31
THEA
The room is dimly lit, made even darker by the wood slatted ceiling and dark decor. Across from the two beds is a fireplace. A large leather armchair sits in the corner. I walk to the one window in the room and peer out.
Dusk has fully settled over the grounds of the inn, washing the forest and fields in a muted gray blue.
Cole’s been gone for about twenty minutes. I wonder if he’s going to come back at all. He wouldn’t leave me here. Doubt creeps in as soon as I think it. What the hell is wrong with me? Of course he wouldn’t. I’m being paranoid because things feel off between us.
This is supposed to be an unexpectedly romantic evening. Before he asked for two beds, I was sure we’d finally sleep together tonight. It’s been building up for a while and what better way to take the next step than a night away? We wouldn’t have to worry about his brothers hearing us.
It would be a perfect memory, just for us.
But now, I’m unsure. This can’t all be because of earlier. Although, I have no other explanation for the sudden distance I feel from Cole. My mind goes right back to years of falling asleep to Gavin’s cold shoulder.
After the first few years, I learned that trying to work through the issues was more trouble than it was worth. I’d wait for the storm to pass. Then we’d be on good terms like nothing happened.
I can’t fall back into that. Years of anxiety and insecurity knotting in my stomach aren’t things I can do again. While I hate confrontation, Cole and I need to talk—tonight.
He walks back in at that moment, carrying two plates. My stomach growls in response. Okay, we can talk after we eat.
“I did my best. The front desk lady said she’s pretty sure there isn’t gluten in any of it. Do you want to chance it?” Cole stares down at me as I sit on the bed, weighing my options.
Hunger wins. “Yes, I’m starved.” I take the top plate and remove the foil. The smell is heavenly. “Thank you,” I acknowledge before pushing a forkful of rice into my mouth.
Cole turns on the fireplace, then plops down in the armchair. We eat in silence, although in my head I’m working up the nerve to have this conversation with him. Things have been so smooth—I’m not ready for our first fight.
Setting my plate down, I stare at him as he looks at his phone. I want to remember him before I ruin this.
Deep breath. “Cole, is everything alright? Did I do something…wrong?” I hate how it comes out, like I’m a child in trouble.
“Yes, love, everything’s fine. Why?” He appears completely unfazed by my question. No anger or defensiveness. Am I crazy?
“You asked for two beds. I thought we’d share one. And it feels like you’re miles away from me. Are you upset because of what I said earlier, at the waterfall?”
Cole’s brows pull together, yet I can’t read him. “I’m not upset at you. I…” He pauses, running his hand over his jaw. “I don’t know. I feel foolish for thinking you loved me. It’s too soon, I know that. I let myself get carried away. Sorry, I don’t mean to take it out on you.”
I’m stunned. That isn’t what I expected. Honestly, vulnerability, an apology. I don’t know how to react, although my body does. Walking to where he’s sitting, I push between his legs and sit down on his lap.
I wrap my arms around his neck, cuddling in close to him. He makes me feel unbelievably safe and his reaction to my question proves he isn’t like my ex. “Thank you for telling me that. Please don’t feel foolish. I love that you got carried away.” I pull back a little. Cupping his jaw, I force him to stare at me. “I’ve gotten carried away, too. I needed some time to sort through my emotions.”
Cole’s eyes soften, the green in them so dark they almost look black in this light. “I have to keep reminding myself that your last relationship wasn’t healthy. Rushing into this is scary for you. Right?” He brushes a stray hair from my face.
“Yes,” I breathe out. “But being scared hasn’t stopped me from falling for you, Cole. I’m not sure anything could’ve stopped that.” My fingers brush over his lips. The next part is the scariest, although I don’t let it stop me like I did earlier. “I love you.”
His lips curve beneath my fingertips. “Thea, I love you, more than you could ever know.” The words ease the worry in me. I realize I’ve said over and over that Cole is perfect. I was wrong. No one’s perfect. He has his flaws, just like I have mine. However, he’s perfect for me and that’s all I’ve ever needed.
The sweetness of the moment quickly fades away, replaced by ravenous desire. I lick into his mouth, sucking on his bottom lip before kissing down the column of his throat. I shift to straddle him. His cinnamon and amber scent sets my sense on fire. It reminds me of the evening on my couch, but tonight his hand won’t do—I need much more.
Cole must agree—he cups my ass and stands up. I pull away long enough to look behind me and see that he’s taking us to the bathroom. My lips return to his neck, my teeth grazing his skin. A moan vibrates against my mouth, making me smile against his throat.
I barely register passing through the doorway when he drops me onto the counter.
He steps away and crosses the bathroom, turning on the shower. Then, goes to the adjacent tub and turns it on too. Steam billows at our feet.
Cole pulls his shirt over his head as he comes back to me. My palms connect with his hard chest. I run my fingers over the ridges of his abs until I get to the edge of his jeans. My eyes flick up to his. I’m met with a needy stare and wet my lips in anticipation.
Leaning down, he presses his mouth to mine, then pulls away abruptly. “Thea, I’ve thought of this moment for so long. The things I want to do…” Cole trails off. I want to hear about all of it, but not right now. Tonight, I need him to act.
“I trust you. Whatever you want, I want.” He grabs the hem of my shirt and yanks it off. Tracing kisses over the tops of my breasts, I feel him reach around me and unhook my bra. Cole slides the straps down my arms before tossing it across the room.
“You’re fucking beautiful, love.” He stares appreciatively. “I can’t wait to show you how perfect we are together.” The words steal my breath.
My fingers reach for the button on his pants, quickly undoing it and sliding the zipper down. Cole yanks them off and kicks them into the corner, along with his boxers. His hard cock is begging to be touched. I don’t make him wait.
Reaching out, I wrap around him, stroking him slowly.
“I have big plans for us tonight. I don’t want anything ruining that.” His hand cups mine, bringing it to a stop.
Pulling me off the counter, Cole kneels to finish undressing me. Standing, he slides his hand over the back of my neck and pulls me in for a kiss. Our bodies are slick from the humidity, making it easy for my hands to explore every inch of him.
He backs me into the shower until the hot water drenches me. Grabbing a washcloth, he pours a generous helping of body wash onto it. I hold my hand out to take it from him. He doesn’t give it to me.
“Let me do this for you,” he insists. I can’t say no to those pleading eyes.
I’ve never been washed by a man, or anyone, for that matter. Cole takes his time running the cloth over me, soaping me up and moving in circular motions down my body until he reaches my toes.
“My turn,” I tell him. He doesn’t fight me as he hands me a fresh washcloth to do the same to him.
Taking my time, I start at his face. His wet curls are slicked back and water drips from his beard. Cole’s hazel eyes watch me intensely, never leaving mine as I wash his cheeks and forehead. Moving down to his neck and shoulders, I admire his tattoos. Each fine line forming the lightning strikes and every dark cloud shaded ominously. Lower, I trace over the wings on his forearm. I love how his body relaxes under my touch.
Turning him around, I wash his back. By the time I return to the front, his cock is a temptation I can’t ignore.
I could easily stand and wash it. Instead, I sink to my knees.
Reaching out, I take him in my hand and run the cloth over him. I look up to make sure I’m being gentle enough. But Cole has his head tilted back with his eyes closed, bracing himself with a hand on the wall.
Damn, if washing has him like this…I don’t let myself finish the thought. I rinse him and slide my lips over the length of him, keeping my eyes trained on his face. As soon as he feels the warmth of my mouth, his head snaps down so that our eyes lock.
“Thea…,” he moans out. I love the feel of his cock in my mouth, knowing his whole body is tense because of me. “You look so good like that.” The compliment makes me pause for a moment. “The water running down your tits…fuck. How did I get this lucky?” His cock twitches in my mouth. I squeeze my thighs together, trying to contain my desire a little longer.
I pick up my speed, letting my hand pump him at the same time. Cole’s fingers slide through my wet hair, gripping me gently. He doesn’t force my head farther down, although part of me wants him to. I push that thought from my mind, thankful that my skin is already red from the hot water, so he doesn’t see me blush.
Suddenly, he pulls out of my mouth and lifts me up by my arms. Cole pushes me up against the shower wall. All I feel is cold tile and his warm skin pressed against me. The contrast sends a wave of need to my pussy.
Impatience gnaws at me as he kisses over my neck, then my jaw. “Cole, please…” I don’t want to wait any longer.
His chuckle and the brush of his beard tickles me. “Is this what you want, love?” Cole pushes his hand between my legs. I open up for him. He circles my clit before sliding over the length of me and pushing a finger inside.
It feels good, yet this isn’t what I want. He strokes the sensitive spot deep within just as I’m about to tell him what I need—a moan slips out instead. My head is hazy with lust, but I push past it. My palms connect with his shoulders and I shove him against the adjacent wall. I gain the advantage while losing the feel of his finger as he steadies himself.
“No,” I growl. My hand finds his cock. “This is what I want. I’m done waiting.”
His eyes flash with surprise, then they darken with that fierce desire I only see on rare occasions.
My leg lifts. He instinctively hooks his hand under my knee, securing it to his hip. With his other hand, he guides himself to my entrance. Cole teases as he circles me with the tip. I’m in no mood for it. It’s been long enough, so I push my hips forward, gasping as he enters me. God, I’ve forgotten what this feels like. The ache of being stretched settles over me until it’s nearly gone and I’m left wanting more of him.
“You’re so fucking impatient,” he grates out. I think I’ve pushed him too far. “I love it.” My chest releases that momentary panic. “I love that you need me as much as I need you.”
My heart pounds at his words, my clit matches the throbbing rhythm. He thrusts into me farther. Once he bottoms out, he hooks his other hand under my leg, lifting me off the ground and slamming me into the wall.
If it hurts, I don’t register the pain.
There’s a second where he pauses, then he’s driving his cock into me fast and deep. I can barely catch my breath between thrusts. The feel of him filling me completely is unbelievably satisfying. I’ve been hungry for too long and he’s giving me the sustenance my body has been desperate for.
My fingers tangle in his hair as I bring his mouth to mine. I need his tongue in me like his cock is—hot and demanding. My senses are consumed with us. All I hear is the slapping of our bodies. I see Cole’s eyes burning into mine. I’m surrounded by the coconut smell of the body wash. My skin dances with the electrifying heat building between us. And all I taste is him.
Unexpectedly, Cole pulls away and drops me to my feet. I’m about to protest, but he grabs my hand, dragging me out of the shower. He climbs into the tub that’s now filled with steaming water. I follow.
“On your knees, love.” I want to question him, however, think better of it and sink down until I’m half submerged in the warm water. “Hands on the edge of the tub.”
My fingers grab the lip of the round basin. That’s when I notice the full-length mirror directly across from us. In it, I see Cole still standing behind me, admiring the view of my ass in the air. He must feel my eyes on him because they meet mine in the reflection. He wants to see everything. A rush of warmth makes the pressure between my legs unbearable.
I push my ass towards him, urging him to fuck me.
Cole doesn’t waste a minute. He lowers himself and nudges my legs open to accommodate him. I glance back over my shoulder, loving the view of him behind me. “Eyes forward, Thea.” I lick my lips, wanting to take charge like I had in the shower. “Now,” he orders sternly.
His sudden assertiveness makes me bite my lip and look into the mirror. Well, this view is better anyway, I reason.
I watch as Cole smooths a palm over my back. Then I feel him push into me. His other hand grips my hip as he thrusts all the way in. “Oh, fuck. Cole…” I pant out. This position lets him go so much deeper.
“What do you need, love? Tell me.” I meet Cole’s eyes in the mirror.
“I want you. Just you.” He pulls out and slams into me as soon as the words leave my mouth. And he doesn’t stop, even as the water sloshes out of the tub.
He’s relentless as he fucks me like it might be the first and only time he does. I’m lost in the overwhelming sensation of it all and of my building release. My eyes fall closed.
His hand runs over my the nape of my neck and he fists my hair, yanking it. “I said, eyes forward. I meant it.” I open them. The sight of us in the mirror pushes me closer to the edge. “I want you to see your face when I make you come. I want you to remember how much you fucking love me and what I do to you.”
The words make me whimper. I will. I will. I will. I can only think it.. The words won’t come out over the sound of my cries and moans. But I will remember, I know that much.
Cole’s hand leaves my hip as he hits a small silver button at the edge of the tub. Suddenly, the surface is foaming and bubbling as the jets send a powerful rush of water towards us. Cole shifts to the left, bringing me with him and… Oh fuck.
One of the jets is centered between my legs, the pressure of the water pushes into my clit.
“Is that the right spot, love?” I can barely move, let alone speak. Instead, I nod. I’m about to come almost immediately. The feel of Cole’s cock and the jet working me is too much to handle.
I’m screaming his name as I clench around him. My whole body tenses as my eyes shut tight. Then I open them, recalling what Cole’s words. Eyes forward.
“Shhh,” he hushes. “They’re going to think I’m killing you in here.” I clamp my hand over my mouth, stifling the sounds as much as I can.
He’s still fucking me and the jet hasn’t let up—being quiet isn’t an option.
Cole’s fingers dig into my hip hard and his grip on my hair tightens. He’s close. Watching us in the mirror is bringing me close again, too. I keep my hand in place, not wanting to be too loud.
Thrusting one last time, Cole finishes, buried deep inside of me with his eyes never leaving mine in the reflection.
He may have stopped, but the jet continues and I’m coming again.
“Fuck, you’re like a vice grip,” Cole groans and pulls out.
We both collapse in the tub, utterly exhausted from a long day and using the rest of our energy on each other. I look over at him and smile. “That was worth the wait.” He smirks.
“It absolutely was.” Leaning over, he kisses me on the forehead. It can’t get much better than this.
I finally take a minute to connect to the Wi-Fi, notifications pop up on my phone, but only a few matter. There’s a missed call from Cassie. I look at the time. I’ll call her tomorrow. Then, I see a bunch of missed messages in the group chat.
Damian: What time will you guys be back?
Damian: ?
Sutton: Everything okay, Thea?
Cole: Sorry. We ran out of gas. Couldn’t get a ride to a gas station. Staying here for the night.
Wesley: Tell me you didn’t leave my car on the side of the road…
Wesley: Do you need me to come get you guys?
Cole: No, don’t worry about it. We found an inn.
Cole: Your car will be fine.
Wesley: Better be!
Sutton: We’ll see you guys tomorrow.
It’s been an hour since Sutton’s text. I reply, even though Cole’s already explained.
Me: Sorry! Busy day. We’re all good. See you tomorrow. G’night!
Turning over, I face Cole just as he sees my message come through. Setting his phone down, he rolls on his side to look at me.
His curls have dried some, the damp ringlets fall over his brows. I brush them to the side and smile. “What are you so happy about?” He teases playfully.
“Oh, nothing.” I shrug. “Just thinking about how lucky I am to have you.”
Cole traces the line of my jaw softly until he gets to my chin. Pulling me closer, he plants a gentle kiss on my lips. “I’m the lucky one, love.”
I cuddle close to him, burying my face into his chest as his muscular arms wrap around me. It’s easy to fall asleep like this, protected and loved.
For most of the night, I sleep soundly. But I do wake up. At some point, I turned and gave Cole my back. He has an arm slung over my hip. The curtains are drawn, so I can’t see if the light is touching the sky yet.
Checking my phone, I see that it’s a little after three in the morning and I have a missed text. That can’t be right.
I open the message, my hands trembling as I do.
Gavin: I hope he was worth it. Fucking slut.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. My heart pounds as I read over the words again. I want to think that he means something else, however, in my heart I know what he’s talking about. How?
I slowly ease out from under Cole’s hand and roll out of bed. He stirs, but then settles. Walking to the bathroom, I quietly close the door behind me. Behind the tub is a window and the blinds are pulled open.
Inky blackness conceals anything out there, although we’re on the ground floor and we had the lights on in here…anyone could have looked in. Goosebumps dot my skin.
I rush over and close the blinds.
If this text means what I think, then Gavin watched Cole and me have sex. He watched our first time. I want to cry. Taking a deep breath, I try to push the panic from my chest and the tears prickling my eyes.
Why won’t he leave me alone? Was Damian’s threat not enough?
I can’t tell Cole. If I do, I’m sure he’ll either break up with me because this is not what he signed up for or he’ll be charged with assault at the very least. As sweet as Cole is, I have no doubt that he and his brothers can do unthinkable things to those who wrong them. Damian showed me a glimpse of that at the carnival.
How did he even text me? I blocked his number ages ago, only undoing it temporarily when I met up with him at the restaurant. How did this message get through?
I find his contact info and see that he’s no longer blocked. Hitting the button, I hope that solves the problem. Well, at least the one of him messaging me. His obsessive need to follow me around is another story. I really don’t want to go to the police.
Giving myself a few minutes to calm down, I return to bed—sleeping restlessly.