Page 27

27

A rctic

I open my eyes. Sun streams through the window, making me wince. Why didn’t I close the blinds last night?

I pull in a deep breath and get a noseful of Paisley.

She sighs and snuggles up even closer. Paisley is wrapped around me, and I’m just as wrapped around her. We’re in my bed.

What time is it?

I don’t want to look. I don’t want to care about anything but this. I feel…good. Maybe good is being too optimistic, but I certainly feel much better than I have in a very long while.

Paisley mutters in her sleep. And because I can’t put it off any longer, I carefully look across at the old clock on the far side table.

“Shit,” I whisper.

Paisley lifts her head. “What? What is it?” She sits up, still fully clothed, blinking her eyes against the harsh light of the day.

“It’s um…it’s late. Don’t you have somewhere you need to be?” I sound like an asshole. I’m not used to being nice. It’s been a while…too long. I push some hair off her face, tucking it behind her ear. “Don’t get me wrong. I like that you’re here. I don’t want you to get into trouble, that’s all. It’s already half past nine.”

She doesn’t flinch. “Oops! I had planned on leaving last night, but I must have passed out at some point.” Her cheeks turn rosy. “And…no, I don’t need to be anywhere. I called in sick. I messaged Dr. du Pont last night after you fell asleep to let him know I wouldn’t be in. I messaged Steel, too. Sally knows that you’re taking a rest day.”

I start to sit up. “No, that’s not possible. I need to—”

“Mistveil isn’t going to fall apart if you stay home for a day, Arctic. You’re important, but you’re not that important.”

I laugh. “When you put it like that.” I lean in and kiss her mouth, brushing my lips over hers. “Thank you for coming, and thank you for staying. You’re right; I needed someone…I needed you.” The admission just slips out.

“You should let people in more, especially when you’re in such a dark place. If not me, then Steel. We’re your friends. I mean, I’m not a close friend like he is, but—”

“Actually, I’d say you’re the closer friend. I wouldn’t bring my dick anywhere near Steel.”

She laughs. “You know what I mean.”

“I know. I’m sorry I broke down like that. Sorry that you had to see me so—”

She puts a finger over my mouth, shutting me up. “You never have to apologize for feeling. For venting. For letting all of the hurt out. I’m glad I was here. I’m glad you trusted me enough to be at your most vulnerable. It means a lot to me.”

I take her hand and kiss the palm. “It means a lot to me that you were here. That you forced Steel into bringing you. That you wouldn’t back down. If not for you, I don’t think I would have allowed myself to feel the pain…the hurt. I would have buried all of those emotions under hate and anger like I always have. I appreciate you, Paisley. You mean a lot to me.”

I probably shouldn’t be saying all this. I can’t help it because it’s true.

Paisley pulls off her top and unclasps her bra.

I frown. “What are you doing?” I widen my eyes. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m liking it.” She’s beautiful. Her nipples tighten as my gaze dips to her chest before returning to her face.

“Just getting us back on track.” She undoes her jeans, pulling them off together with her underwear. “I’m enjoying having sex with you, Arctic, but if we get emotionally attached in any way, it’s going to have to end. I arrived here last night as your friend. I knew you needed someone. And I mean it; I’m so glad it was me, but I need to leave as your fuck buddy and as your employee. We kind of crossed the line. I crossed the line, but I think we can get back on track.” She lifts her brows.

“Yeah, of course. I agree completely.” I point at my cock jutting from my body. It’s how I woke up. “I’m ready,” I tell her unnecessarily.

“You’re always ready, Arctic.” She grins at me.

I lift her legs up, putting them both over one shoulder. Her slit is a beautiful pink. So sexy.

I lick my fingers and then thrum her clit with my thumb. Not too hard. Not too fast. Just right.

It doesn’t take long before Paisley is dripping wet and making the most amazing noises. She cries out when I slide a finger inside her. So fucking tight. I put my thumb back on her clit and press while I finger her carefully.

My cock is throbbing. My balls are tight.

“Fuck me already,” she groans.

I keep rubbing ever so softly on her clit, while I thrust into her with punchy little movements that have her crying out.

“Yes. That’s it,” she moans.

I start fucking her. Her tits bounce with every thrust. Deep and fast from the start. I hold her legs closed and up in the air so that she’ll feel me acutely. It sure is tight inside her sheath, and it feels so fucking good.

So amazing.

There’s something there, though. Another feeling inside my chest that I can’t quite put my finger on. I ignore it.

I’m working both her channel and her clit. She’s panting and mewling. By now, I’m grunting with every thrust.

My balls are in my throat. I rub on her clit. Paisley gives a startled cry as her channel starts to flutter around me. Then her back bows and she grabs at the sheets. Above my shoulders, her toes curl, and her pussy clenches tight around me.

Paisley screams my name as I start to come.

I’m normally better at holding on. I roar as pleasure rips through me. I crouch over my middle and jerk into her tight heat. I grunt like a beast.

I take, and so does she. This is fucking at its finest. It’s exactly how we wanted it to be between us.

Disappointment.

Yep, that’s it, alright. I realize with a start that I’m feeling disappointed, and it’s so fucking stupid. I need to stop and right now. Especially since Paisley is right. I need to pick a Tribute. The Council won’t accept anything less. I don’t think they’ll accept Paisley. Steel was right. In fact, I know they won’t.

I shouldn’t even be thinking along these lines.

I pull out, but only long enough to flip her onto her stomach.

“One more time, and then I’ll make you breakfast,” I tell her.

“One more time, and then I need to go.” She looks at me from over her shoulder, a sexy smile playing on her full lips.

“You said you took the day off.”

“I did, but I slept well. Better than I thought I would. I’m fine. I should go in.” She cocks her head and narrows her eyes at me. “Unless you don’t want to be alone.”

“I’m fine.” I grin. “All good.”

“Then I’ll go and help Dr. du Pont. It’s the right thing to do.” She looks at me pointedly, like maybe she isn’t talking about work anymore.

The feeling is back, but I ignore it. Instead, I thrust into her, my mind going blank with pleasure as I begin to move.