Awakened Desires (53 page)

“I get that. Shit,” he grumbled. “Quinn… She had a good idea.”

“Like what? ‘Woe is me. Save my murderous, demented lover’?”

“Elaina…” She glowered at Henry. “She had a good point. I know you hate and want him dead. Trust me. I’m not a fan myself, but she said we are both brilliantly trained and we could team up to defeat Roger if and when he shows up.”

“I can’t believe what I am hearing come out of your mouth!”

Henry shifted and sat up against the wall. “Listen…it makes sense. As much as I want to put a bullet between his brows, it makes goddamn sense. I hate that it does, too.”

“We traveled so far for one reason.”

“No, not just one reason. We were…are surviving. Elaina, I know you are in a spot right now that seems like an endless spin of nothingness. I get that.
I so fucking get that shit
. But when Roger shows up, wouldn’t it be a shock for him to see Gunther and me working together?”

“What if it’s a ploy of some kind? What if he’s doing this, just following along, only to cut your throat one night while you sleep?”

“I have a good feeling about this. He cut out his tracking device. He seems different. He’s not the same fucker that did what he did to me. I need you with me on this. I need to know you trust my decision and we can make this work.”

“He killed
everyone
, Henry.”

“I understand what he did, and I hate him for it. I just…” He scrubbed his face, then locked eyes with Elaina. “I’m sorry.” He shook his head and let out a loud exhale. The room was dead silent for many minutes. “Even though I made a deal with Quinn, I’ll make them leave tomorrow.”

“That’s not necessary,” she muttered. “She’s right…as much as I hate to admit it. I’m so fucking angry with him, but I think you’re right.”

“You have no idea what it means to me that you trust me to make the right decision. Although, I have to admit, I still want to beat the shit out of him. Just the sight of him makes me want to knock his ass out.” He slid back down and cuddled up with Elaina.

“So…the deal was a bag from her to spare him?”

“Yeah.”

“You were able to sleep after that?”

There were occasions when he could barely stand or he would hallucinate after a large ingestion. Sometimes he would be all over Elaina. Those were the nights they would go at it for hours. “It was hard to settle myself down, but I managed.”

Elaina brushed her thumb over his lips, catching his cool breath in her hand. Taking a chance, Henry rolled them over so he was laying on top of her. He kissed her tenderly while cupping her face in his palm.

His cool breath danced gracefully across her skin. The chill of his skin made her entire body shiver. His teeth and lips traveled around her neck.

“Is this okay?” he murmured as he nibbled on her skin.

Elaina considered refusing his advances because she was still emotionally spent, but she wanted what he was offering. She wanted to feel his love and be lost within him. “Yes. Take me away from here,” she whispered.

Henry looked up at her again, knowing she just wanted to forget everything for a moment. He was going to do his damnedest to help her do that.

The moonlight was hitting her face. He paused, his emerald eyes soaking in her beauty. “Elaina, you are absolutely stunning,” he whispered.

He dipped his head back down to tangle with her lips and tongue. His inner animal grew hungrier and he frantically removed her clothes, tearing them from her body.

“Henry… Oh god. I need you,” Elaina moaned.

“No worries, love. I’m right here to take care of you.”

He reached down to her apex, feeling the moisture pooling in his hand. He groaned. The touching grew greedier, circling his thumb over her heated, swollen nub. She grabbed his hand and forced him to touch her deeper. He followed her demand and slid down her body. His tongue swiped over her sensitive folds while his fingers dipped down deep into her core, making sure he massaged that one spot that made her insides pulsate.

Henry brought Elaina to the top, and as she tumbled over the edge, he removed his fingers. He kissed her all the way up to her lips, making sure to pause at her chest for a few moments. She was panting, enjoying his every touch, thankful to him for taking her away from her misery, even if it was only for a short time.

He settled himself between her thighs, pushing them further apart. When he finally eased himself into her, her hips met him thrust for thrust. He rocked her into ecstasy and made her reach her peak again.

Henry pulled out and Elaina protested. “No. I’m taking care of you again.”

He moved down her body, kissing every inch he missed before. When he reached her dripping core, he dipped his tongue in, making her moan loudly and her hips buck up under him.

Elaina grabbed at Henry’s head and pushed him further into her. Happily, he accepted her force. “Henry…,” she moaned.

“Oh, love…” He dragged his tongue through her folds. “You taste so fucking good.” His fingers started to massage her right along with his tongue. He groaned as she pulled on his hair.

Henry worked his way back up Elaina’s body. She was moaning and groaning right along with him. He kissed her, sharing her taste with her. He slid down a little, making his way to her hard nipples, and attacked them with his tongue and teeth. She felt his hand go back down and dip into her begging core, teasing her everywhere until she exploded once again.

“Henry…please…”

“Please what, love? Tell me what you want,” he growled.

“You.” Elaina was breathless.

“Me?” He settled between her thighs again.

“Yes…fuck me hard, please,” she begged.

He slammed himself into her, pounding her into their bed. His deep, throaty groan sent vibrations through her chest. It was deliciousness at its finest. “Christ, I’m close already,” he growled. She clamped her slick core down around him. “Oh fuck, love.” His pounding got faster and he let out a moan that would drop any woman’s panties. “Fuuuuck…” His jaw fell open and he shuddered. She felt him pulse inside her several times before he collapsed on her chest. His breathing was so ragged, it made her worry.

“Are you okay?”

It took him a moment to answer her. “Yeah… My whole body…so relaxed…down to my toes.” His panted words were muffled, seeing as he was talking into her boobs. With a smile, Elaina twisted his wavy locks around her fingers.

Finally finding enough energy, he rolled over, but he could have stayed in her chest all night and she wouldn’t have cared. She loved it when his sexually fatigued body lay loose on top of her.

Once again, he snuggled up to her and held her tight. His strong arms comforted her, as usual. After laying there for a moment, trying to lock up the recent events in the furthest depths of her mind, she returned to sleep. She was thankful to him for taking her away from her misery, even if it was only for a short time.

I heard Quinn’s voice, just above a whisper, echoing through my head, calling my name. “Gunther… Gunther…” I stirred, but I didn’t want to open my eyes. I was relaxed and comfortable. She ran her fingers over the ridges of my face. “Gunther…” Her lips pressed her lips, making me groan.

There were steaks of sunshine peeking through some areas of the paper-covered windows. I cracked open my eyelids, and she sucked in a hard breath. Even with the smallest of peeks, my eyes took her breath away. Another groan escaped my body, seeing her hovering above me.

My voice scratched its way to the surface. “Hey, love.” I reached up and ran my weathered fingers across Quinn’s cheek.

“Everyone is up and Henry wants us all to eat before we go back to the bunker.”

“We can’t eat their food.”

“No, but we can eat the school’s food.” I opened my eyes all the way. “The cafeteria is loaded with all sorts of juice, canned goods, and baking supplies.”

“All right! Tinned fruits and veggies, and flour. Delish.” I smirked. “Come here.” I pulled Quinn close and kissed her. With precision, I flipped her on her back and nestled myself on top of her. I dived in, looking for a morning pick-me-up.

“No. No. Stop.” She struggled and pushed me away.

“Just give me a few minutes. I want you so badly. I’m sure you can feel that.” I pushed my hips into hers, and ran my hands all over her unbelievable body.

“No. We have to get up.”

“
I am up
.” My lips curled into a wicked grin.

“Yes, I know.” I continued kissing her, only allowing a few words to escape at a time. “Please, Gunther.”

“Was that a plea?” Again with the wicked grin.

“No!”

“Say my name again but, this time, add some rasp.”

Quinn laughed. “Gunther some rasp.”

I sighed. “You are killing me, woman.” Highly disappointed, I rolled off of her.

She stood up and grabbed my hand, trying to pull me to my feet, but failed miserably. I pulled her forward and she landed right on top of me, straddling me. Perfection.

“Ah, yes. Now this is how it should be. I love watching you ride me. You bite your lip, tip you head back, your chest pops out. Mmm…” I pulled her face to mine. My cool breath sent shivers down her spine.

“You have to stop.” Quinn pushed herself away from me. I knew if she even allowed one more kiss, she would give into me. “Come on. Henry is waiting.”

“I don’t give two shits about him. I behaved yesterday. Today could very well be different.” Quinn sighed. “Come on, love. Give me five minutes. I promise I will make it worth your while.”

“I know you will, but let’s wait until later.”

I was less than thrilled. “Fine. Don’t get mad at me if I grab you and carry you off at some point.” She smiled. I pulled her close to my face again, whispering, “Oh, and just to let you know, you were brilliant last night. I’m looking forward to more rewards like that.” Quinn blushed when the impish grin lit up my face.

I allowed her to get up. When I stood up, she realized I was still naked, and couldn’t help but admire my defined physique and my rather ample J.T. “See something you like?” I asked her with a smirk as I playfully stroked my arousal.

Quinn blushed and turned away. I pulled on my cargoes and grabbed my shirt. Approaching her from behind, I wrapped my arms around her waist.

“Why are you embarrassed?”

“I don’t know.”

“There is no need to be. I love that you gawk at me.”

Quinn quickly turned around. “I do not!”

“Yes, you do,” I teased.

With a wink, I stepped away from her and opened the door. There was nothing more that I wanted than a life with Quinn. One day, I hoped to be able to give her everything she needed.

Quinn was trying to catch up to me, but my strides were far too long for her to keep up at that point. I rushed down the hall, knowing she was practically running behind me.

“There you two are!” Josie snipped. “I have been standing here forever, waiting to show you where we are eating.” She was highly irritated. “And, for crying out loud, put your shirt on!” Josie scolded.

“Sorry,” I laughed, pulling it on. “She had trouble waking me up. Little hung over, I suppose.” Quinn glowered at me while I smiled deviously at her.

“I don’t want to hear any of it. Just follow me.”

Josie took off down the hall to the cafeteria. The school was the size of an average high school, but it held all grade levels from kindergarten through the twelfth grade. The cafeteria reflected that. There were about ten tables with eight chairs at each table.

Cora had her kids sitting quietly, eating dry cereal and tinned fruit. Henry was leaning against the wall, talking to Thomas. Elaina and Nick were sitting alone and picking at their tinned fruit, putting on a show while trying to hide the fact they weren’t eating anything. Thomas nodded at us when we walked in.

“Morning,” Henry said as he walked toward us. My body stiffened. He ignored my reaction, which made me want to throttle him that much more. “There’s a small selection of food on the counter over there. Help yourself.” Quinn scowled at me as she walked away with Josie, but I stayed put. “Is there something I can do for you?” He glared at me.

“I can think of a few things,” I grumbled, being careful that no one noticed. I took a step closer to him so we were a short width apart. Even though I had some height on him, I still tipped my chin up, posturing my male dominance. My lip curled into a snarl. I wanted to wipe the floor with his blasted face.

Henry tilted his head just enough to show me a little angry twinkle in his eyes. “Watch your step,” he grumbled. “You’re in
my
house now. What I say goes. And if you don’t act properly, I will throw your ass out of here without thinking twice about it. I don’t really like you staying here, but I made a deal with your bird.” Apparently, Henry wasn’t going to beat around the bush. I smirked, but I had to respect that. “This is my family and I will not hesitate to protect them by any means necessary. Am I perfectly clear?”

“You think I want to stay here with a farce like you?”

Henry stood a little taller. I had to chuckle. “Bite your tongue, asswipe. I am only doing this because your bird talked me into it. You think I want you here? You think I want to be reminded every fucking day that
you did this to me
?” He pointed to his temple. “I can’t believe I agreed to this and went against Elaina!”

Ignoring everything else he said, I asked, “And if I don’t keep my mouth shut?”

“I’ll wipe your face all over this fucking floor,” Henry growled as he rolled his shoulders back.

I didn’t really want to fight and show him that I could still kick his arse from here to tomorrow. It was obvious he had been drinking already, so it would just embarrass him in front of his crew.

As much as he was like sandpaper on a raw wound, Quinn was right. We really needed to work as a team. We needed to get along, but I wasn’t going to make it easy for him. “Chill, lass.”

“What the fuck is your issue?!” he barked a little louder than I think he intended.

Quinn watched our exchange as she grabbed what looked like a single serving box of cereal. I imagine she was hoping she could run fast enough to break up the fight between us that seemed to be seconds away.

“How about you keep your voice down?”

“How about you keep your filthy mouth shut?”

“Whatever you want…
Liam
.”

And with that, he popped a right hook into my jaw. I wasn’t going to fight him, but I wasn’t going to allow him to take advantage of me, either. “Back off, lass,” I growled. I’m certain I saw red rage in his eyes.

“You want more of that?”

“I want you to calm the fuck down.”

“Fuck you.”

Henry leaped at me and tried drilling me with punch after punch. I blocked every one, which pissed him off even more. With seething force, he managed to land a smart clip on my cheek.

“Back up now!” I yelled.

“Fight back, you sappy old man! Come on. Fight me!” He shoved me and I just absorbed the impact, stepping back once.

After a few nervous glances from Quinn, she and Elaina decided they should come over to us. Elaina grabbed onto Henry and Quinn stood behind me, her hands on my biceps. Thomas and Nick were lingering on the sidelines, but they looked less than eager to jump in the middle of our little scuffle. Josie and Cora huddled the kids toward the back of the room.

“Henry! Stop!” Elaina yelled.

“Get off of me!” he screamed at her, shoving her away.

“Easy, lad,” I warned. Seeing him shove Elaina like he did made me fouled up even more.

“Fight me, you right pig bastard! Come on! Let’s do this!”

“No.”

He tried popping me several more times, but I blocked him again and again. He forgot who taught him how to fight. “Come on!” he roared.

“Henry! Stop!” Elaina yelled.

“Listen to me…”

His body popped toward me as he pointed with aggression. “I don’t have to listen to shit coming out of your mouth!”

“You’re right. You don’t.”

He shoved me back, causing me to stumble back into Quinn, knocking her on her arse.

It took everything I had to control myself, but that put me over the edge. I grabbed him by the neck and threw him up against the wall, shouldering his weight and making him feel mine. The sound echoed through the cafeteria.

“Gunther!” Quinn screamed while she tried to grab my arms.

“You listen to me, you little motherfucker. I will only tolerate so much of your nonsense! You either calm down, or I will make you regret living.”

When I felt him sag just a bit, I pulled back from our loving embrace and stood stiffly, eyeing Henry, my jaw grinding.

“What if I already do?”

His hoarse voice told me the emotions with which he was riddled. I saw the pain in Elaina’s eyes when the words rolled out of his mouth. That told me so much more. I knew exactly what he was saying because I felt it, as well.

“Fighting me isn’t going to make you feel better, even though I could go for a good row,” I growled.

“The fuck it won’t!”

“You think I like living like this?” I pointed to my temple. “You think I enjoy the feeling? They did the
same
thing
to me.”

“Henry…come on! Please,” Elaina begged him. “Calm down. I can’t do this right now. I need you to look at me.” She grabbed his face and turned him to her. “Henry…” In a snap, his body fell back into the wall.

Christ, we were
exactly
alike. Elaina was to him what Quinn was to me. One in the same.

Then Quinn stepped in front of me, blocking my view. “Why don’t you come over and grab some food? I’m sure you’re hungry.”

“I’m not hungry,” I said through my clenched jaw.

“Well, maybe some water then. Come on.” She pulled on my arm. My body was so tense, I would imagine I felt like I weighed a ton. In anger, she spun around and faced Henry. “I thought we had a deal.”

After a few moments of silence and deep cleansing breaths, he finally said, “As long as he keeps his cool, I will hold up my end of the bargain. The first moment he crosses the line, he will find himself a new place to terrorize.”

“That was
not
the deal!” Quinn unknowingly raised her voice. “You said you would leave him be.”

Henry looked past Quinn and then smiled, looking me in the eye. “Do you always need your woman to fight your battles for you?”

“Fuck you,” I growled. Henry’s smile grew larger.

Quinn reached back and put her hand on my chest. “You both need to cut this shit out. If you want to work together, this is not the way to get it started.”

“I don’t believe I ever said I was willing to work with him,” I snipped.

When she turned around, I knew she was about to read me the riot act. Her expression was near explosive and, frankly, it scared me. “Well, guess what, asshole? It’s
my
decision this time.” Quinn poked her finger into my chest. “Don’t you
dare
throw away what little stability we have because of your oversized ego. It’s this or you will lose both Josie and me.”

All the air was sucked out of the room and I staggered back a few steps. The thought of Quinn not being mine anymore made my chest ache and scream for oxygen. Even Henry was taken aback by her threat, empty or not.

“Look…” Henry took off his ball cap and rubbed the top of his head with the brim. “I can see what you mean to him. It’s the same for Elaina and me. I couldn’t live a day without her. We broke up for a little while in the beginning of all of this bullshit and it was the most painful thing I have ever been through. Worse than any physical pain I have ever felt.” Insinuation understood. “I don’t want to cause any problems for your relationship.” Henry held out his hand to me. “From this moment forward, we work together and lead this riff raff of a crew. Even though Elaina isn’t one hundred percent happy about this, we’ll work through it.”

I glanced at his hand, then looked at Quinn. Her brow was raised so far, it was approaching her hairline. Swallowing hard, I took his hand.

With a firm shake, he suggested, “Come on. Let’s get some food and work out some tactics, discuss a few details.” Quinn continued to glare as we walked away from her.

Henry led me to the counter and we both picked a few things to eat, then sat down together. Quinn decided she would sit with Cora and Josie, but she was keeping an ear out just in case things became heated between the two of us again. It was probably likely at some point.

“So, let’s start with a few things. Kellan is dead, so we don’t have to worry about him.” I wasn’t sure if I should believe him. The look on my face said it all. “Really, he is. He’s rotting in the backyard at Elaina’s family home.”

“Wow…” I was at a loss for words.

“Yeah, it was one hell of a fight. I almost turned after it. Shamefully, he beat me pretty badly. If it wasn’t for Thomas, I would’ve been true dead.” Henry laughed.

I was a bit confused by his laughter and felt a little uncomfortable. “I guess I don’t see the humor in what you said.”

“The whole Thomas ordeal. We stopped at a convenient shop. I was hurting big time. I needed a fix like nobody’s business. No one knew but Soph…” Henry stopped and sucked in a breath. I raised my eyebrows, waiting for him to say whatever he was trying to say. He cleared his throat and fought to keep his cool. I could see rage flicker in his eyes. “Sorry. I was saying, no one knew about me except for Sophie.”