Consumed (12 page)

Adrian

My pearl opened her shell for me today, and I’m not about to let her close it. Victoria’s gorgeous, bare body is elongated and already a bit flushed.

“I’m going to blindfold you now, and you’re going to tell me how you want me to touch you.”

Victoria’s eyes never stray from mine as she wets her lips and nods. After stripping off my pants, I straddle her and carefully secure the red tie in a knot behind her head. Her warm, raspy breaths coat my skin, luring me to have a taste of her sweet lips.

“I’m going to make you feel amazing. No pain. Only pleasure.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Growling, I drag my nose along her jawline to her ear.

“You have no idea what you’ve done to me. Your presence stopped my heart and squeezed it until it beat on your time.” I kiss her ear, tracing the shell of it with my tongue.

“Whenever you start to feel like you’re losing your grasp on a situation, remember you hold my heart. You’re always in control of something, Victoria. You possess my whole fucking heart and soul.”

My tongue outlines her nipple before I suck the stiff bead into my mouth and let it free. “When you need to be reckless, be daring with me.”

Her other nipple is teased by my wet mouth, and she moans, her back arching beneath me.

“Only you, Sir,” she says through her choppy breaths.

“Do you like this?” I ask before circling it again.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Tell me what to do to you. Let me hear you say it.”

“Suck my tits. Please, suck them, Sir.”

A growl builds from deep in my chest as I suck hard on her nipple. I grip her tit and cover as much of it with my mouth as I can before I move to the other one.

The volume of her moans elevate like the length of my cock as I skirt my tongue down her taut stomach, tracing her navel. She jerks her arms and squirms.

“Be still, and tell me what else you desire.” Spreading my fingers, I clasp her upper thighs and open them wide.

“I like your tongue, Sir.”

“What do you want me to do with it?” I ask before I veer it down her inner thigh.

It remains quiet, other than her laborious breaths, which are speaking her sensual thoughts.

“Say the words, and I’ll do it in a heartbeat.”

“Lick me, Sir.”

“Lick you where?”

A rush of air is sucked in by her parting lips as I tease the apex of her thigh with my tongue.

“Lick my pussy, Sir.”

Victoria

Jesus Christ.

I jerk my hands forward, but it only tightens the belt binding me. I don’t want my hands free to make him stop. I need use of them, so I can push his mouth farther against me. I want him to eat me like he’s starving!

Instead, his teasing tongue lightly strokes downward. It twirls faintly along my clit until I’m squirming against it.

“Please, harder … faster.”

“Please, harder, faster, what?”

“Please eat me harder and faster, Sir.”

He chuckles, the humming against my flesh intensifying the pleasure. “I only expected the ‘Sir,’ but damn, your dirty mouth makes me want to bury myself as far into you as possible, so I’ll get right on that.”

I giggle, but it’s cut short by the moan his tongue incites.

“Adrian!”

“Come, baby.”

His mouth must hold a PhD in pleasure, and I find I’m not breathing as the unrelenting sensations billow through me. Shooting stars streak across the blackness, and I finally heave for air.

I feel Adrian move over me. The tie comes off my eyes, and I barely open them to adjust to the light. His right hand wraps around my left, which is still bound by the belt. Fingers lace with mine, and he sinks into me as his dark eyes, strained with lust, keep our gazes chained. He groans and leans his forehead against mine.

“Fuck, you feel mind-blowing.” Pulling back, he slams into me. His repeated drives are hard and fast until he’s coming deep inside me.

“My Victoria,” he says into my ear. His steamy breath and keen words cause my body to shudder beneath him.

“Yours,” I whisper.

Adrian believes giving me his heart also gives me power. The thing is, we traded, and I’m trusting him to cherish mine the way he has thus far.

“You won’t be alone tomorrow,” I say. “When you’re meeting with your mom and sister, I’ll be thinking of you and holding your heart even tighter.” I smile up at him, and he shifts his weight off of me quickly. The belt is undone, and he pulls me into his arms.

Circling mine around him, I match his hug with the same strength. It’s not only love we give each other; it’s the peace of mind of knowing it exists. The search is over.

Adrian

Feeling as if I can barely breathe, I yank on my white shirt collar and pull into my mother’s driveway, parking my rental Mercedes behind Agatha’s BMW.

Mom’s suburban, New Jersey home is shaded by an abundance of trees, and unlike the desert scenery I’m used to, her lawn is lush and green.

I smile faintly when I spot gloves and a watering can on the front porch of the two-story home. Denise loves flowers and insists on doing her own landscaping.

The most she will allow Agatha to arrange is the mulch, which is delivered twice a year, but she insists on a certain brand, believing all others will be tampered with. My smile fades as I dwell on her illness.

Pulling out my cell phone, I type Victoria a message.

Me:
I made it. Getting ready to walk up to the door now. I love you …

Victoria:
I love you, too. I’m shielding your heart. When you’re having a rough time, cover my hand with yours, and you’ll feel it there.

She sends an image of a heart with her thoughtful words, and I wonder how we’ve managed to turn each other into saps.

Me:
God, I miss you already, and I’m coming home as ‘Sir,’ so be ready.

Slipping my phone into my pocket, I step out and inhale the Jersey air. I start toward the door, and Agatha exits.

Her auburn hair, resting at her shoulders, is shining in the noon sunlight. She’s smiling, but her eyes are teary as I reach her at the top porch step. She’s also thinner than I remember.

“You came,” she says, reaching her arms around my neck. I expect to hug her lightly, but once I have her close, I can’t help but hug her harder. “I said I would. How is she today?”

Agatha lets go and examines me. “You look great.”

“I feel great.”

“Mom’s good today, but I wanted to warn you that she’s even more adamant about refusing the treatments.”

“So, what do you want me to do?”

“Try to convince her.”

“I’ll try, but I’m against making her take them, Aggie.”

“You aren’t with her every day, Adrian. I’ve never left. She’s all I’ve known.” Her eyes shift toward the yard and fill with more tears. “She’s also all I have. Jordan and I broke up.”

“After all these years? Sis, I’m sorry.”

Swallowing back her tears, she looks to me.

“I’m not. I’m only sorry it took me this long to realize it was the right decision.”

“OK, maybe we can talk about that later. First, let me tackle the other difficult woman in the vicinity.”

Agatha grins at me. “I’ve missed you and your sarcasm,” she says. I wrap my arm around her shoulder and pull her against me.

“I’ve missed you, too.” Stepping into the house, I approach my mother, who’s standing in the living room.

“Adrian, is that really you?” she asks as she frames my face in her hands.

“The one and only.”

Her auburn hair is up in the back, and like Aggie, she’s visibly thinner, too. Her hazel eyes are sunken in but bright with happiness as they survey mine.

“It is you. I can’t believe it. I’ve been telling Agatha that the chip planted in your brain has kept you from visiting me.” She pats my cheek.

Here we go.

“You know, the ones that cause you to work around the clock like a hamster in a wheel.”

“Mom, I work for myself.”

“Ha! No one works for themselves, dear. The government makes you think that, but you’re working for them since you pay them tax money, and then you have no control over what they do to you when you’re sleeping.”

With a grimace, Mom lets me go and takes a seat in her reclining chair. She mumbles something to herself, so I look to Aggie, who appears unaffected by our mother’s comment.

“Your yard looks good. I see you have it ready for summer.”

She’s smiling again as she looks out the large front window of the living room. “I work on the flower beds daily. I have to, or someone tampers with them.

“I swear they wait for the day I’m not well enough to do it. It’s an ongoing battle. I enjoy it though, and the doctors say the sunlight is good for me.”

“Speaking of doctors, Agatha told me about your cancer. Mom, I’m sorry.”

She waves her hand toward me. “Oh, I don’t even know if I believe it. I think they planted a device in me the first time I went to see them, and they cause these pains I’m having. They’re hoping to make money off of the treatments.”

I swallow and sit quiet for a second as I think of the best way to respond. “The specialists don’t become doctors to hurt people, Mom. Aggie says they’re nice to you and believe the special treatments they’re recommending could help you live longer.”

“All this technology hasn’t always been around. There was a time when if it was your day to go, you died. End of story. Besides, if someone wants you dead, they’ll find a way to make it happen. Your father is a prime example.” She begins rocking her chair and stares at the floor.

I roll my eyes. I also want to argue with her that my father wasn’t a specific target during 9/11, but she’s ill, and it would be futile. Memories of that sick day flood my mind. Mom’s rambling and rocking, and I’m beginning to feel like I’m in a tunnel.

Victoria.

I place my right hand over my heart and hold it there while thinking of her.

“Adrian … Adrian, are you OK?” Agatha asks.

I flip my head up to look at her.

“I met someone.” My eyes widen.

Why the hell did I say that?

Agatha smiles. “You mean Victoria?”

“How do you know about her?”

She shrugs her shoulders. “Theo and Simon have mentioned it.”

“Yeah, I bet they did more than mention it.”

“I think it’s wonderful, but is your chest OK?” she asks.

Noticing I’m still holding my hand over my heart, I yank it down. “I’m fine. I was just thinking about something.”

“Or someone?” Mom asks with a grin.

“I love her.”
Damn
. I look to the ground. “God, why can’t I keep my mouth shut?”

“Because you’re finally in love, silly. Don’t you find yourself wanting to tell the whole world about her?” Aggie asks.

“Victoria’s amazing. She’s smart, funny, determined and hard-working. Most of all, she’s genuine and kind. Oh, and beautiful.” I point to my sister. “No, stunning. She’s definitely stunning.”

Mom and sis laugh while exchanging looks.

“OK, have your fun. I deserve it.”

Aggie sits on the sofa next to me and pats my thigh.

“We think it’s cute, and we’re thrilled, Adrian. It’s time you let someone in again. Theo said she’s a firecracker, and Simon’s exact words were, ‘She’s full of piss like me.’”

All three of us burst into laughter, and I feel the warmth in my face.

“Victoria’s bullheadedness reminds me a lot of Simon and Zev, but lord, it makes her so real.” I lean back against the cushion. “OK, I admit I got it bad, but enough about me.”

I cover Aggie’s hand and squeeze it.

“Can you give me some time alone with Mom please?”

Her smile fades with her nod before she heads to the dining room. I watch her pass through it to the kitchen.

“Mom, sit by me.”

“I don’t know what the fuss is about. We’re all going to die at some point.” She continues to rant as she takes the spot Agatha was just in. I shift to face her and take her hand in mine.

“Mom, you know you think things sometimes that aren’t rational. Believing the doctors want to hurt you is one of those thoughts. It would mean everything to your kids, especially Aggie if you got the treatments. I shouldn’t ask this, but will you do it for her?”

“Dear, your sister is the exact reason I won’t do this. I know my cancer isn’t the only way I’m not well. Agatha has been taking care of me for far too long. I want you all together, and she’ll never go to Vegas as long as I’m alive.”

“Mom, please. You’re her world.”

She shakes her head no. “Adrian, I’m begging you not to make me. It should be my decision. I don’t want the treatments, and when I’m gone, I want your sister to join you and your brothers in that city of sin you all seem to love fornicating in.”

It’s not a time for laughter, but her words have me chuckling. “Does it make you feel better to know I’m only fornicating with one woman now?”

Her free hand covers mine, and she squeezes it.

“Yes, very much so. Now, find your younger brothers some good girls.”

My smile disappears. “You won’t know your future grandchildren.”

“No, and that’s heartbreaking, but even the treatments likely wouldn’t keep me around long enough for that.”

“You really have thought about this.”

“Yes, now, go comfort your sister. If getting this cancer brings the two of you back together, then it is worth every painful minute.” Mom nods toward the kitchen. “Go.”

The moments my mother is lucid make the rest of the times with her that much more painful, but I wouldn’t give them up. I’ve been a dumbass and a terrible son for staying away two years.

Kissing her cheek, I leave her to find Aggie. She’s sitting on the kitchen counter like she used to do when we were young. Smiling bashfully, cookie crumbs drop from her mouth onto her shirt.

“As I suspected, you’re raiding the cookie jar.”

“Some things never change.”

I hop up on the counter next to her.

“You’re upset because you already knew the outcome of today when you came in here.” Holding my hand out to her, I raise my eyebrows, signaling for her to share.

“It got you here.” Giving me a mischievous smile, her hand reaches into the brown jar, which is shaped like an owl, winking one eye. It has been a staple in this kitchen for as long as I can remember.

Once she removes a chocolate chip cookie, I go to take it from her, but she holds it back.

“Say it. If you want the cookie, you have to.”

“First, you’re still as manipulative as I remember, and second, I’m almost thirty-six years old. I’m not saying it.”

“You’re eating a cookie on the counter with me like we did when we were ten, so say it. You know you want to.”

I grin and roll my eyes at her as the comforting feeling of having a twin washes over me.

“Aaagggiiieee, Adrian want coookkkiiieee. Nom, nom, nom,” I say ridiculously like the Cookie Monster on Sesame Street. Laughing loudly, she shoves the cookie into my mouth.

I bite off a piece and pull it out. Her forceful move leaves crumbs all over my face and shirt, so I dust them off. While I soak in the surroundings of my childhood, we sit quietly and eat cookies.

It seems Mom has barely changed a thing. The paint on the white kitchen cupboards is chipping in places, and the massive stainless steel refrigerator from the nineties is still going strong. We were fortunate to grow up in an affluent home, but it has aged.

“Some updates need to be done on this house.”

Aggie shakes her head. “Mom won’t have it. You know that. She barely let’s strangers in to fix things, and I can never lure her out, so I have to make apologies to them after for her harassment. Doing extras around here are out of the question.”

I lean my head on her shoulder. “You’ve been left to deal with a lot.”

“Your job is stressful, and so are our brothers’ jobs. We each have an important role to play in this family. Does Victoria know about your
dealings
at Submission?”

“No, but I’m beginning to think I have to tell her. What we have is too honest to poison it with lies.”

“Damn, that’s deep.”

Lifting up, I look at my sister. “I want more, Aggie. I want her and maybe a family one day.”

Her hazel eyes peer back at me. “Tell her what you’re doing, but most importantly, tell her why you’re doing it. Maybe then she can accept it. I heard she’s a tough detective.”

“Yeah, but she’s a rule breaker, and this is one situation when that might be a good thing. I’m praying she can understand why we bend the moral compass.

“Sis, we can’t make Mom get the treatments. I will pay whatever it costs to bring the best medical care here when things get bad. You know, when she can’t care for herself anymore.”

Agatha’s hands squeeze the counter as she looks to the ceiling. “The doctors are saying maybe six months without chemo. I dread it.”

“We’ll be here for you as much as we can. I’ll fly here as often as possible. I imagine Theo and Simon will, too.”

“How is Zev?”

I shrug. “He’s Zev. You never really know how he’s doing, but like a lot of things, that needs to change, too.”

“Even though I haven’t met this Victoria, I love her already. She brought you back to us.” Aggie looks to the floor below her dangling feet. “I’m not with Jordan, so are you finally going to forgive me?”

I blow out a breath that is carrying away years of anger.