Chapter 11 #3
Laughing, I wiggled away from Atlas’s hold and moved to hug his father. He smelled of cedar, and whatever woodworking he had been doing with Bodhi earlier.
Once again, tears pricked my eyes, and it was in these moments that I realized that I was never going to get another hug from my father again.
Just like my mother would never hug me again.
Gwen and Jackson could stand in all they wanted, but I never would have that again.
And in that moment, I realized I was crying hard, and Atlas cursed.
“Come here, baby. I’ve got you.”
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“You’re grieving, you’re allowed to.”
“I’m fine. I’m really fine. I shouldn’t cry at the drop of a hat over a silly hug.”
“You’re allowed to cry, or scream, or do whatever you’d like,” Gwen said as she slid next to Atlas and cupped my cheek. “My boy will take care of you tonight, but just know, if you want to cry on my shoulder, you always can.”
And with that, the tears fell harder. I somehow said my goodbyes to the others, with the passengers shifting so Mr. Carter could take everyone else home, while Atlas took me.
“I’m sorry for ruining the plans,” I hiccupped.
“Let’s just get you back home, and I’m going to tuck you in and hold you. You’re stuck with me.”
I wiped my tears and nodded.
“Okay. Maybe. But I really don’t want to be sad tonight.”
I squeezed his hand, letting out a long breath. “I’m just tired of being sad.”
We made the short drive up to his place, passing mine completely. Without another word, Atlas turned off the engine, got out, walked around the car, and opened my door.
“I’m carrying you into the house, and I’m going to take care of you. You’re going to have to deal with that.”
“Where’s Will?” I asked, wiping my face.
Atlas tucked me against his chest, and I held on tight, feeling like I was finally safe after so many years.
An odd feeling when everything was up in the air and out of my control.
“He’s working late because Rune is taking care of him, and then Rune will bring him back. We’ve got time.”
As Atlas brought me into his bedroom, I sank into him, holding him tight.
“I don’t want to cry anymore.”
As he set me down on the bed and pushed my hair back from my face, I stared up at that chiseled jaw, at the scar on his eyebrow, and those light and piercing eyes that saw too much.
“Whatever you need. I’m here.”
And with that, I tugged off my shirt and tossed it on the ground. His eyes widened, his mouth dropping open. “Oh. That?”
“I mean. If you don’t want to. I just… please?”
The vulnerability felt like a kick to the chest. Because if he said no at that moment, I would break down even further.
Atlas cursed under his breath, and I went to cover myself up, but then he was on me, his mouth on mine, his hands cupping me.
“You never have to ask. I just didn’t want to take advantage.”
“I want you. Please.”
“I always want you, Lizzie. I love you.”
And with that, I melted into him, letting him take control.
I tugged on his shirt, and we moved quickly, awkwardly at first as we stripped one another, and then it was as if no time had passed.
He slid his hand between my legs, readying me, but I was already slick from the touch of him.
When his thumb flicked over my clit, I came, arching into him as he latched onto one nipple with his soft lips.
He continued to pleasure me until I found myself on my stomach, with Atlas hovering over me.
My fingers dug into the bedspread as he licked and bit down my spine, gentle at first, then slightly harder.
When he moved farther, my eyes widened. He spread me then, licking me from behind, and I buried my face into the pillow, wondering how this man could find new and interesting ways to make me come.
He speared me with his tongue, his face between my cheeks, and I should have blushed, but I couldn’t.
Not when it was Atlas. But when I came again, I arched up, pressing my ass to his face.
He bit one globe and then pulled away. Before I could say anything, or even catch my breath, the blunt tip of his cock was at my entrance, and he was sliding into me in one quick thrust.
We both groaned, shaking, and as he leaned over me, sliding his hand underneath me to cup my breasts, he began to move.
I met him thrust for thrust, tilting my head so I could look back at him and take his mouth with mine.
He hovered over me, making it easier, as he pounded into me, hard and fast and everything that I needed.
And when he finally came, filling me, I pushed back, knowing that I was never going to feel like this again.
Because no matter what he said, no matter what we promised, things would change.
He held me close, both of us trying to catch our breaths, and the sadness crept in once again.
Because he was leaving soon. And I wasn’t going with him. And it was like it was as if nothing had changed.
And yet my world had irrevocably altered.
So I let him hold me, and I basked in the oblivion of this moment. And tried not to think of the next.