Page 11
Kasen
The door crashed open, banging against the wall. Tempest burst in, cradling me against his chest. His heartbeat thundered beneath my ear, matching the frantic rhythm of my own. He’d seemed calm enough on the plane, but now that we were alone, it felt like he’d gone into overprotective mode.
“Hold on, sweetheart,” he said, voice low and fierce.
I clung to him, inhaling the scent of leather and sweat. My body ached, but his arms were an anchor in the chaos.
Tempest strode to the couch, his movements fluid despite carrying my weight. He lowered me gently onto the cushions, his touch careful as if I might shatter.
“Are you hurt?” His eyes, usually hard as steel, lit with concern as they raked over me.
I shook my head. My throat felt raw from screaming. “You already asked.”
“Yeah, but that was before we got on the plane. That was a while ago. So now I’m asking again.”
Tempest’s hands ghosted over my arms, my legs, checking for injuries. His fingers trembled slightly, betraying the intensity of his emotions.
“Talk to me,” he demanded, cupping my face. “Where does it hurt? There’s no way you…”
I leaned into his touch, craving the warmth. “I’m okay,” I managed to whisper. “Just… shaken. All those lessons from my dad, and I couldn’t defend myself when it counted.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “I should’ve gotten to you sooner. If they laid a finger on you, I swear --”
“You came,” I interrupted, surprising myself with the strength in my voice. “That’s what matters.”
Tempest’s gaze softened for a fraction of a second before the anger returned, simmering beneath the surface. He stood abruptly, pacing like a caged animal. “When we get home, we’re going to start training. I need to know if something happens again, you won’t freeze up.”
I watched him, marveling at how he could make even agitation look graceful. My heart raced, and not just from the aftermath of the rescue. Being this close to Tempest, alone, sent electricity coursing through my veins.
He turned back to me. “You’re safe now. I won’t let anyone hurt you again.”
The intensity of his words stole my breath. I’d dreamed of Tempest noticing me for years, but I never imagined it would be like this -- raw, primal, protective. “I know,” I whispered, meaning it with every fiber of my being.
Our gazes locked, and the world seemed to slow. The weight of what we’d just been through hung between us, heavy and charged. My chest tightened as I saw the storm of emotions in Tempest’s gaze -- relief, anger, and something deeper I couldn’t quite name.
“Kasen,” he growled, his voice low and rough. “I need to check you over properly.”
I nodded, unable to find my voice. Tempest moved with swift efficiency, retrieving a first-aid kit from a nearby cabinet. His movements were precise, practiced -- a stark contrast to the barely contained fury I could see in the set of his shoulders.
He knelt beside me, so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body. “This might sting,” he warned, his fingers gentle as he examined a scrape on my arm I hadn’t even noticed.
I hissed as he cleaned the wound, more from surprise than pain. Tempest’s touch was surprisingly tender, at odds with his intimidating presence.
“Sorry,” he muttered, his focus unwavering.
“It’s fine,” I managed, watching his face. The way he focused as he worked, as if I were the most important thing in his world, sent a shiver down my spine. “Tempest, I --”
“Don’t,” he cut me off, his voice tight. “Just… let me take care of you right now.”
I fell silent, mesmerized by the careful movements of his hands and the way his brow furrowed in concentration. This was a side of Tempest I’d never seen before, and it made my heart race in an entirely new way.
As he worked, Tempest’s voice dropped even lower, a rumble that seemed to vibrate through me. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.” His words washed over me, soothing the jagged edges of my fear. I didn’t know why he kept repeating himself, unless he needed to say the words as much as I apparently needed to hear them.
I took a shaky breath, feeling the tension slowly bleed out of my muscles. “I know,” I whispered, surprised by how much I meant it. With Tempest here, I did feel safe. Protected. While part of me had wondered if he’d ever find me, if I’d ever see him or my family again, I knew that he would have torn the world apart to search for me. It was just the Dixie Reapers’ way.
His eyes flicked up to mine for a moment, dark and intense. “No one’s gonna hurt you again. I swear it.”
The conviction in his voice made my chest tighten. Without thinking, I reached out, my fingers brushing against the corded muscle of his forearm. “You already said that. I’m really okay now, Tempest. I’m back with you, and those men can’t hurt me. You don’t have to keep reassuring me everything is okay.”
Tempest went still at my touch. The air between us suddenly felt charged, electric. His gaze locked onto mine, and I saw something flare in those depths -- something that made my heart stutter and my breath catch.
For a long moment, neither of us moved. I could hear the pounding of my own pulse in my ears, feel the warmth of his skin beneath my fingertips. The world beyond this moment ceased to exist.
His eyes never left mine as he spoke, his voice low and rough. “I can’t do this anymore.”
My heart plummeted. “Do what?” I whispered, fear creeping back in.
He shook his head, frustration etched in every line of his face. “Pretend. Act like I don’t --” He broke off, his hands fisting. When he continued, his words came out in a rush. “I can’t live without you. I won’t. I’m done waiting, done holding back. I’m claiming you. Here and now. Fuck asking the club for their vote! When we get home, I’m telling them how it is, and to hell with whether or not they like it. I know your dad is going to be pissed as hell, and that’s fine. We’ll work it out.”
“I’d thought we would take things a little slower, but…” I stared at him, trying to process everything he’d said, and what I felt.
After years of longing, of thinking he barely noticed me… knowing I’d be his forever, filled me with a warmth I’d never experienced before.
“I’ve tried to make it as plain as possible. I clearly keep fucking that up.” Tempest’s voice was urgent, demanding. “You’re mine. I’ll keep you safe, protect you with everything I’ve got. But I need you to understand what that means.”
My heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst from my chest. I searched his face, seeing the raw emotion there, the vulnerability beneath his fierce exterior. This was Tempest laid bare, offering himself to me completely.
“I understand,” I whispered, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. “I’ve always been yours. I just didn’t think you wanted me. Then when you showed interest, I was too afraid of complicating things.”
“ Want you? Christ, Kasen, I’ve wanted you for so long it’s been tearing me apart. I wanted you even when I damn well shouldn’t have. Do you have any idea how much guilt I had over that? You were still a kid, only sixteen when I first took notice, but you didn’t fucking look like one.”
The air between us shifted, charged with electricity. Tempest leaned closer, his eyes boring into mine. I could see the struggle within him, the way he fought to maintain control even as his desire threatened to overwhelm us both.
“I need to know. Is this what you want? Because once I start, I won’t be able to stop. You ran before. If you run again, that’s it. I’ll let you go, and this time, I won’t chase after you.”
My breath caught in my throat. Years of longing, of stolen glances and secret dreams, had led to this moment. I searched his face, looking for any hint of doubt or hesitation. There was none. Only raw need and a fierce protectiveness that made my heart race.
“I --” My voice failed me. Words weren’t enough.
Tempest’s hand came up, fingers gentle as they traced my cheek. The tenderness of the gesture contrasted sharply with the intensity in his eyes. “Tell me. I need to hear it. Need the words.”
I swallowed hard, gathering my courage. This was Tempest -- the man I’d loved for so long. The one who’d just saved my life, who’d always been there, a steady presence even when I thought he didn’t see me.
My chin lifted. I met his gaze squarely and gave a small, deliberate nod.
“Say it,” he growled.
“Yes,” I whispered. “God, yes, Tempest. I want this. I want you.”
The world narrowed to a pinpoint as Tempest closed the distance between us. His lips brushed mine, featherlight at first, then with growing urgency. The kiss was a contradiction -- tender yet passionate, controlled yet wild. My hands fisted in his shirt, pulling him closer as the last barriers between us crumbled.
Tempest growled low in his throat, the sound vibrating through me. His fingers tangled in my hair, angling my head to deepen the kiss. I gasped, and he took advantage, his tongue sweeping into my mouth. The taste of him -- danger and something uniquely Tempest -- made my head spin.
“Kasen,” he murmured against my lips. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this.”
I couldn’t speak, could barely breathe. The world outside ceased to exist. There was only Tempest, his solid warmth surrounding me, his scent filling my senses.
The kiss intensified, months -- years -- of pent-up desire finally finding release. Tempest’s hands roamed my body, leaving trails of fire in their wake. I arched into him, desperate for more.
“Easy, sweetheart,” he said, his voice rough. “We’ve got all the time in the world now.”
I pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. The raw emotion I saw there stole my breath. “Promise?” I whispered.
“I swear it. You’re mine now, and I protect what’s mine.”
His words sent a shiver down my spine. This was more than just a kiss -- it was a vow, a declaration of intent.
I nodded, unable to find my voice. Tempest’s lips curved before he claimed my mouth once more, sealing our newfound bond with a kiss that left no doubt about our future.
As we parted, Tempest rested his forehead against mine. His breath came in ragged pants, matching my own. I could feel the tension in his body, coiled tight like a spring. His eyes, usually hard as flint, had softened to molten silver.
“Christ. You’ve no idea what you do to me.”
I swallowed hard, my fingers tracing the lines of his face. “I think I’m starting to get it.”
Tempest’s arm snaked around my waist, pulling me flush against him. The solid warmth of his body grounded me, chasing away the last vestiges of fear from our ordeal.
We sat in silence, the weight of everything that had transpired settling over us. The beach house, once just a refuge, now felt charged with possibility. Each creak, each whisper of the ocean outside, seemed to echo with the promise of our future.
Tempest’s fingers threaded through my hair. “This isn’t going to be easy, but you know that. The club, your family --”
“I don’t care,” I interrupted, pulling back to meet his gaze. “I’ve waited too long for this -- for you. Whatever comes, we’ll face it together.”
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “That’s my girl.”
I felt a thrill at his words, a warmth blooming in my chest. The uncertainty of our future stretched before us, but for the first time, I welcomed it. Tempest’s presence was a bulwark against my fears.
“What happens now?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
That familiar intensity flickered in his eyes. “Now? We make this work. Whatever it takes. If you were anyone else, it wouldn’t be an issue. Your dad isn’t going to take this well. Some will take his side. Others will just want you to be happy.”
His hand found mine, calloused fingers interlacing with my own. The gesture was tender, at odds with his fierce reputation.
“The club will deal,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. “You’re mine now. That’s all that matters.”
I nodded, a mix of excitement and apprehension coursing through me. “And my family? Dad could have died in that accident, and now we’re dropping this huge bomb on him. Like you said, he won’t take it well. I’m worried how he’ll react, and what will happen after. And mostly, about his health. What if this causes a setback in his healing process?”
Tempest exhaled slowly, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. “I can’t make him accept our relationship. I can only hope he’ll come around.”
“If we have Mom’s support, she’ll help.”
“Either way,” Tempest growled, pulling me closer, “I’m not letting you go. Not now. Not ever.”
The possessiveness in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. I leaned into him, savoring the solid warmth of his body against mine. Outside, the waves crashed against the shore, a steady rhythm that seemed to echo the beating of our hearts.
“Tempest,” I murmured, clinging to him tightly. His body felt hard and warm against mine, sending desire coursing through me. The sound of the ocean couldn’t compete with the thundering of my heartbeat as I leaned into his strong embrace.
Despite everything I’d just been through, he was right about one thing. We were done waiting. If he was claiming me, then I wanted all of him. I wanted no doubts I was his when we returned home.
“Fuck, you have no idea how much I want you.” Tempest groaned, pressing his lips to my neck.
I could feel the pounding of his heart against me and it mirrored mine. My breathing became ragged as he trailed kisses across my shoulder.
He breathed in deeply. “I just… can’t get enough of you.” His hand slipped under my shirt to trace circles on my bare skin, sending tingles throughout my body. It was the first time a man had done such a thing to me, and my pulse pounded, my cheeks flushed, and I felt a rush of liquid heat between my thighs.
I arched into him, unable to control the hunger that consumed me at that moment. My palms rested on his chest, feeling every beat of his heart beneath them. “I’m yours. And I want there to be no doubts whatsoever.”
Our eyes locked as he lowered his mouth to mine in a searing kiss that left me reeling. His hands held onto me possessively and I willingly melted into him -- lost in every deep groan and rough caress from this man who felt so familiar yet unknown at the same time. The taste of him filled my senses. An undeniable pull drew us closer together even as our hearts raced wildly out of control.
“Bedroom,” he murmured then stood, lifting me into his arms. I let him carry me to the room he’d used, and he eased me onto the bed. I lifted a hand to stop him.
“Wait. I need a shower.”
He grunted and went into the bathroom. I heard the water running a moment later. Getting off the bed, I went into the bathroom and stripped off my clothes. Tempest watched me with a hungry gaze filled with heat. I stepped under the spray and took a breath to steel my nerves. Then I beckoned for him to join me.
It took him no time to remove his boots and clothes, and he stepped into the small shower, pressing me against the tiled wall. His mouth claimed mine even as he soaped his hands and gently rubbed them over me. My nipples hardened as his palms slid over them. I couldn’t hold back my moan.
“So beautiful,” he said, staring down at me.
“I feel so hot… and achy.”
His gaze intensified. “Is this your first time?”
I bit my lip and nodded slowly. “Did you really think there was a way for me to date anyone seriously, much less sleep with them? You know my dad watches me like a hawk. Apparently, you do too.”
He grinned. “Damn right I do.”
His touch gentled, and soon, he had me begging for more. The need inside me built until I thought I would lose my mind.
“I don’t want slow.” I cupped his cheek. “I won’t break. Just… give me all of you, Tempest.”
“Patrick.” He smiled faintly. “My name is Patrick Brewer. You don’t have to call me Tempest when it’s just us.”
“Can I call you Rick?” I asked, wanting to use a nickname. Something only I would ever call him.
“You can call me whatever you want.” His hands gripped my hips and lifted me. I curled my legs around his waist, and whimpered as he reached between us, teasing my clit. His thighs braced my ass, and the wall behind me held me upright. As I arched into his touch, I could feel something building. Pleasure hit me like a tidal wave and I cried out, my body trembling.
“That’s it. Come for me,” he murmured.
“Rick, please. I need you! Don’t make me wait.”
“Fuck…” he grunted, his grip on my hips tightening as he eased his cock into me. I could feel his heat penetrating deep inside, a pinch of pain and discomfort that only lasted a few moments.
I moaned softly against his skin, feeling the roughness of his beard scrape against my cheek. It wasn’t enough -- not nearly enough for what I craved right now. With a sudden surge of desperation, I wrapped my legs tighter around him and arched my back. “More. I can take it!”
He paused, eyes raking over my body before he bit down harshly on his lower lip and growled low in his throat. Then, with surprising gentleness, he withdrew his hips and pressed into me again. His strokes were slow, and deep. Heat radiated from his large frame, one hand groping possessively at my hip while the other fisted my hair.
“You’re still so fucking tight.” He closed his eyes briefly before focusing on me again.
I shivered at the sound of his voice. “Please… I need… need…” I wasn’t sure what the hell I needed, but I had no doubt he could give it to me.
Without further hesitation, Tempest began thrusting into me with rough determination, no longer holding back. His strength was overwhelming yet oddly comforting as he pounded into me. It felt like coming home after a long absence. Each groan that escaped him sent shivers down my spine while also fueling the fire within me even further. We moved together like this for what felt like hours -- lost in each other’s passion and desire.
The bit of pain only seemed to make me want more from him. He reached down to tease my clit again, and I came within seconds, screaming out his name. He barely held on for another minute or two before I felt the heat of his release inside me.
Briefly, I realized we hadn’t used protection, but we could talk about it later. Right now, I just wanted to bask in the moment, and bathe in the afterglow of finally becoming his.