Chapter Twenty-SixReeseAinsley
I had to all but do fucking handstands for Razor to give me time to come to Ainsley’s ultrasound. One thing that was becoming abundantly clear was they were pushing my back against the wall and forcing me to make a choice. I told Razor, Jester, Warrior, Bolt, Louisiana, and almost all the officers and the brothers I was closest to that I understood their position. I said it so many fucking times I thought maybe I’d turned motherfucking blue.
Only one thing mattered to them—Ainsley’s relationship to Roman. Not a goddamn thing else. Not the respect the Bastards had for their brothers’ ol’ ladies. Not my years of loyalty and service. And not me.
Frankly, the argument was tired. I stood on one side and they were determined to draw a line on the other, daring me to make an attempt to bridge the divide. When we returned from the run, I intended to turn in my patch. I wouldn’t desert my club at the last minute, but Ainsley needed me. She wouldn’t have invited me to the ultrasound if she didn’t, so fuck anyone who stood in my way.
I walked into the office with a sense of obligation. She wanted me there and by a miracle I arrived in time. Didn’t expect to find a surfer like motherfucker about my age as her doctor and I acted like a jackass, especially after reading some women crushed on their physicians. I wasn’t jealous—that wasn’t me. I was more like… outraged .
As usual, Ainsley checked my bullshit. I loved the way she stood up to me so fiercely. I’d already fucked up enough, so I stood down, intending to serve as her support.
What I didn’t expect was my reaction to seeing the baby on the ultrasound. I didn’t expect to feel a depth of tenderness for her unmatched to anything I’d ever experienced. Seeing a little blob in grayscale shouldn’t have shot desire and protectiveness into me. I wanted to fuck her with the same fierceness I wanted to keep her safe. She carried a part of me I lost inside her. I needed a moment before I heard the heartbeat. Of course, my question came across as asinine. Still, I could’ve had a month and it wouldn’t have prepared me to hear the baby’s heartbeat.
It was no longer an abstract little being that had turned my fucking life upside down. It was my child.
For Dr. Purdue to brush Ainsley off when she requested his assurance he’d be her attending physician during the delivery pissed me the fuck off.
The doctor guided me into his office and closed the door. I ignored his fancy degrees, expensive furniture and expansive view of downtown.
“Name your price,” I said. “However much it takes for you to be the one to deliver the baby, I’ll pay it. I’ll have someone drop off half tomorrow and half after the delivery.”
“That isn’t the way this works, Mister…?”
“Sinclair,” I supplied. “Money talks, so it’s exactly the way it works. Point me to your billing department by the way. The only one who’s paying for Ainsley’s care is me.”
“You can request to talk to the manager at checkout. I don’t take payoffs, Mr. Sinclair. I took the Hippocratic Oath because of allegiance to my profession and my patients.”
“Don’t consider it a payoff,” I said flatly. “Consider it a fee. It’s important to Ainsley, so it’s important to me and I don’t intend to leave until you agree to do what she wants.”
“Security might say differently.”
“Security might find your fucking body floating in the river, too.”
He drew himself up and I raised my hands.
“I’m not here for a fight, Purdue. I’m here to give Ainsley what she wants.”
“Ten grand tomorrow and fifteen grand after she delivers, in addition to my normal fees.”
“Done. We can’t have a paper trail for obvious reasons, so I trust you like living. Don’t fuck over me and this will be an easy transaction.”
Not answering, he opened the door. “The deal is made, so leave.”
“You got it.”
I wanted Ainsley and I to grab a bite to eat, but she declined, saying Ma Siller promised her a delicious meal and she wouldn’t disappoint her.
As much as I loved Ma Siller, I was sick of her interference, too. Ainsley and I needed to talk before I left. I was in enough shit at the club without insulting Bolt’s ol’ lady. If it came to that, I’d just have to do it. Ainsley was near her second trimester and I was done with the fucking games.
We weren’t chess pieces to be moved around the damn board at everyone else’s beck and call. I didn’t doubt Ma Siller liked Ainsley, but Bolt told me today the grilling she and the girls subjected Ainsley to. He wasn’t sure if Ainsley would mention it, so he wanted to head off the drama.
“Ainsley passed Glinda’s tests with flying colors.”
So fucking what? She shouldn’t have been tested in the first fucking place.
When Ma Siller opened the door and I guided Ainsley into the house, she suggested Ainsley change into something more comfortable.
“No,” I said. “Ainsley and I are going for a spin after dinner. Her jeans are just fine.”
Ma Siller lifted a brow at Ainsley. “Are you up to it?”
“I’m fine. Reese and I need to talk.” She smiled at me so sweetly. “But I’m going to take a quick shower. I won’t be long.”
True to her word, it took her twenty minutes for her to return to the kitchen, smelling like flowers and wearing another pair of jeans and a black long-sleeved T-shirt.
“Is dinner ready? I’m starving,” Ainsley said. She looked between Ma Siller and I. “Now that I’m freshened up, what can I help with, Ma?”
“Nothing, child. Take a load off and sit down. I’ll heat the chicken and rice while we have the pear salad.”
“I love pears!” Ainsley gushed, although I foresaw disaster on the horizon.
Pulling Ainsley’s chair out, I waited until she situated herself at the table before I took my seat. “Have you ever had Ma’s pear salad?”
“Nope, but she’s cooked goulash, stewed chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes, cheesy potatoes, and a snack of shredded turkey with cream of chicken soup served over white bread.” She leaned closer. “Tess brings me a lot of food, but Ma cooks all the time, and I don’t want to insult her.”
“It’s fine, Ainsley,” I told her in low tones. “Eat the food you like the best.”
“So far, I’ve liked it all.”
She smiled at me and my heart melted. Her trust in me had been shaky at best. After Ma Siller told her what I said, it was probably non-existent. I wouldn’t have a lot of time with her because I still had a lot to do, but I had hope that she’d at least hear me out.
Ma Siller sat a plate in each of our places, then seated herself, and demanded we say grace. When I first moved in, I resented the order until I realized it was a small price to pay for her kindness to me. Even if they were just words I said to make her happy.
On cue, Bolt walked in. He always managed to miss the blessing. He swore it wasn’t on purpose, though I called bullshit. Dutifully, he washed his hands, kissed Ma Siller’s cheek, before grabbing his own plate of pear salad and sitting at the table.
Glancing from Bolt to me, Ainsley shifted, then cleared her throat. “I’ve already thanked Ma Siller, but seeing as how I’ve barely seen you since I moved in, I want to thank you, too.”
Bolt grunted.
“Are you looking forward to your run?” she pressed.
“Might be if my dang gonnet ride wasn’t giving me shit.”
“The chain again?” I asked, lifting my brows.
Worry creased Ma Siller’s face. “I thought you had it completely replaced, Siller.”
“I did, Ma,” he said gruffly. “But that sumbitch’s flapping around again. How the fuck can a new chain do that when I only been riding it from the club to here? Don’t make sense.”
“Have you checked the sprockets?” Ainsley asked. “I know those aren’t cheap, but that could be the issue.”
Bolt, Ma Siller and me looked at Ainsley. She’d mentioned Roman taught her about bikes, but I’d brushed it off. At the time, it wasn’t important in the scheme of things.
“Louisiana said the same thing,” Bolt confirmed. “But I checked those motherfuckers myself. They looked fine.”
Ainsley squirmed, looked at me, then at Bolt again. “My brother has a club member named Wizard,” she started hesitantly. “I’m not supposed to know this but he got his road name because he’s a wiz with bikes but also he seems to teleport wherever he pleases.” She pursed her lips, lowered her lashes, and squirmed again. “Do you think your bike could’ve been sabotaged in some way? Maybe, acid instead of the proper chain lube? It would corrode the links. Depending on what’s used, it could happen quickly.”
Bolt’s hard stare raised my fucking hackles. I slid my chair closer to her and draped an arm over her shoulder. Sliding his pear salad aside, he rested his arms on the table.
“Reese, Louisiana, and me spent yesterday evening checking everything. On my ride over here, I thought I’d have to pull to the side of the road and call someone.”
“Then, you should have,” Ainsley said. “A faulty chain can be deadly. If it isn’t the lube, then perhaps the axle nuts or chain adjusters were loosened. It is definitely something Wizard would do. You helped Reese save me—”
“Reese saved you,” Bolt growled.
“You still went there and cleaned up. You’re a target as much as I probably still am. As much as Reese is.”
“We have guards at the gate,” Bolt said, with a smidgeon more civility. “Wizard would have to get on the grounds to tamper with my bike.”
Ma Siller shook her head. I hadn’t seen the fear in her eyes in quite a while. “Yeah, Ainsley. Siller’s bike don’t have bells and whistles.”
Ainsley drew in a deep breath. “I know you see me as little more than the enemy and you don’t have to answer me. I shouldn’t say anything because I don’t know where Roman is. If you strike the Scorpions, then Roman might be the casualty. You’re a valuable part of the Royal Bastards. Do you really think Wizard wouldn’t know your bike and that of Reese’s and the rest of the officers? Don’t you know theirs? Know everything about your ops. Enemies 101.”
“Know what I think, Ainsley?” Bolt said.
“I can’t read minds, so that’s a no.”
Bolt chuckled. “You’re a little smartass, aren’t you?”
Sniffing, she sidled a glance at me. “So I’ve been told by one or two people.”
“I’m sure Reese and Roman don’t see eye-to-eye on a lot, but they’d agree about that,” he speculated.
Ainsley shrugged.
“Here’s what I think,” Bolt said, scratching his jaw. “You’re a keeper. Any woman who knows her shit about bikes is a prize in my book.”
I’m sure she’d won him over because of more than that, but the breath I’d been holding whooshed out.
“Let’s eat,” Bolt declared, and pointed to the stove. “Ma, bring out your chicken and rice for Ainsley. Give her extra helpings. She has that little one to feed.” He pulled his plate to him, picked up his fork and dug in, scooping up a piece of pear, mayo, and cheese and shoveling it into his mouth. “Delicious. One of my childhood favorites.”
Ainsley smiled and picked up her fork. “It looks delicious,” she said, breaking off a piece. “I would’ve thought pears, whipped cream, and toasted coconut was more of a dessert than a salad.”
“Ainsley—”
She shoved the fork into her mouth and began to chew, then abruptly stopped and gagged. Her eyes watered and her normally gorgeous skin tone turned a hideous green.
I grabbed the napkin off my lap and brought it to her mouth. “Spit it out.”
She complied and gagged again. “What was that?” she cried.
“Southern Pear Salad,” Ma Siller said calmly, sitting a plate of boiled chicken and rice in front of Ainsley. “I forgot your aversion to mayo lately. Can’t remember if the pear salad is a southern thing or a black thing. You’re covered either way.”
Ainsley jerked her horrified gaze away from the main course. “A black thing?” she asked, appalled. “I know you’re fucking lying, Ma. And southern has no color.”
“She’s probably right, Ma,” Bolt said, leaning across the table and pulling Ainsley’s pear salad to him. “We had it at our church socials when I was growing up. Whenever Ma Siller serves this, it’s like a piece of nostalgic heaven.” He shoved half the pear salad into his mouth and talked around globs of cheese and mayo. “I could eat this every day.”
Ainsley clapped a hand over her mouth, jumped to her feet, and rushed to the sink to vomit.
It was time for us to go.
I’d been craving barbeque for days, but after Ma Siller tried to murder me with her food, I thought soup and a sandwich might be best, so we stopped in a little shop not far from the Sillers’ place and grabbed a bite to eat. Reese didn’t say much. He barely paid attention to me for all the texting he was doing.
My emotions were still raw from the ultrasound. Added to that was worry that Wizard was up to fuckery. I had no doubt Boom Boom ordered the sabotage, which got me to think about my brother. If Wizard and the others were back, where was Roman?
He wanted nothing to do with me. However, if he was back, he would’ve called and demanded I clear all my things from his house. His radio silence didn’t make sense.
Until it hit me: Roman was dead. They’d taken him on the run and killed him. The realization sent me rushing to the diner’s bathroom and throwing up everything I’d just eaten. The sobbing that accompanied my vomiting left me weak and miserable.
“Ainsley?” A knock accompanied Reese’s call. “Open up, babe.”
I covered my mouth with my hands.
“We need to leave, baby.”
Imagining Roman discarded like a piece of trash turned my stomach again.
“Open the door, Ainsley,” Reese coaxed. “We have to leave.”
Stumbling to the door, I unlocked it, then went to the basin, splashing water on my face and rinsing out my mouth, while Reese hovered in the background.
“I can stop at a convenience store and get you crackers and 7Up ,” he said quietly.
“I can’t eat anything else.” It wouldn’t stay on my stomach. Not because of the baby, but because of my brother.
I covered my face with my hands, not protesting when Reese pulled me into his arms.
“What has you so upset, sweetheart?”
“Roman’s dead.”
Reese went still, then tightened his hold on me. “You don’t know that,” he said gruffly.
“They’re back,” I said, not bothering to lift my head. “I thought I saw Kite near Dr. Purdue’s office, but I wasn’t sure, so I brushed it off. Listening to Bolt confirmed their presence. Wizard is behind whatever is wrong with his bike.”
“Our grounds are secure, Ainsley. Besides, Bolt has been having an issue with his chain for weeks now.” He pulled away and grabbed my hand, tugging me back into the restaurant and heading toward the door.
I wasn’t sure where we were headed until I saw the signs for Monarch Highway and I knew we were going back to the cabin. Around us, the sounds of nature rose to a fever pitch and a billion stars gleamed from the night sky.
I half-expected Louisiana to open the door with Jinx inside, but that didn’t happen. Reese pulled out a set of keys and unlocked the door to let us in.
Everything that had personalized it and gave it a homey feel was gone. The furniture was there, but everything else had been cleared away.
“Jinx left him,” I said woodenly, stumbling to the sofa and sitting.
“Jinx filed for divorce,” Reese corrected. “Louisiana was served with the papers today. She cited irreconcilable differences. There are some developments that have taken place in the last couple of hours that she isn’t happy about.”
More of Louisiana’s fuckery. “I’m sorry. I hoped they would’ve worked it out.”
“Me, too,” he said quietly. “She loved Louisiana a lot and he betrayed her.”
“I feel somehow responsible.”
Reese nodded. “So do I,” he said, sighing. “I knew he was fucking over her and I looked the other way. Louisiana’s fucking insane behind Jinx and I thought…” His voice trailed off and he looked the other way. “I’m not sure to be honest.”
“I brought Nova with me. If I hadn’t believed her lies, Jinx wouldn’t have found out.”
Reese finally moved from where he’d been standing in the middle of the floor and sat next to me. He tried to draw me into his arms, but I shook my head and he respected my wishes.
“It isn’t your fault. That secret was a ticking timebomb, bound to see the light of day sooner or later.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
He took my hand in his and brought it to his mouth, kissing each of my fingertips and igniting a fire deep inside me. But it would forever be this way between us if I allowed it.
Reese would fuck up, he’d apologize, promise to do better, and make love to me. I tugged my hand away and settled it into my lap.
“It’s okay, Reese,” I said, empty and lost, feelings I’d become all too familiar with since I discovered my pregnancy. “You don’t have to tell me pretty words or romance me. If you want sex, be honest, and let me decide.”
“Would you say yes?”
I wanted to, deep down in my soul where no one could see all my hopes and fears, dreams and disappointments. But I didn’t know what to do or how to respond. It was just a question, so I didn’t have to say anything.
“I was angry with you,” he said, when he realized I wouldn’t answer.
“Ma Siller told me. It still doesn’t make it right. You can’t shit on me and then correct it when you’re over your anger. You should’ve shouted at me.”
“Would my words have been any better had I said them directly to you?”
“It would’ve been in the heat of the moment. Not over an hour later when you had a chance to think about what you were saying but said them anyway.”
“That was unworthy of me.”
“I disagree. It was unworthy of what I supposedly meant to you after our time together here. It was exactly like you because you’ve done it since we met.”
Reese shoved a hand through his hair and gritted his teeth. “I care for you so fucking much.”
“Words are cheap. Not only don’t most of your actions exhibit care, but most of the time I don’t even think you like me.”
He gave me an incredulous look.
I’d gone through so many emotions today that I didn’t think I could handle any more.
“I’m thinking about patching out,” he announced, that bombshell grabbing my attention like nothing else. “You and I will never have a fair shot as long as I’m a Royal Bastard.”
His expression gave nothing away. I didn’t know if he truly wanted to do this or if he felt obligated to do it.
“Razor kept throwing shit my way today. That’s why I was late to the ultrasound. It’s a collective effort to keep us apart.”
I leaned my head against the sofa and stared at nothing in particular, just seeing my brother in his cut and riding his Harley. To the end, Roman loved his club and would’ve been lost without it. I don’t think he could’ve given it up, even for me. Like Reese, he might’ve tried out of a misplaced sense of duty, but it would’ve slowly eaten him up and our relationship would’ve been damaged long before now.
Somehow, I managed to hold my tears at bay. Reese and I needed to have this conversation. The moment I got back to my room at Ma Siller’s, I’d give into my grief. I hadn’t even gotten to tell Roman goodbye. Worse, he’d died angry at me— hating me.
I swiped at the tears sliding down my cheeks. “Babies are little monsters,” I sniffled. “I didn’t cry this fucking much when I was a kid.”
“Ainsley, I would like you to stay here while I’m gone.”
Frowning, I lifted my head. “Why?”
“Ma Siller has places she can go. If those Bloody Scorpion motherfuckers are back, you need a safe space. This is it.”
“It’s in the middle of fucking nowhere. I don’t have clothes or food or my car.”
“I’m going to get three of my brothers to help me. Two of them will have twelve-hour shifts guarding you and one will run errands for you. You can’t have your car. It might have a tracker on it. Whether because of Roman or one of those other motherfuckers, I don’t know.”
“Couldn’t your brothers lead the Bloody Scorpions here?”
“I’ll be gone for two weeks. So far, we’re having a pretty mild autumn. They’ll camp outside.”
That sounded gross, but what did I know? “One Arctic blast can change that.”
“Hopefully, it doesn’t. As for the one who runs errands for you, I’ll make sure he takes different routes every night when he returns.”
“Why can’t I go with Ma Siller?”
“We’re going to take measures to keep all of you safe—”
“Wouldn’t that be easier in one fucking place?”
Reese rubbed the back of his neck. “Louisiana’s bringing Jinx here. Ma Siller…” His voice trailed off and he shrugged. “We don’t know if she’d hide Jinx not only from the Scorpions but from Louisiana, too.”
“You assholes are using me to hold Jinx hostage?”
“Of course not,” Reese said in exasperation. “You’re pregnant, so she won’t desert you.”
“No. Fuck no! Absolutely not.”
“Ma Siller might hide Jinx. If she doesn’t, she certainly won’t stop her from walking out if that’s what Jinx wants.”
“You’re so unfair,” I cried.
“Another thing? I need your phone. We’re leaving it at the Siller place to test our theory.”
I rubbed my eyes. “How will I communicate or play games or watch a movie? If I stay, there’s nothing to do here without a phone.”
“If you have your phone, there may not be anything to do. Cell phone reception is shitty without the antennae and signal booster. Louisiana removed it when Jinx left.”
“Why in the world would he do that?”
“He had it up for her. She’s gone, so it’s gone.”
“Can he put it back?”
“We can’t have anyone pick up on the cell phone signal.”
“You have all the fucking answers,” I grouched.
He grinned, and I pretended it didn’t affect me.
“We don’t have much longer, sweetheart. Louisiana is stopping at Ma Siller’s for some of your things, then he’s heading this way with Jinx. But I have a proposition for you.”
Judging by his husky tone, I knew he wanted sex. Once before, he’d proposed we lock out the outside world and focus on the two of us.
“Since I saw our baby on the ultrasound, knowing I put it inside of you, I’ve wanted to make love to you. I know we have so much unresolved and I’m showing zero skills of seduction.”
“Zero rizz,” I corrected. “Charisma, for the unknowledgeable like you.”
He smiled and laid his palm against my face. “Let me make love to you, Ainsley.”
My head told me to decline him. Logically, I knew he didn’t mean any of what he said. He might’ve believed it in the here and now, yet when it came time for action, he always failed. But my heart? My body? Both craved him fiercely. In different ways and for different reasons. My heart bought into his promises, believed that somehow and some way, love would prevail. My heart beat hard and fast whenever he turned his gray gaze to me and transfixed me with a look. My heart remembered the shared experience of hearing our baby’s heartbeat for the first time.
My body craved his touch. Craved him . His lips on mine—his lips all over me. His cock pulsing inside me and sending me over the edge before he lost all control.
Without me saying a word, he knew I’d given in. He pulled me into his arms and covered my mouth with his firm lips. I had to satisfy myself with what he offered me while I carried his baby. Once I delivered, my hormones would settle and I could put our relationship, and my entire life, into perspective.
He didn’t want to hear about Roman or my grief over his death. That was okay. I’d mourn my brother alone, though I knew I had to keep myself together for the baby. My emotions affected it.
Reese tore his lips away. “You’re overthinking this.”
I didn’t want to talk anymore. He had a barrier in place. No matter the reason, whether from the loss of his family or because of me, it made it impossible to resolve our differences. Pushing away all thoughts but Reese’s touch, taste, and scent, I threaded my fingers through the hair at his nape and kissed him. I kissed him for everything that could’ve been and everything that would never be.
I kissed him because I loved him and, just for tonight, I didn’t care that he’d always see me as Roman’s sister and the girl who he’d accidentally gotten pregnant.
The biker saw our one night together as a mistake. I saw my one night with the biker as a blessing. He’d assured me I’d never be alone. I wouldn’t have him or Roman, but I’d have my son or daughter. I would survive and thrive by hook or crook and give my child a good life.
His kiss turned hot and frantic, and he tore his lips away, to stare into my eyes with wild intensity. He kissed my chin, my jaw, and down my throat, growling when I threw my head back to give him easier access.
My pulse quickened, and a flutter I couldn’t ignore rose in my chest.
His hand slid down my arm, his fingers tracing patterns on my skin. His thumb brushed the sensitive spot on the inside of my wrist and my breath hitched.
“Ainsley,” he said, barely above a whisper. “I dream of having you in my arms.”
Before I responded, his lips were on mine again, soft and insistent. This kiss was slow, deliberate, as if he was savoring the moment. His hand moved to my waist, pulling me closer, until I could feel the heat of his body. I melted into him, my senses overwhelmed by his taste and scent.
His fingers slid under the hem of my T-shirt, his touch sending sparks of desire through me. I gasped as he pulled the shirt over my head, tossing it aside without breaking our connection.
“Reese,” I breathed.
“Shh,” he whispered, his lips finding mine again.
His hands were everywhere, both gentle and demanding. He unbuttoned my jeans, sliding them down my legs, leaving me in nothing but my bra and panties. For a moment, doubt crept in, and I felt exposed and vulnerable, but the way he looked at me like I was the most desirable thing in the world broke through my defenses and exhilarated me.
“You’re perfect,” he said, his voice thick with desire.
His hard cock pressed against me as he trailed his lips down my neck, his teeth grazing my skin.
My heart was racing, my body aching for him.
He swept me into his arms, cradling me against his chest. I wrapped my arms around his neck, my legs around his waist, as he carried me to the small bedroom where we’d found our own slice of heaven the last time we were here. The room was dimly lit, and the bed was inviting. When he laid me down and pulled back the comforter, the sheets were soft and cool against my skin.
He unhooked my bra, tossing it aside, cupping my breasts, and brushing my nipples. Moaning, I arched into his touch as pleasure coursed through me.
“You’re so responsive,” he murmured, brushing his lips over my collarbone.
His kisses continued down my body, his hands moving with him, exploring every inch of me. He paused at my panties, his eyes meeting mine as he hooked his fingers in the waistband, sliding them down my legs.
Then his lips found the sensitive skin of my inner thigh. I squirmed, aching for his touch, for the release that I knew was coming.
“Reese, please.”
He looked up at me with hungry eyes. “Please what?”
“Touch me,” I whispered. “I need you.”
His fingers trailed up my thigh, his touch feather-light, until he reached the core of my desire. He slipped a finger inside me, and I gasped. He added another finger, slow and deliberate, as if he was savoring every moment.
My head fell back against the pillow as yearning built within me. His fingers moved in rhythm, sending me spiraling toward the edge. I cried out, my body tensing as my orgasm washed over me, wave after wave of pleasure crashing into me.
But Reese wasn’t done with me yet.
He dipped his head, his tongue flicking over my clit. His mouth was hot and wet, his tongue relentless as he lapped at me, his fingers inside me, stretching me, filling me. I was lost in the sensations, my body arching off the bed, my hands clutching at the sheets.
“Reese, I’m—”
My orgasm exploded, a wave of pleasure that left me shaking, my body convulsing. When I finally came down, he was hovering above me, his eyes dark with desire, his cock straining against his jeans. I reached for him, my hands fumbling with his fly, desperate to feel him, to taste him.
“Slow down,” he warned, hoarse. “Let me take care of you.”
But I wasn’t in the mood to be slow. I needed him, now, and I wasn’t going to wait. I pushed his jeans down, freeing his cock, and wrapped my hand around it, marveling at the heat, the thickness, the way it twitched in my grip.
“Ainsley,” he groaned, his head falling back as I stroked him, thumbing the tip. “Fuck, that feels good.”
A wicked smile curved my lips, and I leaned down, taking him into my mouth. He tasted like salt and man, like desire and need. I moaned around him, the vibrations making him curse my name. I sucked him deep, my tongue swirling around the head, my hands gripping his thighs to keep him steady.
“Stop,” he gasped, tangling his hands in my hair. “If you keep doing that, I’m not going to last.”
I pulled back, licking my lips, and gave him a sultry grin. “Then fuck me, Reese. Show me what you’ve got.”
He shed his clothes, his eyes never leaving mine. He was a vision, his body hard and muscular, his cock thick and long. I reached out, running my hands over his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin, the hardness of his muscles.
When he was naked, he returned to me, positioning himself between my legs, his hands on either side of my head. I reached down, wrapping my hands around his cock, feeling its thickness, its hardness. He hissed, his eyes closing as he savored my touch.
“Tease,” he growled.
I smiled, stroking him. “You like it.”
He groaned, his eyes opening. “You’re so fucking sexy like this.”
A flush swept over me. He poised himself at my entrance, his cock teasing me, sliding along my seam.
“Ready?”
I nodded and rolled my hips. “Yes.”
His eyes locked on mine as he thrust inside me in one smooth motion. I gasped at the fullness, the way he stretched me, filled me, claimed me. He moved slowly at first, giving me time to adjust, his lips brushing mine with each thrust.
“You feel so good. So tight, so wet. You were made for me, Ainsley.”
I wrapped my legs around his waist, urging him deeper, faster. He obliged, his thrusts becoming more urgent and demanding. The bed creaked beneath us, the comforter long forgotten as we moved together, our bodies slick with sweat, our breaths coming in short, ragged gasps.
“Tell me what you want,” he demanded, low.
“You,” I whispered, my hands roaming over his back, tracing the contours of his body.
His weight was both comforting and exhilarating, a reminder of his strength and the power he held over me.
“Say you want me again,” he ordered in a rough whisper. “Tell me you’re mine.”
“I’m yours,” I breathed, lost in the moment and wishing it were true.
“How do you want me to fuck you?”
“Harder,” I demanded, my nails digging into his back. “Fuck me harder, Reese.”
He growled, a primal sound that sent a jolt of pleasure straight to my core, and slammed into me with a force that made the bed bang against the wall. I cried out, my head thrown back, my body trembling on the edge of another orgasm.
“Come for me. Let me feel you fall apart around my cock.”
His words were my undoing. My orgasm crashed over me, a tidal wave of pleasure that left me screaming his name, clenching around him, milking him, drawing him closer to the edge. He thrust one last time, his body stiffening as he came, his seed spilling deep inside me, his name a hoarse whisper on my lips.
We collapsed together, our bodies still joined, our hearts pounding in unison. Reese’s breath was hot against my neck, his arms wrapped tightly around me, as if he was afraid to let me go.
“That was…” I started, but words failed me.
“I know,” he murmured, his lips brushing my hair. “It was everything.”
We lay there in silence, bound by the intimacy of what we’d shared. Even if it faded the moment the outside world intruded, for now, I’d cherish it and pretend it would last forever.