38
THEA
“Ugh…Do I have to go?” I bury my face in Cole’s chest. We’re surrounded by a sea of dark fabric. The first time I saw his room, I was surprised. It’s completely the opposite of what I imagined.
Matte black covers his walls, it matches the silk comforter pulled around us. Accents of silver and charcoal hardly stand out against all the darkness. It was shocking at first as I tried to match the moodiness of his room with his warm and sweet personality.
I still can’t find a connection between the two.
I’m surrounded by his enticing scent of cinnamon and amber. The picture on his nightstand, of him hanging up his culinary diploma at the bakery, makes my heart swell. His socks next to the hamper, rather than in it, makes me roll my eyes.
The colors might not be Cole, but everything else is.
“Not if you don’t want to,” he expresses softly. His arm pulls me closer to him. Although the words are a quick comfort, they’re far from the truth.
I have to go into the studio today. Thankfully, not for any boudoir clients—just to pick up some supplies for the mini watermelon truck shoots I have scheduled.
Cassie and I have barely seen each other since our argument. I think she expected me to apologize or cool down at the very least. She’s sadly mistaken. I’m not backing down. If anything, she owes me an apology.
The day after I told her about the break in, I filed the police report and sent her a quick text with Detective Santos information and what the next steps would be. They would conduct their investigation, keeping us updated on any leads. Cassie simply texted back, “K”. That was enough to make me not want to reach out again.
For four days, I’ve been avoiding work. It’s been easy since my mini sessions fall on the weekends. Now it’s Saturday and I’m still not prepared to see her.
The distance these last few days should’ve made me feel better, at least a little. However, each day feels worse than the last. This morning, my anxiety hit its peak. I’m sick to my stomach. My heart is racing and I have a massive migraine.
I want to hide from my problems in Cole’s bed, but that isn’t an option when I need the money.
“I should start getting ready,” I groan, pushing myself up. Cole pulls me back down. “C’mon,” I laugh. “I have to get to the studio.”
Cole levels his gaze at me. “I’m serious, love. You don’t have to go in.”
My face scrunches. “I really do. I have clients scheduled for later and need my props.” He holds me tighter.
“If it’s money you’re worried about, I can take care of you.”
The words hit me like a ton of bricks. That familiar anger I felt with Damian when he offered to buy the property pulses to life. At least with Damian, the offer was on par. But Cole…he knows I’d never want that. Photography is my life, it makes me happy. I could never give it up to be a…I don’t know, a stay at home girlfriend. I recoil at the thought.
I pull myself from his grip. This time, he lets me go.
Picking up the trail of clothes I left on his floor last night, I get dressed. I pull my shirt over my head, finally turning back to him, I bite out, “How could you think this is just about money? How could you be okay with me taking yours? Living off of you? Is this some kind of test to see if I’m a gold digger or something?” The possibilities of why he suggested it race through my head.
Cole pushes himself up in the bed. “Of course I don’t think you’re a gold digger. You didn’t even want to burden us with staying here after the flood.” He runs a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. “I hate that Cassie is causing you so much trouble. Every day, you’ve been stressed thinking about going back to work. You’re exhausted. I want you to be happy.”
Defensiveness flares in my chest as he puts the blame on Cassie. I push it down, knowing it’s my fault. I might have gone a little overboard when venting about the situation. Cole’s heart is in the right place, although the execution is entirely wrong.
“Yes, work will sometimes be stressful. Cassie and I will have a fight or two. I’d never stop doing what I love because things are hard. This stress is temporary and I’m fine with that. You need to be too.” Cole looks unconvinced. “Tell me, if I took you up on your offer, what would I do? Hang out here all day?”
I can tell he hasn’t thought of that. “Well, sure. You could lie by the pool. Read. Go on hikes. Go shopping. Hang out at the bakery or the bookstore. You could do whatever you wanted.” He says this as if I wouldn’t be stir crazy after a week or two.
I don’t see how this is going over his head. He’s at the bakery all the time because he’d go crazy not working. I’m the same. I can’t do this right now.
Buttoning my jeans, I walk to his side of the bed.
Leaning down, I kiss him, not wanting to leave on bad terms. “I know you’re trying to help, but giving up on the studio and my business because of an argument or stress isn’t the right thing to do. I made a commitment, also this is my passion. Trust me, you wouldn’t want me home all day. I’d bug the shit out of you from being bored out of my mind.” Cole smiles as I try to end the conversation on a lighter note.
He takes my hand and pulls it to his mouth, brushing his lips across my knuckles. “She’s in the wrong and needs to make amends. Please consider my offer. I know you hate asking for help or depending on people, but nothing would make me happier than making you happy. And you wouldn’t bug the shit out of me.”
I don’t want to argue, so I tell him I’ll think about it. It’s a lie. I can brush off his initial misstep, however, the fact he keeps pushing it doesn’t sit right with me.
Heading out for the day, I hope that this is something that dies off quickly. Cole has otherwise been perfect. Maybe I need to be more forgiving.
I’m completely exhausted by the time I finish my shoots for the day. My trip to the studio was uneventful. Cassie was busy with a client, so I didn’t even see her. All of that worrying for nothing.
Pulling into an empty spot near the bakery, I head inside. Cole isn’t working today, so I get to avoid having to revisit the conversation from this morning.
Grabbing two coffees, I walk to Sutton’s bookstore.
I’ve been consumed with Cole lately, often sleeping in his room. Now, I’m finding myself wanting to spend time with the others. Wes is still keeping me at an arm’s length physically. The one night he gave in was a momentary lapse, I guess.
Now, I get kisses—that’s it.
Damian barely gives me the time of day. He’s been too engrossed in some business drama, according to Wesley. All I get from him is the occasional princess and good girl. I wonder if he’s still mad that I went to see Cassie when he told me not to.
I push all of this from my mind, wanting to be in a good mood when I see Sutton. I feel a rain drop just as I walk through the door. He’s sitting on the countertop, book in hand, of course. Staring up, his amber eyes glint in the warm light of the store. He has something moody and acoustic playing through the shop’s speakers.
He looks especially good today. The tan ribbed shirt he’s wearing hugs his arms enough for me to see the slight bulge of his muscles. He’s in black jeans again—I swear it’s the only color pants he owns.
“Well, this is a pleasant surprise.” I hand him his coffee and he gives me a quick kiss.
“These are pretty,” I mention, eyeing the potted tulips sitting on the counter.
He smiles. “They’re for my mom. I’m bringing them to her later.”
It’s been so long since I’ve seen his parents, but I can still remember their kind faces. “Tell her I say hi.”
“I will. I’m sure she’d love to see you again.” He hops down off the counter. “So what brings you by?” He questions with a glint in his amber eyes.
I shrug, playing coy. “Just wanted a little one-on-one Sutton time.” I side eye him and give a playful smirk.
“Oh really?” He takes a sip and sets the cup down. “As I recall, the last time you were in here, we were causing a bit of trouble.” My mind flashes back to us on the couch in the reading room—me grinding against his cock and coming as we confessed our fantasies.
I put some distance between us and circle around until I’m behind the counter. He follows, cornering me. I have no escape and the knowledge excites me. Sutton eyes me up and down. I’m wearing a dress again, knowing how much he likes seeing my legs.
“Maybe I’m here to cause some more trouble,” I tease in a sultry voice.
That draws a smile from him. He wets his lips and I see the flash of the two piercings on his tongue. I think of the cool metal against my nipples and then on my pussy. I press my thighs together as a rush of desire makes me throb.
Sutton lightly drags the back of his hand over my dress. Starting on my thigh, he moves past my belly until he reaches the underside of my breast. I breathe in his lavender and sandalwood scent, it’s intoxicating and fuels my desire.
Leaning in, he pulls my bottom lip into his mouth, letting his teeth graze me before pushing his tongue inside. Sutton’s muscular, yet lean, body presses into me. His erection rubs against my hip.
I need him now.
My fingers find the button of his black jeans. I pop it open easily.
Today, he won’t stop me, I can feel it. Pulling down his zipper, I hook my fingers into his waistband. As I’m about to yank his pants down, the bell above the door dings.
I’m not ready to stop.
Dropping to my knees, I scoot backwards into the opening beneath the countertop.
Sutton’s eyes fall to mine as I give him a devilish smirk. I can tell he wants to say something, but the man who entered the store pipes up and steals his attention.
“Hi there,” a nasally voice calls out. I ignore it and reach into Sutton’s pants, pulling out his cock. His body goes rigid. Still, he edges closer to me so that the customer doesn’t suspect anything.
My tongue darts out, wetting my lips in anticipation. I slide my mouth over the tip. His body tenses. Sutton’s working hard not to squirm, trying to focus on what the customer needs while I swirl my tongue around him. The music in the shop might conceal the sounds of my mouth for the most part, although I make sure to keep quiet.
“I can check my system, but that title doesn’t sound familiar.” I hear him clack away on the keyboard.
Pushing him in farther in, I enjoy the feel of his cock filling my mouth. He reaches the back of my throat easily and I work to breathe through my nose as drool drips down my lips, coating him.
The rough carpet digs into my bare knees. I shift to spread my legs, hoping that the new position eases the discomfort. It doesn’t.
Ignoring it, I work my mouth back and forth over him, slowly. I listen as Sutton struggles to keep his breath steady. I know I’ve pushed him too far when his hand comes down beneath the counter and fists my hair.
Knowing that I’m getting to him sends a rush of desire to my core that I can’t ignore.
My hand dips between my legs. I’m already wet as I push inside of myself, slicking my fingers before teasing my clit. A moan threatens to escape, but Sutton’s cock and the little self-restraint I have muffles it…mostly.
“Looks like we don’t have that one. Probably best to order it online,” Sutton tells the man hurriedly.
They exchange a few words, then I hear the bell ding once again. Sutton pulls away from me, just slightly. His cock is still between my lips and I gaze up at him with the innocent eyes.
I can imagine what he sees. Me on my knees, legs spread and dress pushed up with my fingers working towards my release, my lips glistening with saliva. I hope it’s enough to make him forgive me for my mischief.
Sutton pulls the rest of the way out and tucks his cock into his pants. I watch as he walks around the counter. Shit, I’ve pissed him off. I hear the sliding of metal and his footsteps coming back towards me.
I’ve only ever seen him angry once. It took a lot to get him there.
“I’m sorr—”
However, before I can finish, he bends down, grabbing me by my arms and dragging me out from under the counter to a stand. Then, he lifts me easily from the floor by my waist, setting me on the adjacent counter that’s a little lower than the one I was beneath.
“Such a temptress,” he chastises. His hands grip my hips as he yanks me to the edge, forcing my arms to balance me from behind. “I think you have the wrong idea, baby. I’m not your friend who you can tease anymore. I’m your boyfriend now and I won’t hesitate to remind you of that. In any way necessary.” He crushes his lips against mine.
This is a rare show of possessiveness from him. My boyfriend. His assertion over me makes me nudge my hips closer to him. If he’s going to claim me in title, he needs to claim my body as well.
The sensation of the cold glass against my bare ass and Sutton’s warm mouth clashes. He drops to my neck, then to my collarbone, tracing his tongue over my sensitive skin. I’m panting from the need growing between us, making it hard to catch my breath.
I’m vaguely aware we’re in full view of the shop’s glass door.
“Sutton,” I breathe out, panicked, trying to get his attention, but he’s aggressively pulling at the shoulders of my dress, exposing my bra. “Sutton,” I repeat. “Someone could walk by and see us.”
He jerks my bra down so that my breasts spring free. Drawing my nipple into his mouth, he flicks his eyes up to me and releases only to counter with, “That didn’t seem to be a problem for you a few minutes ago.” His mouth returns to sucking and nipping at me. He’s right, although we were still somewhat hidden before.
I look out the windows of the door. It’s pouring now—no one’s out in this rain, I reason.
Finally pausing, he hooks his fingers into my lacy thong and tugs them down. Nervousness rushes through me, with it comes arousal. The fear of getting caught once again fuels my need.
Sutton shoves his pants and boxers down around his ankles. I feel the urgency vibrating off of him. I half expect him to drive his cock into me, instead he drops to his knees and lowers his face to my pussy.
SUTTON
I watch as Thea’s head falls back, anticipating the pleasure that’s about to come. I’ve waited so long for this moment. I can’t wait to taste her. Hooking my arms under her knees, I grip her thighs and spread her wide for me.
Her pussy is everything and nothing like I expect. I’ve thought about this so many times that the feeling of being between her legs feels like home. It’s also terrifying because I know once I taste her, no one else will ever compare.
Thea’s head tips forward, her dark waves framing her face. I can tell that she thinks something is wrong. I let out a breath and tell her, “Baby, I would live between your legs for the rest of my life if I could.” Her cheeks redden at my confession.
Then, just as quickly, she smirks at me. “But would you die between them?”
Fuck, she’s perfect. That witty mouth of hers gets me every time. It might push Damian’s buttons, however, I love it.
In all seriousness, I admit, “It would be my honor.” She lets out a low chuckle that catches in her throat as I finally run my tongue over her, flicking her clit, then circling it slow.
I can’t get enough. My cock throbs with impatience, wanting to worship her as much as my mouth is. Just a couple of minutes, I tell myself. Unhooking an arm from under her leg, I skate my finger up the sensitive flesh of her inner thigh. Her shiver at my touch makes me grin.
Tracing a path all the way up, I tease her entrance, eager to know what she feels like. My eyes close in satisfaction as I slip my finger inside of Thea—she’s soaking wet for me.
“Is this all for me, baby?” I need to hear her say it.
This is the only time I can talk like this to her. An unspoken rule of the pact is that possessiveness extends only to outsiders. Between the four of us, being territorial of Thea is forbidden. Although, there are loopholes. When I’m alone with her, I can call her mine, tell her she belongs to me, claim her and her body for myself. We all do it. When we’re all together, she’s ours, she belongs to us, and we claim her for ourselves.
Thea whimpers at the question. “Yes, Sutton. All for you.” I moan in response.
My cock can’t wait much longer—it’s aching to fuck her. I push another finger in and sweep over that sensitive spot deep inside of her. With my other hand, I spread her pussy open and drag my tongue over her clit. I kiss and gently suck it, knowing that my two piercings are adding a new sensation for her.
I tune into Thea, paying attention to all the signs that she’s getting close. Her hands tightly grip the edges of the counter behind her, knuckles white. As her chest heaves in shallow breaths, her tits bounce a little. I love watching her from this angle. Her cheeks are flushed red.
I feel her body tense. “Oh, God,” she pants out as she clenches around my fingers. I keep up my rhythm, wanting her to ride this wave of pleasure as long as possible. She bucks against my hand and mouth.
Thea’s shaking and out of breath. It’s my signal to ease up on her, but I only briefly pull away to counter with, “Baby, I’m the one on my knees praying. I should call you God.” She glances down at me, eyes wide and lips parted in surprise. Then my mouth is back on her.
This is my favorite part. Her body’s hypersensitive as she comes down from her climax. I want to push her beyond what she thinks she can handle.
My fingers coax her while my tongue licks over her until she’s begging me. “Sut-Sutton…Sutton.” She struggles to speak through the overwhelming sensations. “Too much,” she whines. I chuckle a little—the vibration of my mouth against her makes her spasm.
“Give me one more, baby. I know you can do it.” She can, she just doesn’t know it yet. Thea needs my encouragement to get her there. “I’ll be so proud if you can come again for me.”
She bites her lip, telling me that my words are working for her. She wants to make me proud. I fucking love that. My mouth is on her again. Her body tenses and although it’s not as powerful as the first, she comes a second time.
“That’s my girl.” Momentarily, I wonder if I should try for a third before fucking her. However, I’m too impatient.
Straightening, I take in her heavy-lidded gaze, parted lips, pink cheeks, and her forehead glistening with sweat. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
In the midst of admiring her, Thea grabs my shirt and pulls me towards her. She brings my mouth to hers, kissing me deeply—tasting herself on my tongue.
“Fuck,” I mutter, ripping the shirt from my body. I watch as her eyes roam my body. It’s not like she hasn’t seen me without one before. I realize it’s the tattoos she’s looking at.
I got them after college, so they’re new to her. Her eyes travel over my ribs where I have a stack of books inked, for obvious reasons. Then her gaze moves to the opposite side. Tucked on the inside of my bicep is a twisted serpent.
Thea reaches out her hand, running her fingers over the ink on my ribs. Tracing down my abs, her eyes race faster than her touch until she’s staring at my hard cock. She licks her lips—I can’t hold back any longer.
I press myself into her. My eyes briefly glance up, but she doesn’t notice. Thea’s busy staring down as I slide my tip over the length of her. Good. I want her to watch me enter her, so she’ll always remember the moment our bodies joined for the first time.
Pushing in gently, I’m careful not to go too fast. Her body accepts me eagerly, although she winces a little as I stretch her out. That quickly gives way to breathlessness. Thea wraps her legs around my waist, pulling me closer and pushing my cock deeper. I thrust gently in and out, enjoying every moment of this.
“You feel amazing, baby. Look at you taking all of me so well.” That makes her meet my gaze. Her eyes are wide and her breathing’s picked up. She’s loving this and I love that my words have this effect on her.
“Don’t stop,” Thea pleads. And I know she doesn’t mean me fucking her.
I slide my hand to the back of her head, fisting her dark hair. My other hand grips her hip. Thea’s arms slide under mine, her fingers tracing up my back until she’s holding onto my shoulders for support. I pick up my speed. I can’t help it. “That’s it, my perfect girl.” Her body stills against mine. I’ve struck a chord.
“Really?” she asks, disbelief heavy in her voice.
Pulling back from her, I stare deep into her eyes. “Of course. You’re my perfect girl, Thea. Always have been.” She leans in and kisses me, but I don’t miss the slight tremble running through her. Those words are important to her.
Chest to chest, I feel the stir of electricity between us. The air is charged with something I’ve never felt before.
“Sutton,” she moans out.
She feels it too. “I know, baby.” I kiss her longingly. All the years apart have led us to this one moment where we’re finally complete.
I thrust into her, fast and deep. Then again. And again.
It doesn’t take long for her to get close, although I’m not ready to give her another release. Slowing, I pull almost all the way out of her, then drive my hips into her. We’re both dancing between pleasure and agony. I don’t want this to end, but my teasing can’t last forever.
Dipping my head, I pull her peaked nipple into my mouth, letting my teeth graze her soft skin. I can’t take the slowness any longer. I want her screaming my name.
Kissing up her neck, I drive my cock into her hard and fast. Her eyes meet mine and she flicks her tongue over my bottom lip before taking it between her teeth. I return the favor, never letting up on slamming into her body.
Thea’s hand drifts between us, finding her clit. I hold from finishing. I won’t go until she does. Just as I think it, she’s coming again, moaning my name repeatedly. Her pussy clamps around my cock. I can’t hold off anymore.
I feel the familiar tightening in my balls as my body tenses.
She digs her nails into my shoulders and looks me in the eye. “Come for me, Sutton.”
My body obeys her command. Thrusting once more, I spill myself deep inside of her.
We hold each other limp and exhausted. I breathe in the familiar scent of her hair. I memorize the feel of her soft skin under my hands.
“I can’t believe that’s what I’ve been missing out on all these years.”