Текст книги "Tainted Black"

Автор книги: Shanora Williams

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 11 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

“Yes,” I breathed.

His finger came out and ran up to my clit. He pressed on it, and I bucked a little. He chuckled. “I’ve been dying to taste this sweet pussy for years, you know that?” His question was rhetorical. With hungry, fierce eyes, Theo watched me as I writhed around two fingers now. His nose ran up my thigh, and when he adjusted himself, his nostrils flared. “I hate stalling.”

And then he devoured, his tongue pressing on my delicate nub. He circled it with no manners at all, fingers driving deeper, curling just enough for me to feel him inside and out.

“Oh my god,” I cried. I could surely feel him. His satin-like tongue ran over my clit, his thick fingers running in and out, producing moisture, tampering with my g-spot. His eyes never left mine, and I feared looking away. I knew he’d stop if I did.

So I watched him—watched as his mouth sealed around my clit and his elbow moved forward and backwards. He tunneled to my core, my mind on the edge of a cliff. I was about to tip over and land in hot lava, and Theo was right behind me, pushing me right over that cliff, sparking every single fiber within me.

I shuddered as I let out a cry, and since I was no longer able to control myself, I squeezed my eyes shut, breathing, “Theo, Theo… oh, God, Theo!” as his mouth lingered.

He groaned in response but refused to pull away even though I’d cum recklessly, my essences all over his mouth and chin. Gradually, his fingers drew out, and after providing another kiss to my sacred area, right between the lips, he pressed his palm to my thigh, running his tongue across his mouth.

He licked away the remainder of my sweet nectar, eyes intense. And then he stood, and before me was the longest, thickest erection I had ever seen in my life. I wasn’t quite sure when he’d gotten rid of his briefs, but it didn’t matter. His cock pointed right at me, as if it had chosen me itself, demanding me to come forth and accept him.

Using his right hand, Theo stroked the hard flesh between his legs, moving closer. “Damn, baby,” he murmured, his left hand going to the back of my head. “You came so hard for me.” He palmed the back of my head, but there was no need. I wanted to taste him. Swallow every last inch of him, along with the hot liquid that would soon follow.

I pressed my palms to his waist, my face moving forward. Dropping my chin, lips parted, I ran my tongue from the head to his shaft, and he stiffened. When I glanced up, his nostrils were red from flaring. His head went into a slight angle, and he brought my head forward again, leaving me no choice but to take his entire cock into my mouth.

“This isn’t just about pleasing me,” Theo told me. “Play with yourself. Show me what you like.”

I paused, drawing back. “I’ve… never actually done that in front of anyone before.”

He leaned down, and with a deep, core-clenching rumble next to my ear, he said, “Let me be your first again.”

I blinked as he stood up straight. This was new, very new, but with him I wanted to be brave. I wanted him to know I wasn’t just some little girl with no skill. I wanted to experience it all with him, learn new things, and figure out exactly what it was that pleased both him and myself.

So, I dropped to my knees, and Theo moved back half an inch, watching as my finger came to my sex. Wrapping my lips around his smooth tip, I thrust my finger in deep and then brought it out again while drawing him further into my mouth. His hardened flesh touched the back of my throat, and I gagged. He palmed the back of my head again, refusing for me to move away.

“You look good gagging around my cock, baby.” He stroked deeper, and I gagged once more before he eased up, smirking down at me. Those brown eyes were hard to ignore. So demanding and full of lust and need.

His hips swiveled. I moaned as salty liquid crept down my throat. I worked hard, fingering myself and bringing my other hand up to stroke and suck at the same time. He was pleased to see this. He released the back of my head, and his fell back, a sigh tunneling out of him as I pumped rapidly, the sucking so loud it created a wet noise.

I listened to waves crash outside the boat, remembering just where we were and that nothing could interrupt us.

It was me and Theo.

Fucking and sucking.

Moaning and groaning.

Getting however much we wanted out of each other without the fear of reality cutting through.

Knowing this, I came around my finger again. I made a noise around his cock, one that hummed and garbled, and he looked down at me. I felt him get harder, and knew right away that he was about to cum, but he yanked out of my mouth, gripped my wrist to bring me to a stand, and then bent me over the sofa. My ass was pointed in the air, face down, and he was behind me, his massive cock sliding in from behind.

My sex showed no resistance to this beautiful man’s member. My girl accepted him, knowing he’d been there before. Knowing his cock was the one that made her become a woman.

Theo sighed and then moaned as he slammed, grasping my thin waist and pounding.

Pounding.

Pounding.

“This. Fucking. Pussy,” he growled. I could hear him reaching his brink. “Is. So. Fucking. Good.” He couldn’t hold off much longer, no matter how much he wanted to keep going in order to please me.

He let out a gratified roar, squeezing my waist tighter as I squealed. His hands went to my thick hair, gripping tight and tugging back. My eyes shot up to the ceiling, and I hadn’t realized before that there was a mirror above us.

My word. I could see everything. His hard body behind me, owning every limb, dominating with every inch stroking in and out. Watching us go at it like this sent heat traveling through me. I felt all of him. I saw how focused he was, his attention fixed on the back of my head. His face, as well as mine, oozed with ultimate, undeniable pleasure. His mouth hung open, and he went deeper each time, as if he couldn’t get deep enough.

In that moment, I could read Theo Black as clear as day. He loved being inside me. He loved fucking me. He loved owning, dominating, and penetrating me ‘til my eyes rolled to the back of my skull.

And that was exactly what happened. Only, he was no longer behind me. He was on top now, thrusting hard, one of my legs in the air and his thumb pressing down on my clit, circling with steady rhythm until I quaked and shuddered. He drove harsher, deeper, and then he slowed down, wanting me to feel everything.

With my back arched, I cried his name again, his power twisting his name from me in an entranced wail. He grunted in response, fell forward, and came with his mouth around my nipple, his thumb still pressed on my swollen nub.

“Damn, baby.” His voice was loud, cock pulsating. I whimpered, but not out of defeat. I whimpered because, shockingly, I wanted more. So much more. We were far from finished.

“The sun is still up,” I told him, teasing.

He looked up, laughing hard, forehead damp with sweat. His hair was glued to his face. The sunlight beaming in struck the glistening sweat on his neck, illuminating the tattoo on his neck—Fearless. It was tatted in Latin. He told me the meaning of it a long time ago, back when I was fifteen. I had no idea how I remembered the meaning.

I traced the pad of my finger across the black script. This piece of inked real estate was his trophy after winning some brawl at a motorcycle club. When he told me about that, I knew instantly that Theo had a wicked and dark side to him.

Sitting up, he raked his fingers through his hair, looking down at me with half a smile. “I know the sun’s still up,” he responded. “But we both needed to get that quick fix in.”

I sat up on my elbows. “I agree.” I tugged on his arm, bringing him back down. His landing was soft as he dropped on top of me. His eyes softened as I cupped his face and then slowly kissed him. My hips worked on their own, thrusting against the warm flesh that dangled between his thighs. I wanted him to feel everything—all of me. The tender neediness in my kiss, the ache centered in my body. I needed filling… lots of filling.

He didn’t stop me. He returned the affection, working up his own thrust. I knew how men worked. It would take a few minutes for him to be fully restored and ready, but I just couldn’t wait. I was an eager, horny, little girl.

“Patience, babe,” Theo murmured between kisses. “The sun may still be up, but we aren’t leaving anytime soon.” His lips met my cheek, hooded eyes hooked on mine.

“Promise?” I whispered, placing another kiss to the corner of his mouth.

He did the same. “I promise.” I drew his bottom lip between my teeth, gently grazing. He laughed behind the tiny bite. “Naughty Little Knight,” he exhaled before consuming me. We kissed passionately, tongues twisted, until his cock became rock-solid again. With our focus on nothing but each other, he slid in, taking me raw beneath the streaming sunlight.

The boat swayed. The waves crashed. The sun was bright, expecting and beckoning for me to make an appearance. Although it would have been great to take the sun up on that tan, no amount of summer bronze could compare to my lifelong crush and my first officially making me his Little Knight.

Absolutely nothing.

 

Fifteen

 

Funny, she thought I was fucking around about making her mine ‘til the sun went down.

I watched as she passed by me, connecting her phone to the stereo system. Her hips swayed as she hummed to a song stuck in her head, and once the music filled the room, her back straightened, and she turned my way.

The only piece of clothing she wore was the white dress that covered that sexy ass bathing suit. The bathing suit had been put aside a long time ago. The sun was now setting, and she started a slow dance to Own It by Drake.

The tune was fitting, slow at first and then it would pick up. Lifting my hand, I gestured for her to come to me with my forefinger. With a coy smile sweeping across her lips, she strode my way, breasts bouncing beneath the see-through dress with each slow yet deliberate step.

Stepping between my legs, she climbed on my lap, adjusting her perfectly round ass on the center. She swung her hair aside and her arms hooked over my shoulders, fingers entwining behind my neck.

“Can I show you something?”

She bit her bottom lip, and my cock twitched. “Show me what?” she murmured.

Without minimal thought, I reached down and pulled her dress over her head. Her arms lifted to make it easier, and once it was gone, I had full sight of her tits. My mouth ached for a taste, but I remained patient, lifting my hips and pulling my briefs off.

Chloe’s hand ran down my chest, her skin soft and smooth as she sat back and wrapped that same hand around my cock. Her eyes then flickered up, watching mine, breath bated. “Show me what?” she breathed again.

I glanced down, pulsing as she stroked me. Her thumb skimmed over my tip, and I groaned quietly, shutting my eyes for a brief moment. I had to collect myself. This girl—she made me so fucking impatient. I wanted to tear her pussy up, make her sore for days.

But I had to remember, she was just a girl that was still learning, and I was a man who knew exactly what he liked. So, I stopped her from stroking and gripped her waist to lift her a few inches. Her mouth fell open as I slowly slid her on top of my cock. She was right on the head, but the fullness had obviously consumed her. Her eyes closed, and her chest heaved with deep breaths.

“Look at me, Chloe.”

Her eyes fluttered open. I brought her down a little more, and a sharp breath passed by my ear as she leaned into me.

“Watch me,” I demanded. “Feel me, baby.” I watched her face drip with pleasure. “You feel me, Chloe?”

“Yes,” she breathed. “I feel you.”

I dropped her down, completing the slide, and she gasped. Sitting her upright on my cock, I studied her, loving the expression she put on when every last inch of me was buried deep inside her. I was balls-deep, the sensation of her warm, wet pussy enveloping me whole. I wanted so badly to cum, but I kept it together.

“Ride me.” She looked down at me, collecting all of her hair on one side of her face. She was unsure, a minor look of fear present. I palmed her ass, comforting her and drawing her in closer. “Here,” I murmured, squeezing her ass-cheeks in my hands, “let me show you what a real man likes.” My hand slid across her smooth skin, stopping at her waist, moving her hips forward and backwards. Her pussy swiveled on my cock, and she panted as she grinded with me.

When she finally got the hang of it, knowing exactly what I liked, she moved my hands away and straddled me, dipping low, her breath snagging as she sank. Damn. I swear it was better than I ever thought possible.

Her slender body moved up and down, bounced, and rotated. I sucked on her nipples to prevent myself from fully focusing on the sensations she brought my cock, groaning around them, and then she lifted my head, her warm breath skimming across my lips. Our mouths barely touched, and something about that made fucking her even sexier.

Sparks flew, beads of sweat collecting and spilling down her chest the faster and longer she went. I cupped her delicate face in my hands, needing a taste of her, wanting to feel her full lips on mine. The quick rush I felt as I kissed her deep, watching her ride me like her life depended on it, made no damn sense. How could she make me feel this way? Like I was a teenager again, fucking my new girlfriend for the first time?

With Chloe, I felt confident. I felt like I could take over the world. There was someone that accepted me other than my deceased wife. Chloe, this amazing girl, had no idea how great she made me feel.

Skin slapped with the sound of crashing waves.

Moans and groans became louder, heat thickening the space around us, crowding the cabin.

Her tight pussy surrounded me whole, squeezing and then releasing with a slight bounce. Oh, shit. If she kept doing that, I was going to cum for damn sure. As if she knew that was the trigger, she rode faster, her palms on my chest, forcing my back against the sofa. Her gaze fixed on only me, her teeth biting in her bottom lip.

“Ohh.” She let out a breathy moan, knocking her head back as she continued.

I cupped her ass. “You look so good, baby,” I told her, pressing my chest to her abdomen. “Look at you. Look at the mirror.” I kissed her chin, meeting her hooded eyes through the reflection on the ceiling. “Look how fucking sexy you look on top of me, baby. Riding me. Fucking me. Taking control.” I brought her face down, gluing her mouth to mine as I caught her cry of pleasure, swirling my tongue around hers, stealing every delighted sound right away.

Her body became rigid, stiffening as she bucked forward. Her pussy still squeezed tight around me—gripping and holding—but when she came… my fucking god, she grew even tighter, and my eyes sealed. I had no clue she could get so tight around me, but the clutch was real. No longer able to hold it all in, I released, coming harder than I did the first four times.

“Fuck, baby.” A deep grunt filled the gap between us. I squeezed her perfect ass in my hand, sucking on the bend of her neck. She allowed me, tilting her head back, pulsing hard and shuddering just enough for me to feel. Once I collected enough breath, I laughed. “Now, that’s how you ride a man, Chloe. Goddamn.” She giggled as I kissed her cheek, then she hooked her arms around my neck. “You looked like you already knew what you were doing up there.”

She shrugged, her forehead dropping on my shoulder. “I may have learned on my own.”

Frowning, I asked, “How?” My face went stiff as I lifted her head.

She laughed. “Theo, really?” she teased. “It’s not what you think. I just so happen to read a lot of books with some amazing sex scenes in them.”

My face softened. I felt foolish. “Oh.” I swiped my forehead as she climbed off my lap and collected her dress. “So books are like porn to you?”

“Yep. Ever heard of E.L. James? Sylvia Day? Maya Banks?” She tugged the cover up down, concealing her terrific body.

“Nah,” I admitted, huffing a laugh.

“Well, a woman can learn so much from reading their books. Look at it this way: you have the Internet, I have the library,” her lips twisted, “… and bookstores. It really does come in handy.” She grinned, revealing beautiful, pearly teeth. “If you ever wanna do something to make me happy, buy me books. I will love you forever.” She flashed her gorgeous smile again.

I chuckled, standing and pulling up my briefs. “Yeah, I bet, Little Knight.”

She stepped back, pointing her thumb towards the fridge. “Want me to get a water?”

I watched as she twirled but kept her eyes on me as she glanced over her shoulder. “Sure. Grab us some drinks. I’ll meet you on the deck. There’s still a little sun out.”

She scoffed. “Not enough for me to tan with, sir.”

I laughed, collecting her towel and then walking up the stairs to get mine off the back of the chair. I spread the towels on the deck, and Chloe came out several seconds later with two, cold, bottled waters in hand. She extended a bottle to me, and I thanked her and sat.

Tugging on her arm, I brought her to my lap, and she yelped, laughing in the process. God, I loved the sound of her laughter, the high and low chimes. The way my chest grew hot when I realized it was pure joy I gave her. I had no idea how I made her so happy. I didn’t know what it was about me that she liked so much.

My lips pressed to the shell of her ear, and I held her close, my arms wrapping around her middle. She smelled good, like creamy coconut. It was refreshing, and it definitely fit her. “What is it about me?” I asked calmly.

“What do you mean?” She sat up.

“I mean, what is it about me that intrigues you?”

She gripped my hand and shrugged her shoulders. “I… don’t know. There are a lot of things about you that I find interesting. Intriguing. But if we’re being honest right now, I have to tell you that I have been interested ever since the day I met you.”

“Really?” I was surprised… and amused.

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.” She let out a small sigh, one that made her seem like a hopeless romantic. “There was just something about the way you rode into Primrose on that bike… and how you sat there so casually, like nothing in the world bothered you. Normally, I can read people like a book, but I couldn’t tell what it was about you. I knew that day that I needed to meet you—the entire Black family. I could read Mrs. Black like a book. She was a busy woman that liked things to go her way and sometimes stressed herself out over the little things.”

Shit. She was spot on. “And Izzy was just like me. Not old enough to fully give a damn about boys. Focused more on her books and movies and new shoes or dresses. But you… I don’t know.” She looked really unsure, like she was picturing the day all over again. “You just sat there with so many unanswered questions surrounding you. And I watched, hoping I would soon get some answers, but I got none. Let’s just say you were really cool, really hot, and that really spiked my interest.” She laughed.

“Hold on—were cool?” I teased.

“Still are, silly man.” I chuckled, and she picked up her bottle of water, taking a quick sip before sighing. “Why can’t every day be like this?”

I pressed my lips, my chin resting on her shoulder. I watched the water move, the waves shimmering from the sunset. The sky was filled with scattered rays, a shade of pink and orange blended with warm yellow. “I don’t know,” I replied.

She twisted a little to look at me. “Do you wish it could always be like this? With me and you, I mean.”

Her eyes were filled with emotion. I swallowed hard, dropping my head. “If you’re asking me if things could be different, then yes.” I squeezed her, placing a soft kiss to her temple. “I do wish there were ways we could make this work.” Her eyelids sealed blissfully, pleased with my response.

Reality.

It always caught up to us somehow. Though she was satisfied with my answer, I knew it was dumb to say. Even if we wanted more, we couldn’t have it. There were some things I couldn’t claim, and me claiming Chloe as my own was one of them.

But I didn’t tell her that.  I didn’t tell her because, even while I held her close and we watched the ocean and the seagulls pass by with distant caws, I knew I couldn’t ruin this moment right now.

This peace.

This bliss.

This beautiful girl between my legs, allowing me to kiss her. Allowing someone as myself to hold and protect her. She trusted me. She cared about me. I couldn’t break or demolish that.

But plenty of other things definitely could.

My phone vibrated on the table. I glanced back, brows drawing together. Placing a quick kiss on Chloe’s cheek before releasing her, I stood and walked to the table to pick up my cellphone. The name on the screen shattered all bliss. All peace.

Izzy.

Chloe walked towards me. “What is it?”

I swallowed hard, and when I turned to look at her, she immediately spotted the guilt in my eyes. Her entire demeanor changed. She no longer smiled. She couldn’t even look at me.

Instead, she turned around, gripping the silver railing and looking towards the sunset. I looked from her backside to my phone. I’d missed the call, but I knew I had to get home and call my daughter.

Guilt-ridden, I walked towards her and wrapped my arms around her from behind. She sighed, and when I turned her around to face me, her eyes were damp. “No, Chloe,” I whispered, pleading. “Please, baby. Don’t cry.”

“I—” Her mouth clamped shut in an instant. My heart ached, watching her struggle with words.

“Look at me.” I picked her face up in my hands, and when our eyes met, her tears fell, skidding down her cheeks. With the pad of my thumb, I swiped them away. “It’s okay. It’s just a phone call. We can still spend time together, but we have to get back. I don’t have good service out here, and I should call her back before she gets worried.”

Damn. When I actually listened to myself, it seemed like I was having an affair, not that I was speaking of my daughter.

She nodded, swiping her face. “I understand… this is just crazy, ya know?”

A soft laugh blew out. “Trust me. I know.”

“Well—” She stood up straight, removing her face from my hands. With a kind smile, she said, “We should get out of here then. I should probably go shower too.” Her nose scrunched, a soft smile on her twisted lips. There she was, the Little Knight that understood me. The one that knew this whole ordeal was what it was and there would be no changing it.

So, after helping her collect her things, I went to the wheel and sailed back to the docks. I drove Ol’ Charlie back to Primrose, but Chloe was quiet during the ride. When we were in my garage, I kicked the kickstand and helped her off. She forced a smile, placing the strap of her tote bag on her shoulder.

I sat on the seat, unsure of where to begin.

Luckily, I didn’t have to. She started for me, face gentle. “I had fun today, Theo.”

“Yeah,” I sighed. “Me too. We should do it again.” She thought on it, trying to figure out when exactly that would happen. I saw her conflict, how her eyes gave the internal debate away. “Anyway I’ll text you.” I hopped off my bike, stepping in front of her.

She nodded. “Okay.”

We stared at each other for a moment through the darkness. Nothing but the streetlights gave leeway for our vision. I could read her like a book. She was clearly upset, but was trying hard to hold onto contentment.

Stepping forward, I cupped one of her cheeks, and my mouth came above hers, but I didn’t kiss her. I lingered, and her hand came to my waist, body closer. We were like magnets, unwilling to break apart unless the cause was distance. “This doesn’t change anything,” I said. “You’re still my Knight.”

Her cheeks tugged up, eyes falling. “Go call Izzy,” she teased, but the remorse was clear in her voice.

I brought my head down, and our lips molded. She released a sigh, her arms draping over my shoulders, fingers curling in my hair. I stumbled forward until her back hit the wall, but I didn’t dare stop kissing her.

She needed to know that we were okay. That nothing would change and we could still let this summer be.

She was still my girl.

My Little Knight.

My baby.

My air.

My beautiful savior. I say “savior” because if it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would have wanted to keep living after Janet passed.

If it wasn’t for her coming to check on me and helping me during the darkest, most desperate times, I wouldn’t have been there. I would have been gone a long time ago, drowning in sorrow or most likely dead.

My hands held her face, my groan deep. I didn’t want to stop kissing her—I could have all fucking night—but when my phone buzzed in my back pocket, I pulled back, cursing beneath my breath.

Her eyes sparkled as she ran her tongue over her swollen mouth. Pulling away, she tucked her hair behind her ears and then stepped aside. “You should get that.”

I debated on going for another kiss and calling Izzy when I was done, or getting it now and watching her leave me with sullenness she didn’t need.

But I knew if I kissed her again, there would be no stopping. It would have gone further, and I would have taken her inside, going for another round. It would happen because I could never get enough of this amazing woman.

“Shit,” I hissed, yanking out my cellphone. I answered, but my eyes never left Chloe’s. I held up a finger, begging her not to leave just yet.

“Dad!” Izzy shouted.

“Yes, Isabelle. What is it?”

“Where the hell have you been?! I’ve been calling you for an hour straight!”

I glanced at Chloe who stood in the corner, her head down. I’m sure she was listening. “I was working, Izzy. What is it?”

“I got into an accident.” It was then that I realized her voice was thick. She was crying.

I frowned, turning away from Chloe. “What?! What the hell happened? Are you okay?”

“Yeah I’m fine. I don’t know. Some stupid SUV ran into the back of my car, and I lost control and ended up going over the curb. It’s fucking raining here, and I couldn’t see shit. God, my car is so fucked up! I need you to come here—call the insurance company or something!”

“Alright, alright. Calm down. Breathe.” I inhaled and then exhaled deeply, turning in Chloe’s direction again. She was no longer looking down. She was a step closer, concern written all over her face. “Let me call the insurance company, and I’ll call you right back.”

“Okay. Hurry, Dad.” She hung up, and I dropped the phone, clutching it in hand.

“What happened?” Chloe asked.

“Izzy… she got into a car accident. She says she’s fine, but the car is apparently fucked up.”

Relief flooded her hazel eyes. “Was it her fault?” Her eyes were wider as she probed for more.

“No. She said an SUV ran into her.” I hesitated. “She’ll probably need me to go to Nois.” Nois was where Izzy went to school.

“Oh. Okay.” She held up her hands. “Okay,” she breathed. “You should go handle everything. Just call me when you have it all situated. And if you have to go, well, just go. I understand.”

I stepped forward with a nod. “Okay. But I promise to call you.” I stroked her cheek. “Will you wait for me?”

Her smile was full, but I could still spot her guilt. Her silence was deafening, her mouth opening and then clamping shut as if he couldn’t find the right words to say. “I feel like this is all my fault,” she finally murmured.

I frowned. “No. If anything, it’s mine. I’m the one that didn’t have my phone around.”

“Yeah, but I was totally distracting you.” Her smile faltered.

I shook my head then kissed her cheek. “Don’t blame yourself. Like you told me once before, it’s life. Things happen that are out of our control.”

Her eyes shot up. “Wow. I can’t believe you remember that.”

I flashed a smile. “I remember everything when it comes to you, Chloe.”

After placing one last kiss on her lips for reassurance, I let her go, watching her cross the street and walk through her front door. On her way across, she looked back once, a faint trace of a smile present. I returned the same expression, waving once.

When she made it safely inside her home, I blew out a heavy breath, picking up my phone and calling the insurance company. My status with Chloe was puzzling, but when it came to my daughter, I had to see she was safe.

I felt terrible as hell for not answering sooner. I could have lost her too. Fortunately, a higher power had their eyes on her.

Not sure what the fuck I would have done if I’d lost my Izzy Bear too.

I wouldn’t blame Chloe for a damn thing, but I would blame myself over and over again, going through the same struggle as once before, and that would jeopardize everything she and I ever stood for.

 

Sixteen

His garage gate was closed when I awoke, no cars or bikes in the driveway. He’d gone to Nois for Izzy. He called me right before leaving that morning.

"I'll be back as soon as everything is handled."

"Okay," I murmured, but I felt somewhat disappointed—not with him, but with myself. He was going to see Izzy. I could have tagged along, but I didn't quite trust myself with Theo around. I would have been self-conscious of every little thing, like if she noticed me staring or if she saw how he looked at me, or maybe even caught him standing too close. I missed the hell out of her, but I was going to have to wait to see her... alone. No hot daddy around to distract me.

Anything could have gone wrong, so I kept my distance. "Tell her that I'm glad she's okay. I mean I called her last night to check in, and she said she was fine and all, but I'm sure she'd love to hear it in person."

"I will." Theo was quiet for a moment. At first I thought he was thinking negatively– reconsidering all we'd done only hours ago on his boat. But that thought quickly vanished as he sighed. "When I get back, it's you and me. I'm packing everything up. Think you can drop by and help?"

I laughed, crossing my legs on top of my comforter. "Duh. You know I will. Just make sure you keep the chair aside. I'm really taking it."

"Of course." I heard the smile in his voice. "Gonna miss you, Chloe." His voice was gentle, maybe the softest I'd ever heard it.