inside where it’s more comfortable.” His voice sounded huskier than before.
Wren nodded, still feeling the warmth of his kisses on her lips. “Yeah, I don’t want to leave the drone in the truck.”
The driver side door creaked slightly as he opened it. Wren watched him as he walked around the truck to her side, listening to his boots crunching on the gravel. She slung her tote over her shoulder as he opened her door and helped her out. They moved to the back of the truck where her photography gear was stored. Wren started to reach for her gear but Elias stopped her.
“I can get this.”
“I’m fine!” She smiled, hoping to convince him. “Besides, I don’t let anybody carry my baby.” She pointed at the drone case.
“Wren.” His tone was full of warning.
She ignored him and reached for the drone. “See? I’m fine.”
But she wasn’t fine. She didn’t like even this hint of an argument and it was going straight to her shoulders.
If I had my car, I’d leave the panicky little voice in her head scolded. The same one that told her she’d lost her mind. Dumb, dumb, dummy dunce!
“What’s wrong?” Elias asked again.
Wren realized she was frowning at that little voice. She smiled. “Nothing! Told you.”
Elias only shook his head. Together, Elias and Wren carefully lifted her gear out. Elias took the heavier bags, slinging them over his broad shoulders with ease, while Wren cradled the case holding her drone.
“Are you sure you want to carry that? I promise I’ll be careful?—”
“Nope, I’ve got it,” Wren insisted, the familiar weight of the equipment bringing her back down to earth as they walked toward the house.
See? It’s not an argument. He’s looking out for you. Score a point for rationality .
Elias led the way. A sensor sent the porch light flickering on as they approached even though daylight still crept between the trees. The house was secluded, nestled among pines and aspens with only the sounds of nature surrounding them. Peace washed over Wren as she followed Elias up the steps and through the front door, the same sort of peace she felt when she first saw Ellie and Bear’s property.
“Just set that on the coffee table,” Elias said as he carefully set her bags down on one of the chairs.
Wren’s tote started slipping off her shoulder. When she shrugged to keep it from falling, another sharp twinge shot through her shoulder and back, forcing her to stop in her tracks. She hissed and grimaced.
Elias swore and came to her side. “That’s not nothing.”
“Ugh. Yeah, okay,” she muttered, closing her eyes to block out the pain. And the fear that Elias would start yelling at her, telling her she was an idiot and should have listened to him and let him carry everything in.
“Here, let me take those.” Elias’ voice came from behind her, soft and warm and steady. Soothing. She felt the weight of her tote lift from her shoulder as he took it along with the drone case. She opened her eyes and released a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.
He set the case and tote down on the table. Wren watched as Elias clapped his hands together, rubbing them briskly until his palms must have been warm.
“Turn around,” he said.
He’s making such a big deal out of this .
She couldn’t help but tease him, her lips curling into a grin. “Tired of my face already?”
“Mmm, never.” The low rumble in his voice made her insides flutter.
The growl of a lion knowing he’s got his prey at his mercy .
“Just want another look at my backside?” She couldn’t resist pushing her hips back against him, and when she felt his body respond, a wicked thrill shot through her.
Elias hissed, his breath hot against her neck. “Don’t distract me while I’m working.”
“What are you working—oh.” Wren’s words dissolved into a soft murmur as Elias’ strong hands gripped her shoulders, applying just the right amount of pressure. He knew exactly where the knots were, his fingers finding the tight spots like he had a map of her muscles in his head. Her body relaxed into his touch. She leaned back against him, practically purring as he worked.
Her nagging tension began to melt away under his skillful hands, but she couldn’t help the small voice of doubt that crept in.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this because it feels so good and I don’t want you to stop, but you are never going to work that rock out from under my shoulder.”
“Rock?”
“Yeah, that’s what I call it. It’s been there since, well, forever.”
Elias’ grin was almost palpable. “It hasn’t met me yet. And I’m determined.”
She chuckled softly. “Mmm. Yeah, I know just how determined you get.”
“There you go distracting me again,” he murmured, his hands never stopping their steady, soothing rhythm.
Wren’s eyes fluttered closed and she let out a sigh. “Shouldn’t I be lying down for a massage?” She kept her tone teasing, hoping to coax a laugh from him.
Instead, Elias paused and gripped her upper arms, his breath warm against her ear. “When I lay you down, it’s going to be for more than a massage. But I want you comfortable and out of pain first so you can enjoy...”
He kissed her neck.
“Every.”
Another kiss.
“Moment.”
His words sent a delicious shiver down her spine as her body responded to his promise. The tender kisses he pressed just below her ear made her toes curl. But before she could sink fully into the heat building between them, he resumed his focus on the stubborn knot in her shoulder.
Wren bit her lip, torn between wanting him to keep going and knowing that this particular knot was a battle even Elias might not win.
“Just relax and let me make it all better,” he whispered.
She tried to do just that, trusting his hands to work their magic, even as the familiar ache persisted.
Damn rock she thought, but with Elias’ hands on her, she was content to let him keep trying. Wren closed her eyes, trying to relax and sink deeper into the moment, into his touch, but a twinge of discomfort made her wince.
Elias noticed immediately. He stopped the massage as concern crept into his voice.
“Still hurting?”
Wren sighed, opening her eyes. “It’s better, but…yeah. The rock’s not giving up without a fight.”
Elias slid his hands from her shoulders down to her arms, his touch gentle but firm. “Then let’s take this to the bedroom,” he suggested.
Wren’s heart skipped a beat at the suggestion and her pulse quickened with anticipation. “Are you sure that’s not just a clever way to get me into bed?”
He gave her a little growl, pressing a kiss to the back of her neck that sent a shiver through her. “Told you already, I want you out of pain and relaxed first. Let’s get you lying down so I can take better care of you.”
His words wrapped around her like a warm embrace. She turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze over her shoulder. “You always know just what to say, don’t you?”
“Well, this time, at least,” he murmured, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, lingering kiss that made her knees go weak. “You know how to keep me on my toes.”
And you constantly sweep me off my feet .
Wren let out a small, contented sigh. She allowed Elias to guide her down the hall toward the bedroom. He kept his arm around her, steadying her as they walked down the hallway. She leaned into him for support and comfort.
When they reached the bedroom, Elias set her gently on the edge of the bed, his hands still lingering on her arms as if he couldn’t bear to break contact. “Lie down. I’ll be right back. I need to check on Penny and Chuck.”
“Oh!” Wren covered her mouth. “I’m a complete jerk. I’d totally forgotten about them. Are they okay?”
Elias gave her a reassuring smile. His eyes held even more warmth. “Do I need to make a list of names you can’t call yourself?” He touched her lips as she started to answer. “Don’t answer that. I already am, right next to the laugh tally.”
“But are your doggies okay?”
Elias’ eyes warmed even more. “They’re fine. They have a doggie run they can get into and out of at will and they’re comfortable.” Elias kissed her softly. “But I love that you’re worried about them.” He pointed to the bed. “Now, lie down.”
“Yes, sir.”
She kicked off her shoes and scooted back on the navy-blue comforter, then lowered herself slowly to keep her shoulders from complaining. Wren watched the ceiling fan spin while she listened to Elias’ voice grow higher in the other room as he opened the door.
“Hey, guys! You’ll never believe who’s back.”
Wren laughed quietly, her heart thumping in her chest. He sounded so happy.
Because I’m here.
To think, I actually ran away this morning .
Watching the fan made her sleepy and she closed her eyes. It seemed like only a moment before she felt the mattress shift as Elias sat on the bed. She opened her eyes and started to sit up.
“Nope. Roll over, relax, and let me do the work.”
Wren hesitated for just a moment, a small smile playing on her lips as she teased, “You’re really committed to this massage idea, aren’t you?”
“I’m committed to making you feel good,” he replied, his tone serious now, his eyes holding hers with an intensity that made her breath catch.
I don’t need any more convincing . Wren lay back on the bed, her body sinking into the soft mattress as she relaxed beneath his gaze. Elias leaned over her, his hand brushing a strand of hair away from her face as he looked down at her with a mix of tenderness and desire.
“The dogs are fine?”
Elias chuckled. “The dogs are fine. If you’re good, I’ll let you see them later,” he teased.
“Oh, I can be good.” She started reaching for his lap but he stopped her.
“Just relax,” he whispered, his fingers tracing the curve of her jaw before trailing down to her neck and shoulders. “I’ve got you.”
Wren closed her eyes and rolled onto her stomach, letting go of everything except the sensation of his hands on her skin, the warmth of his body hovering over hers, and the promise of what was to come.
Elias straddled her without letting her take any of his weight. His touch was gentle yet firm, his hands knowing exactly where to press and where to soothe, drawing out the tension. After what felt like a delicious eternity, he dipped down and whispered beside her ear.
“How are you feeling now, baby?”
Baby . Wren should have shivered at that, but she no longer had muscles, or bones, or a nervous system stuck on high. She was no longer even a human—just a puddle of warm goo under his fingers.
“Mmurff.”
Elias chuckled. “Can I take that as better than you were?”
“Mmurght. Yeah.”
He laughed again, his voice husky. “Ready for more?”
There was no mistaking what more meant.
And no mistaking, she was ready. Very ready.
She opened her eyes and propped herself up on her elbows. She looked over her shoulder and caught the look in Elias’ eyes that mirrored her own desire.
“Tell me, baby. You ready? If you aren’t we can just?—”
“Oh, no you don’t.” Wren rolled over as he lifted up to give her room to move. “Can’t let all your hard work go to waste.”
Elias grinned as he shook his head. “Always keeping me on my toes.”
He started by sinking his hands into her hair and massaging her head. As his warm hands moved lower, his touch grew more intimate, more deliberate, and Wren felt a different kind of heat spreading through her.
Without a word, Elias leaned down, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss that erased any last remnants of pain or anxiety. As the kiss deepened, Elias’ hands slid down her sides then back up. He lowered his body until there was no space left between them. Wren’s hands found their way to his back. She clutched at the fabric of his shirt as she pulled him down even closer on top of her, wanting to feel the full weight of him, the solid warmth of his body against hers.
Elias’ lips moved from her mouth to her neck, leaving a trail of heated kisses that made her breath hitch. Wren arched into him, her hands sliding under his shirt now, her fingers exploring the rise and fall of muscles along his back.
“Elias,” she breathed, feeling a mix of urgency and longing.
“Shh,” he murmured against her skin. His lips rediscovered the sensitive spot just below her ear that made her shiver. “I’ve got you, baby.”
Then Elias groaned low in his throat, a growl of primal desire that sent shivers down Wren's spine.
My Lion .
Elias lifted up until he sat straddling her again. Her core clenched with need as he deftly unbuttoned her jeans. She lifted her ass and he slid them down her legs, then dropped them on the floor. He stood up and pulled off his shirt, revealing his toned chest and the abs that she'd admired last night. Her breath hitched at the sight of him.
When he undid his belt and pulled it off so quickly it made a snapping sound, she sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Elias was wearing a pair of button-fly jeans and she reached for the top button. She undid it, then pulled on either side and watched each button come undone.
His erection pushed against the cotton of his boxer briefs. Wren leaned forward and nuzzled her face against it as she pushed his jeans down. Elias must have taken off his shoes and socks before coming back into the bedroom. He stepped barefoot out of his jeans and let them pool on the floor next to hers. Wren started to pull his boxer briefs down but he clasped her hands and stopped her.
“Not yet,” he growled. Then he carefully lowered her back onto the bed.
Elias’ fingers danced over her stomach, sending goosebumps racing across her skin. He slid one hand underneath her panties, his calloused fingertips brushing against her warmth. Helpless, she bucked against this hand.
“Oh, you are hungry, aren’t you?” he breathed. Elias hooked his fingers into her panties, dragging them down slowly, exposing her most private parts to his ravenous gaze. He tossed them on the floor into their ever-growing pile of discarded clothing.
"So beautiful," he rasped. Storms kicked up in his lagoon-blue eyes, darkening them with hunger and desire. Wren moaned when he found her clit. He rubbed it gently until she felt herself getting closer, her body tensing under his demanding touch.
"Elias, I'm so close," she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Don't stop.”
And what did the bastard do?
He stopped.
And lowered his head.
Wren felt a self-conscious blush creep up her cheeks, but it was quickly replaced by an overwhelming need when Elias gently kissed her just above her clit. She gasped, her hands fisting in the comforter as he trailed his tongue down and lathed her, lapping at her like a bowl of cream. She arched against him as he knelt between her legs and pressed her thighs down. When her climax hit, it shook her whole body. She cried out and her voice echoed off his bedroom walls. Spent, her body relaxed and the feeling of being a warm puddle returned.
But no way was she done.
Wren reached for the bedside table drawer but Elias beat her to it. With a laugh, he opened the drawer and pulled out a condom.
“Fine.” Wren grinned and pulled off her shirt.
“Wren, if I let you put this on me right now, the fun would be over way too soon.”
“I think you’ve said that before,” she teased.
“Well, it’s even more true now.”
She looked into his eyes, and what she saw there stole her breath. His gaze was intense, filled with a mix of lust and something else—something she couldn't quite put her finger on. Vulnerability, maybe? It was there and gone so fast she might have imagined it. Then she watched as he rolled the condom onto his curving cock. He threw his leg back over her, lowered his body, and nestled his hardness between her legs.
Wren reached up, her fingers tangling in his golden hair as she pulled him back to her waiting lips.
Elias gasped between kisses, his voice hoarse with desire. “Are you sure?”
“I’ve never been surer,” she whispered. “I need you inside me. Right now.”
He squeezed his eyes shut as he growled. “Tell me how you want it, baby.”
“Hard,” she panted. “Fast and hard.”
His eyes blazed blue when he opened them. He gave her a ferocious smile as his fingers found her clit and rubbed. The head of his cock pressed against her opening. Then he pushed inside her with one hard stroke. He continued to rub her clit as he thrust deeper inside her, faster and faster.
Wren felt his body shaking as hers trembled. Somewhere amidst her pleasure she knew he was close. Elias growled low in his throat, his lagoon-blue eyes burning with the same need that consumed her. His strong hands cupped her hips, pulling her closer, their bodies pressed together. He took her lips again, hungry and desperate. His tongue danced inside her mouth as his cock stroked her.
“Now,” she cried out as her body convulsed around his hardness. Elias roared in answer, pumping into her. When he was finished, he rolled onto his side and kept her close, their bodies still connected. He laid gentle, tender kisses across her forehead until Wren sank into a deep, sweet sleep in his arms.
Wren awoke to the smell of breakfast cooking. She blinked and looked around the bedroom. Morning light creeped in around the blinds. Birds chirped outside the window.
Did I really sleep through the night? She had no memory of stirring after they’d made love. She tried to remember the last time she’d slept like a rock and couldn’t.
She sat up carefully and stretched. Her back felt pleasantly sore, worked over from the massage. Wren reached back and ran her thumb down the side of her shoulder blade. The rock was still there, but it seemed smaller and didn’t pull on her shoulder like it usually did.
Score one for the Lion .
Other parts of her felt worked over as well.
An entire weekend of great sex will do that to a girl, Wrenbird . This time the voice in her head sounded like Barbie’s. Wren giggled. Lion had given it to her hot and sexy. He’d also given it to her sweet and caring. Her back was proof of that. It felt better than it had since…
Since when?
Let’s just leave it at a long time .
Wren’s stomach rumbled at the enticing aroma of bacon. She ran a hand through her tangled hair and wondered if there was a brush in Elias’ bathroom. Then she spotted her tote bag on his dresser.
Thoughtful of him to bring it in here .
Her heart warmed. That was Elias in a word—thoughtful.
Okay, and funny. And hot. And an amazing lover. And, and, and …
She giggled again.
And calm .
She stopped giggling as her heart kicked in her chest. Anxiety threatened to close back in. But why? Calm was good. Calm was what she liked. Calm was not…
Not anything like what I grew up with .
Wren took a deep breath and threw off the comforter, determined to outrun anything negative this morning. She got out of bed and went to her tote bag. Peering in, she grinned, back in a good mood. She knew just what to do to keep that good mood going.