Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
Brody
S he trembled in my arms, her body wound tight as a damn tripwire, ready to explode at the slightest touch.
Christ, the way she felt against me—it was driving me fucking insane.
Her skin gleamed in the moonlight, covered in a sheen of sweat that made me want to lick every goddamn inch of her. The way she rolled those hips, grinding down on my cock like we were made to fit together—Christ. I'd seen a lot of beautiful things in my life, but nothing—fucking nothing—compared to Avery right now.
Raw, real, and all mine.
She leaned back, bracing herself on my thighs, and the position pushed those perfect tits up toward the stars.
Every little movement she made, every tiny sound that escaped those perfect lips, it was like a jolt of power straight through me. When she swiveled her hips in a figure-eight motion, I swear I almost lost it, a groan escaping without my even realizing it. Her pussy gripped me like a velvet vise, hot and slick and perfect.
I was drowning in her, in us, in this moment that felt like it could last forever, and I never wanted to come up for air.
The landscape stretched out before us, all rolling hills and starlit skies, but I couldn't give less of a shit about it. Not when I had this goddess in my lap, taking me so deep I could barely think straight.
There was something primal, something animalistic about fucking her like this, out in the open where anyone could see. The way she moved, uninhibited and wild, her head thrown back and those sexy little sounds escaping—it made me feel like a goddamn king.
Her thighs were trembling now, her movements getting more desperate. She was getting close, her breath coming in these short, sharp little gasps that drove me wild, her pussy clenching around me in a rhythm that threatened to make me lose my mind.
My fingers dug into her hips, helping guide her movements as she chased her release.
I gritted my teeth, fighting back my own orgasm with everything I had. The sight of her using my body for her pleasure, those perfect tits bouncing now, her lips parted on a moan—it was almost too much.
But no fucking way was I coming before her. I needed to see her fall apart, needed it like I needed my next breath.
“That's it, baby,” I growled, my lips right against her ear. “Let it build. Feel how fucking perfect we are together.”
All she could manage was this breathy little moan that nearly broke my control. Christ, the noises—they were better than any drug I'd ever tried and twice as addictive.
I slid one hand up to cup her tit, rolling her nipple between my fingers and feeling it harden. So fucking responsive.
With my other hand, I reached down to where we were joined, finding that little bundle of nerves that I knew would send her over the edge. My girl was so wet for me—it made me feel ten feet tall.
Suddenly, Avery shifted on my lap, spreading those gorgeous legs as wide as she could. She leaned a little forward, gripping the chair arms, and holy fuck—the new angle let me slide even deeper into her tight, wet heat.
“Oh fuck, Brody,” she gasped.
The sight of her opening herself up like that under the vast night sky—it was the most erotic thing I'd ever seen.
She started moving with a new intensity, lifting herself up and sinking back down onto my cock with a rhythm that had me losing my goddamn mind.
“Ride me, Spark,” I urged, my voice rough as gravel. “Show me how good it feels. Show me you're mine.”
She was really starting to lose it, her movements getting wild and desperate.
Fuck, she was stunning like this, chasing her pleasure on my incredibly grateful dick.
My hands gripped her hips hard enough to bruise, guiding her frantic motions. I'd apologize for the marks later, but right now, I wanted her to know she was mine.
She reached down, her delicate fingers tangling with mine where I was working her clit. Christ, even in the throes of passion, she was showing me exactly what she needed.
My smart, sexy girl.
“That's it, Spark,” I growled, thrusting up to meet her downward motions. “Show me what you need. Fuck, you're so goddamn perfect. Let go for me. I've got you. Always.”
Her other hand shot back, fisting in my hair and yanking my face to her neck. The little spark of pain just fueled my desire.
The way she felt around my cock, Jesus Christ. Tight, hot, and so fucking wet. Her hips rolled like she was born to take my dick, each movement sending sparks of pleasure shooting up my spine. I couldn't get enough. Didn't want to get enough.
Her whole body shuddered, and I knew she was close.
And then she was coming, her back arching as she cried out my name. Fuck, I'd never seen anything so beautiful in my life.
Her pussy clenched around me rhythmically, trying to milk my cock for all it was worth. The sight of her lost in ecstasy, combined with the vise-like grip of her greedy, perfect pussy, was too much.
With a roar that probably echoed across the whole damn vineyard, I followed her over the edge, my release hitting me like a knockout punch, leaving me breathless.
My hands roamed her body, claiming every inch of soft, sweat-slicked skin. Mine. The possessive thought growled through my mind, and I had to bite back the urge to say it out loud.
This woman, this fiery, beautiful creature writhing on me, felt like she was made just for me.
Maybe she was. I'd sure as hell never felt anything like this with anyone else.
Avery's hand found mine on her hip, our fingers lacing together. It was like she needed an anchor in the storm of sensation as much as I did.
I held on tight, grounding us both.
As the aftershocks rippled through us, I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her flush against my chest. I couldn't get her close enough, pressing soft kisses everywhere I could reach—her shoulder, her neck, the spot behind her ear that made her shiver.
She turned her head, and I captured her lips in a kiss that was gentler than I thought I was capable of.
It said everything I couldn't put into words—how much I needed her, how I'd burn the world down to keep her safe.
“Fuck, Spark,” I whispered against her lips, my voice rough with emotion. “You’re entirely too good at that.”
She grinned a lazy grin. “I do aim to please.”
The light sliced through the villa's flimsy curtains, casting a soft glow over Avery's sleeping form.
My eyes raked over her curves, drinking in every inch of her exposed skin.
Fuck, she was gorgeous and looked so peaceful. So different from the wild little hellcat she'd been last night.
My chest tightened with an emotion I wasn't ready to name, even as a nagging sense of unease crept in like an unwelcome intruder.
This woman was getting under my skin in ways I wasn’t sure I was ready for.
I carefully extricated myself from the tangle of sheets and Avery's limbs, my muscles flexing as I moved, heading quietly to the bathroom to splash cold water on my face, trying to shock some sense into my lust-addled brain.
Droplets clung to my stubble as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. The guy looking back at me seemed different somehow—sharper, more raw. Was this the real me? Or just another mask I was trying on?
My phone buzzed insistently on the counter, vibrating like an angry hornet. My manager's name flashed on the screen.
With a growl of frustration, I answered.
“Brody, my man!” Jerry's overly enthusiastic voice grated on my nerves like sandpaper. “How's the content coming along? The fans are getting antsy—they miss the old you, buddy. We need some of that high-octane stuff you're known for!”
I glanced toward the bedroom where Avery was still sleeping, blissfully unaware of this shitstorm. My jaw clenched.
“Are you fucking kidding me, Jerry? This whole collaboration was your goddamn idea in the first place.”
“Well, unfortunately, the fans aren't loving it like we hoped,” Jerry continued, his voice grating. “Look, I've been talking to Rebecca at the magazine. We're locked into this contract, so we need to make the most of it. But you've got to ramp things up, even if it means dragging your writer friend into some uncomfortable situations.”
A knot formed in my gut, twisting like a viper. “I don't know, Jer. I've already been pushing her pretty far, but Avery's not really the thrill-seeking type.”
“Then make her one!” Jerry insisted, his voice rising. “Your career could be on the line here, Brody. Don't throw it all away for some temporary piece of ass.”
Red clouded my vision at his words. “Watch your fucking mouth,” I snarled, ending the call before I said something I'd regret.
I stalked back to the bedroom, my eyes drawn to Avery's sleeping form. The intimacy of last night felt like a distant memory, a dream, replaced by the cold reality of expectations and obligations.
Fuck, I just wanted to crawl back into that bed and lose myself in her warmth.
Instead, I stood there for a moment, my hands clenched into fists at my sides, muscles coiled tight. This was such bullshit. Jerry had pushed for this collaboration, insisted it would be great for my image. Now he wanted to throw it all away.
I spread maps and guidebooks across the coffee table, my mind racing as I worked to find a solution that wouldn't put Avery in danger but would still give the fans what they wanted.
“What's all this?” Avery's sleepy voice startled me.
She padded over, wrapped in a blanket that did little to hide her goddamn perfect body. Her hair was all mussed up, and fuck if it didn't make me want to drag her back to bed and mess it up even more.
My cock twitched, and I had to take a deep breath to calm myself down.
I plastered on a grin, trying to channel my usual enthusiasm and hide the shitstorm brewing inside.
“Just planning our next big thrill, Spark. How do you feel about volcano boarding?”
Avery's eyebrows shot up, her eyes widening. “Volcano boarding? Brody, I don't even know what that is. I thought we were focusing on local culture and hidden gems.”
“Exactly!” I said, seizing on her hesitation.
My mind raced, needing to sell this idea like my life depended on it.
“We'll hike up the volcano, learning about its history and significance to the area. Then, we'll strap on some protective gear and rocket down the ashy slopes on specially designed boards. It's like snowboarding, but way hotter—literally.”
I watched her face carefully, hoping she'd bite.
Part of me felt like a grade-A asshole for trying to manipulate her, but the other part was desperate to find a way to keep her in my life. At least for a while.
Avery frowned, her brow furrowing as she studied me with those piercing eyes that seemed to see right through my bullshit, like she was looking straight into my soul.
“What's going on, Brody? You seem… off. Like you're carrying the weight of the world on those sculpted shoulders of yours.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair, feeling the frustration coursing through my veins like liquid fire.
“Just trying to balance everything, I guess. My fucking manager's breathing down my neck about maintaining my brand image. As if I'm some goddamn product to be sold.”
Understanding dawned in Avery's eyes, and she sat beside me, her hand warm on my arm. The touch sent a jolt through me. Fuck, she had no idea what she did to me.
“We'll figure it out together, okay?” she said softly. “But let's start with breakfast, because you wore me out last night and I'm starving. Then we can plan something that works for both of us. I'm not letting you face this alone, you stubborn doofus.”
Damn. This woman, this fucking incredible woman, was willing to stand by me even when I was being an idiot.
As we cooked together in the small villa kitchen, I felt some of my anxiety ease.
The domesticity of the moment both thrilled and terrified me.
I found myself imagining a future with Avery—waking up to her beautiful face every morning, making her laugh, protecting her from the world. Then I immediately chastised myself for getting carried away. Since when did Brody fucking Hawkins think about settling down?
Over a meal of slightly burnt pancakes and coffee strong enough to wake the dead, she surprised me by grabbing my hand.
“I think you're selling yourself short,” Avery said, her voice firm but gentle. “The Brody I've gotten to know these past weeks is so much more than just an adrenaline junkie. You're funny and kind and genuinely interested in the people and places we visit. That's the Brody your followers would love to see more of—the real man behind the stunts.”
Her words eased something inside me, but doubt still gnawed at my gut like a hungry beast.
“But what if they don't? What if being different… real… means losing everything I've built? I'm not sure I'm ready to let that go.”
Avery's smile was soft but determined, and fuck if it didn't make me want to move mountains for her.
“Then we'll build something new. You're not alone in this, Brody. I've got your back.”
The rest of the day—a scheduled rest day—passed in a blur of quiet moments and deep conversations. As the sun sank, Avery surprised me with an unexpected suggestion that made my eyebrows shoot up to my hairline.
“Let's go skinny dipping,” she said, eyes sparkling with mischief that made my blood heat.
I blinked, sure I'd misheard. “You want to what now? Who are you and what have you done with my cautious little travel writer?”
Avery laughed, already heading for the door, her hips swaying in a way that made my mouth go dry. “Come on, Mr. Adventure. Live a little! Unless you're scared…”
As we raced down to the moonlit lake, stripping off our clothes with abandon, Avery's pale skin looked luminous in the muted light. She was like a goddamn fairy tale nymph, all ethereal beauty and mischievous giggles.
“Last one in has to skinny dip with the Loch Ness monster!” Avery shouted, her laughter echoing across the still water as she ran in with all the grace of a newborn pelican.
“Joke's on you,” I called back. “Nessie and I go way back. She thinks I'm a catch!”
I followed her in, and holy hypothermia, Batman! My boys retreated so far north they were practically in my throat. But the sight of Avery, wet and laughing, was enough to make me forget about the impending frostbite on my nether regions.
We splashed and played in the water like a couple of wild animals, our laughter echoing across the lake.
Fuck, it felt good to let loose like this—no cameras, no bullshit, just pure fucking freedom.
Avery tried to dunk me, which was like a chihuahua trying to take down a Great Dane. I retaliated by lifting her up and tossing her, her shriek of delight cut off by a spectacular splash.
As our giggles subsided, I pulled Avery close, my hands roaming over her slick, wet body, her curves pressing against me in all the right places.
Hello, soldier! Looks like my boys had decided to come out and play after all.
“Thank you,” I growled against her damp hair, inhaling deeply. She smelled fucking intoxicating, like moonlight and wild adventures, with a hint of something cozy that made me want to bury my face in her neck and never come up for air.
“For what?” she asked, looking up at me with those big, trusting honey-flecked eyes. Damn, I could drown in those eyes.
“For reminding me what it feels like to just… be,” I said, my voice low and rough. “No cameras, no stunts. Just us. Just this moment.” I smirked, unable to help myself. “Also, for not laughing at my shrinkage. You're a real trooper.”
Avery snorted, her eyes dancing as her hand slipped under the water. “Oh, I wouldn't say there's been any shrinkage, Mr. Hawkins. Quite the opposite, in fact.”
Her words sent a fresh wave of heat through me, despite the cool water. Our eyes locked, and in that moment, the air between us crackled.
"Damn," I said, my voice husky, "this is the one time I wish I wasn't naked. My jeans have something we need in the pocket."
She pressed closer, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "If you're talking about protection, I'm covered. On the pill, clean bill of health, the whole responsible adult package."
"Look at us," I grinned, "being all grown up and shit. I'm clean too."
Without another word, I pulled her close, our lips meeting in a passionate kiss.
Time seemed to stand still as everything else fell away—the night, the water, the whole fucking world. There was just Avery, her lips moving against mine, her skin under my hands. And those nosy little stars above, probably high-fiving each other and taking notes. Let's just say the moon got quite the show, and I'm pretty sure we scandalized at least three constellations.
Bodies still humming from pleasure, we managed to find our footing and stumbled back to shore, wrapping ourselves in towels that did little to hide the evidence of what we'd been doing.
Settling onto the porch swing, I pulled her close, savoring the peaceful moment. The weight of her in my arms felt right, like she belonged there.
Of course, that's when my fucking phone had to buzz with another message from Jerry. The reminder of an upcoming brand deal, and with its expectations of my “usual flair,” felt like a bucket of ice water right to the balls.
I retreated to the bathroom, gripping the sink as I stared at my reflection. The man looking back at me seemed caught between two worlds—the connection I'd found with Avery and the persona that had brought me success.
Fuck. I might have to let her go to preserve the life I'd always known. Because this was only temporary, right?
I could turn it off whenever I wanted.
Only one little problem stood in my way: the idea of letting her go made me want to tear the whole fucking villa apart.